Cleaning up after a construction project is a job that cannot be taken lightly. Removing construction debris is vital to ensure the safety of civilians and workers in and around the site. Moreover, proper cleanup is needed to finally deem the project as complete.
If you want to do the cleanup yourself instead of subcontracting, here are the essential items you need:
1. PPE
Just as you would look for a reputable manufacturer of custom signs for your safety signage, find a reliable PPE supplier who can meet your equipment needs. Here is the PPE that is typically required for post-construction cleanup:
- Hard hats
- Safety glasses
- Work gloves
- Respirators
- Protective clothing
- Workboots
PPE is necessary to protect the cleanup crew against injuries caused by construction hazards such as sharp debris, falling objects, broken glass, and abrasive materials.
2. Collection tools
Collection tools are the equipment needed to gather debris for easier disposal and eliminate the need to pick up items by hand. This category of tools includes:
- Brooms
- Floor scrapers
- Pick-up tools
- Dustpans
- Vacuum cleaner
- Shovels
- Rakes (if applicable)
3. Washing tools
From the name itself, these tools are used to wash surfaces and remove dust, dirt, and small debris in a safe and efficient manner.
- Buckets
- Scrub brushes
- Sponges
- Glass cleaner
- Mops
- Industrial-grade hoses
- Cleaning liquids
- Microfiber cloths
- Pressure washer
- Stain remover
4. Disposal tools
After cleaning and washing the construction site, disposal tools are needed to contain and transport waste material to the proper place. Here are the essential disposal tools needed in a post-construction cleanup:
- Heavy-duty garbage bags
- Wheelbarrows
- Garbage bins
- Bulker bags
- Dumpsters
- Tarps
- Recycling bins
An alternative to buying a dumpster is renting one. You get both the dumpster and the service of having them picked up from the site if needed.
5. Other tools
The tools listed in this category are used to make the cleanup process easier for workers. Examples of such tools are:
- Floodlights (for cleaning in dim areas)
- Step ladders
- Ladder bumpers
- Extension ladders
- Floor machines
- Scissor lift (for multi-story structures)
- Steam cleaner
Post-construction cleanup
If you have little idea of how a post-construction cleanup goes, here is a short rundown of tasks involved:
- Separating recyclables. Post-construction cleanup usually starts with the removal of certain materials from the site, such as wood, metal, drywall, and concrete. Check with your local regulations to see how and if these materials should be recycled.
- Removing general debris. For materials that cannot be recycled, they go to the dumpster for disposal. However, make sure large debris is separated and picked up by a special removal service.
- Cleaning. This is where sweeping, mopping, and washing comes in. In this step, every surface of the building is cleaned from top to bottom.
- Final touches. After everything is clean, workers can now do the finishing touches, such as removing stickers and protective wrapping, polishing surfaces, and cleaning mirrors.
Post-construction cleanup is easier if you have the right tools for it. That said, if you want to do the cleanup in the house yourself and save money, include these tools in your shopping list.
