Marble and granite fabrication shops are places where cleanliness is always a challenge, but it is possible to keep these locations in excellent condition, more importantly, less prone to accidents or employee health issues. Our employees, customers and visitors will be the direct beneficiaries if we create a cleanliness culture in our workplace.

When you think of the negative mental impact that comes from walking through a muddy or dusty workplace, that depressive condition could influence the decision-making of your customers.

Customers who are spending thousands of dollars on stonework for their design may well want to see the shop in which it will be fabricated, and we need to look at the fabrication shop as an extension of the showroom. Is everything clean and organized? Are loose scraps discarded in the shop and in the yard? What about our offices? Are we giving to our customers a good message? Remember that a customer's first impression is a lasting impression.

Dust control

Much publicity has been given to the dangers connected to the dust that is produced during stone processing. If a shop is unable to work 100% wet, then the dust needs to be controlled to not only ensure the health of your employees, but also your machinery. Simply using fans is not enough; controlling this dust requires one or more pieces of the following machinery - water curtains, filters, dust collectors, ventilation, vacuums and specialized, directed blowing systems. Many of these systems have been developed specifically for the stone industry.

Waste and garbage

When dealing with scraps of marble, granite and other materials, waste should be sent to a designated Dumpster or other receptacle, and under no circumstances should it be mixed with normal garbage. Recycling is a compromise that all shops need to make, and we need to set an example for our employees and customers.

Hazardous garbage is not only limited to the fabrication shop, as it also includes toner and printer cartridges, batteries, oil/lubricants, computers, screens, printers and propane tanks. When disposing these items, you have two options: call a specialized company to pick up hazardous material or drop it off at the nearest municipal recycling center.

Being eco-friendly is no longer a novelty for a stone fabrication shop; for many customers, it is expected. A fabrication shop should maintain a list of all the measures it takes to minimize its impact on the environment, and it could even be included in your customer literature. You might be surprised how effective it could be.

Water recycling

Many shops have also become more conscientious in terms of their water recycling as a means to be eco-friendly, while also keeping a clean workplace and reducing water bills. There are a range of systems out there for shops of all sizes, from three-man shops to large-scale production shops. However, it is critical that shop employees do not dump consumable liquids - coffee, soda, juice, etc. - into the water recycling system.

Depending on the pH of the water, it may be necessary on occasion to add either a bleach tablet to the clear water tank or to completely shock the system - a gallon in the collection pit in the floor, a gallon in the trenches and a gallon in the clear water tank. This may be necessary a couple times per quarter. Many factors are involved that may precipitate the need to add bleach. Stagnant water can be one, along with heat and humidity in the shop and other trace liquids accidentally introduced to the system.

Regular pH tests are recommended for any closed loop system for the benefit of the water quality, workers’ skin and machinery components.

If you see an influx of mosquitoes in your workplace, it may be a sign that there is a problem with your water treatment system, and this will only increase in warm weather.

Clean workstations

Far too many shop floors are littered with items such as discarded paper, masking tape, steel wool, razor blades, cups and other garbage. In order to eliminate littering among shop employees, assign a specific work area to each employee. Place a garbage can at each workstation, and make sure each employee knows that it is their responsibility to empty it on a regular basis. Having demarked work areas helps establish individual responsibilities.

A bench fabricator uses blade discs, grinding wheels or diamond cups with pneumatic/electric tools, and this work requires adequate space, cleanliness and proper lighting. Make sure that your fabricators have all of this in place on a consistent basis.

Moreover, it is the responsibility of the manager/owner to regularly evaluate the overall process. Once a plan for workplace cleanliness is in place, the manager/owner needs to regularly meet with all employees and listen to ideas. If your workers feel they are part of a team where their voices are heard, overall wellness and productivity will be increased.