Industrial Machine Cleaner

🎯 Role Definition

The Industrial Machine Cleaner is a cornerstone of the manufacturing and production environment, dedicated to ensuring that all machinery and equipment operate in a state of optimal cleanliness and safety. This role is pivotal in upholding product quality, preventing contamination, and minimizing equipment downtime. Professionals in this position execute detailed sanitation protocols, handle industrial-grade cleaning agents, and work in close collaboration with maintenance and production teams. Their diligence directly contributes to operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and a safe working environment for all personnel.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

General Laborer
Custodian / Janitor
Production Line Worker

Advancement To:

Sanitation Lead / Team Supervisor
Maintenance Technician
Quality Assurance (QA) Technician

Lateral Moves:

Facilities Maintenance Worker
Warehouse Associate (with a focus on organization and safety)

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Perform comprehensive and detailed sanitation of all industrial production machinery and related equipment, strictly following company Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Systematically disassemble complex machinery components for deep cleaning and sanitization, and meticulously reassemble them to operational-ready status.
Operate specialized industrial cleaning equipment, including high-pressure water systems, steam cleaners, and automated floor scrubbers, with a strong focus on safety and effectiveness.
Accurately measure, mix, and handle a wide range of industrial-grade cleaning chemicals and sanitizing agents, adhering to all Safety Data Sheet (SDS) guidelines.
Conduct thorough pre-operational inspections of equipment after cleaning to verify sanitation effectiveness and ensure correct reassembly before production resumes.
Execute Lock-Out/Tag-Out (LOTO) procedures without fail before commencing any cleaning or maintenance-related activities on machinery to ensure personal and team safety.
Meticulously document all cleaning activities, sanitation cycles, and chemical usage in daily operational logs, noting any irregularities or maintenance needs.
Maintain the cleanliness of the overall production environment, including floors, walls, and drainage systems, to prevent environmental contamination and uphold facility standards.
Proactively identify and report any observed equipment wear, potential mechanical failures, or safety hazards discovered during the cleaning process to the shift supervisor or maintenance department.
Manage inventory levels of cleaning supplies, chemicals, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), submitting timely requisitions to prevent stock shortages.
Adhere to all relevant regulatory and quality standards, such as Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) principles.
Systematically remove and properly dispose of production waste, scrap materials, and other debris from work areas in accordance with environmental and company policies.
Execute scheduled, intensive deep-cleaning tasks on entire production lines or in specific zones as part of a periodic sanitation plan.
Verify the effectiveness of sanitation procedures through visual inspection and, where applicable, by using tools such as ATP (adenosine triphosphate) swabs.
Maintain the organization and cleanliness of chemical storage rooms, sanitation stations, and equipment closets to ensure a safe and efficient workflow.

Secondary Functions

Maintain detailed and accurate cleaning logs, reporting any deviations or necessary maintenance actions to line management.
Actively participate in continuous improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing sanitation efficiency and workplace safety.
Collaborate with Quality Assurance and Production teams to ensure sanitation standards consistently meet or exceed regulatory requirements.
Participate in regular team safety meetings and training sessions to stay current on best practices and company policies.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Chemical Handling: Proficient in safely handling, mixing, and applying industrial cleaning chemicals and sanitizers according to SDS protocols.
LOTO Procedures: Demonstrable knowledge and practical application of Lock-Out/Tag-Out procedures for equipment safety.
Equipment Operation: Skilled in operating industrial cleaning equipment such as pressure washers, foamers, and floor scrubbers.
Mechanical Aptitude: Ability to carefully disassemble and reassemble mechanical components of production machinery for cleaning purposes.
Regulatory Knowledge: Understanding of relevant industry standards, particularly GMP and HACCP, especially in food, beverage, or pharmaceutical settings.
Documentation: Ability to maintain clear, accurate, and consistent records of cleaning activities and chemical usage.

Soft Skills

Attention to Detail: Meticulous and thorough in all cleaning and inspection tasks to ensure no detail is overlooked.
Physical Stamina: Capable of performing physically demanding work, including standing for long periods, lifting, bending, and working in various environmental conditions.
Time Management: Excellent ability to manage time effectively, prioritize tasks, and work independently to meet tight, production-driven deadlines.
Problem-Solving: Proactive in identifying potential issues with equipment or processes and suggesting practical solutions.
Teamwork & Communication: Strong interpersonal skills to effectively coordinate cleaning schedules and communicate issues with production and maintenance teams.
Safety Consciousness: A steadfast commitment to following all safety rules and promoting a culture of safety.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent is required.

Preferred Education:

Vocational certificate or training in industrial maintenance or a related technical field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Industrial Maintenance Technology
Workplace Safety & Health

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

1-3 years of experience in a sanitation, custodial, or cleaning role within a manufacturing, production, or industrial environment.

Preferred:

Prior experience working as a machine cleaner or sanitation technician in a food processing, beverage, or pharmaceutical facility governed by GMP and/or FDA regulations. Experience with LOTO procedures is highly desirable.