Definition of Janitorial Services
Janitorial services are performed by men and women who are known as janitors. Janitors are people who clean buildings such as schools, offices, hospitals and hotels. In addition to their cleaning responsibilities, some janitors provide maintenance services. Some employers require their janitors to complete special training classes.
Other People Are Reading
-
Duties
-
Janitorial services typically involve various duties such as cleaning floors, bathrooms, and windows, vacuuming, shampooing rugs, washing walls and dusting furniture. Some janitors perform small maintenance tasks such as fixing leaks, painting, replenishing bathroom supplies, exterminating insects and mowing the grass.
Work Enviroment
-
Most janitorial services take place during evening hours, when many buildings are closed for business. Exceptions include schools, hospitals and locations that require round-the-clock janitorial attention. Full-time janitors typically work at least 40 hours a week, while part-timers may work only a few hours during evenings and on weekends. Janitorial services may be performed in indoor or outdoor environments.
-
Educational Background
-
Most janitorial and cleaning jobs require no special education. Janitors must be able to perform basic tasks and understand specific instructions. A janitor's duties may expand over time to include additional tasks such as maintenance or repairs. Janitors who are required to take on these extra duties may find courses such as shop classes helpful.
Training
-
Some government agencies, unions and employers offer programs that teach janitorial service skills. Students enrolled in these programs learn safety guidelines, information about cleaning products, and procedures for cleaning certain appliances and operating cleaning machinery such as buffers and polishers.
Employment Statistics
-
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2006 janitors and cleaners held approximately 2.4 million jobs, which accounted for over 55 percent of all building cleaning jobs. Over 30 percent of janitors work for firms contracted by other businesses to provide building maintenance services. Roughly 20 percent of janitors work for educational institutions. Other businesses using janitorial services include hospitals, restaurants, hotels, manufacturing firms, government agencies, offices, banks, religious institutions and apartment buildings.
-
Resources
- Photo Credit www.jupiterimages.com
