Industrial Housekeeping Policy in Garment Factories

🧹 Introduction

The term Housekeeping means keeping a place neat, clean, well-organized, and properly maintained. While it is relatively easy to maintain cleanliness in homes with few residents, in a garment factory, where thousands of workers operate and move around daily, it becomes a major challenge.

Therefore, every factory must follow a structured housekeeping policy to maintain cleanliness, safety, and productivity. A clean, well-organized workplace not only enhances efficiency but also ensures the health and safety of all employees.

 

🎯 Objective

The main objective of an industrial housekeeping policy is to define clear and practical rules for maintaining cleanliness and organization across the factory — so that repeated instructions are not required.

 

🏭 Scope

A tidy and well-organized factory is essential for smooth production. Without proper housekeeping:

• Space utilization becomes difficult.
• The working environment becomes congested.
• Productivity decreases.
• The risk of accidents increases.

Hence, every section of the factory must maintain cleanliness and orderliness according to the policy.

Key areas that require special attention include:

• Main gate area
• Factory yard
• Store/warehouse
• Machine area
• Finishing section
• Fabric and garment storage area
• Staircases
• Offices and meeting rooms
• Child care center
• Medical room
• Toilets and dining rooms

 

🚪 Gate Area

All factory gates must remain open during working hours. There should be no obstruction inside or outside the gates. No vehicles may park or idle near the gate, and crowding should be avoided. The gate area must allow free and smooth movement at all times.

 

🌳 Factory Yard

• Must be kept clean and free from debris.
• Flower pots should be arranged neatly to enhance appearance.
• Vehicles must be parked only in designated parking areas, facing outward for easy evacuation during emergencies.
• Vehicle keys must be kept in the administration key box, not with the drivers.
• Loading/unloading zones must remain clean, with no waste materials or ropes left behind.

 

📦 Store Area

The store is one of the most important sections in a factory. Materials must be stored in an orderly and space-efficient manner.

• Fabric rolls should be stacked on pallets/dunnage.
• No fabric should be left scattered.
• Materials must be organized by buyer, style, order, and color.
• Rejected fabrics should be stored separately.
• Stacks should not exceed 6–8 feet in height unless proper racking systems are used.
• Aisles must be kept clear (minimum 3 feet wide).
• Each stack must have a bin card with details (buyer, style, color, lot, etc.).
• Accessories should be stored neatly on designated racks.
• Fire exits, extinguishers, hoses, and escape paths must never be blocked.
• Unused cartons or packing materials should be removed promptly.
• The store must be cleaned regularly to prevent dust or cobwebs.

 

🧵 Sewing Section

• Sewing machines must be arranged according to the operation layout and style requirements.
• Maintain proper spacing between machines for operator comfort.
• No machine should be placed in front of fire extinguishers, alarm boxes, or emergency exits.
• Scissors and cutters must be secured with strings to prevent accidents.
• Aisles and walkways should remain clear at all times.

 

👕 Finishing Section

• Keep the section clean and organized.
• Finished goods should be packed and stacked neatly in designated areas.
• Avoid keeping unnecessary cartons inside the section.
• Loose pins or clips should never be left on tables or floors.
• After work, iron plugs must be disconnected to prevent fire hazards.
• Garments should be poly-bagged and packed into cartons immediately to avoid dust contamination.

 

⚙️ Hazardous Machines

Machines like boilers, compressors, and generators must be kept inside safety fencing with warning labels such as “Danger” clearly marked.

 

🔥 Flammable Materials

Flammable items such as solvents (acetone, thinner), hydrogen peroxide, lubricant oils, diesel, and petrol must be stored in a safe and ventilated area. Gas cylinders (used and unused) should be stored separately with no heavy materials placed nearby.

 

👚 Garment Storage Area

• Garment bodies should be stacked neatly on pallets with proper spacing for movement.
• Workers must have clean hands and wear a head covering when handling garments to avoid stains.
• Use trolleys for transporting cartons and fabric rolls instead of carrying them by hand.

 

🪜 Staircases

• Staircases must be kept completely clear — no materials should be stored there.
• Regular cleaning is essential to prevent oil, dust, or dirt buildup.
• Separate staircases should be used for male and female workers.
• Proper waste bins must be placed near stairways, and spitting or littering is strictly prohibited.

 

🧒 Child Care Center

• Must be kept clean and safe for children.
• Furniture and toys should be non-hazardous.
• Only mothers of the children are allowed to enter.
• Proper feeding arrangements and trained caregivers must be available.
• A factory doctor should inspect the center regularly for hygiene and safety.

 

🚻 Toilets and Washrooms

• Toilets must be kept clean at all times.
• Floors and commodes should be scrubbed regularly.
• Soap, towels, water, and lighting must be available at all times.
• Cleaners must be monitored to ensure consistent hygiene.

 

💊 First Aid

Each first aid box should be properly equipped and regularly checked by the factory doctor or responsible officer. During working hours, the box must remain unlocked for emergency use.

 

🧼 General Cleanliness Guidelines

• Keep all floors, offices, staircases, toilets, and dining halls clean and organized.
• Avoid throwing yarns, garment pieces, or damaged goods on the floor.
• Keep all fire exits and electrical panels unobstructed.
• Ensure adequate light and ventilation in all sections.
• Workers must spit or discard waste only in designated places.
• Firefighting staff, first aid teams, and cleaners must wear proper uniforms during duty.

 

🏁 Conclusion

Cleanliness is not just a rule — it is a habit that everyone must develop. A single person or team cannot maintain a clean and safe factory alone. It requires the cooperation of all employees.

Supervisors and section heads should regularly include housekeeping topics in worker training sessions to encourage good habits. A clean environment leads to a safe, efficient, and productive workplace — and reflects the image of a responsible organization.