xt73n58cjw1x https://exploreuk.uky.edu/dips/xt73n58cjw1x/data/mets.xml Kentucky. Department of Education. Kentucky Kentucky. Department of Education. 1952-08 bulletins  English Frankford, Ky. : Dept. of Education  This digital resource may be freely searched and displayed in accordance with U. S. copyright laws. Educational Bulletin (Frankfort, Ky.) Education -- Kentucky Educational Bulletin (Frankfort, Ky.), "Custodian - Janitorial Training Conferences June-July 1951", vol. XX, no. 6, August 1952 text 
volumes: illustrations 23-28 cm. call numbers 17-ED83 2 and L152 .B35. Educational Bulletin (Frankfort, Ky.), "Custodian - Janitorial Training Conferences June-July 1951", vol. XX, no. 6, August 1952 1952 1952-08 2022 true xt73n58cjw1x section xt73n58cjw1x     
   
  
  
    
    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

Commonwealth of Kentucky

1.

1 EDUCATIONAL BULLETIN
,1

1

1' CUSTODIAN — JANITORIAL

1 TRAINING CONFERENCES

E J u ne-J u ly

J' 195]

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1;

1

F Published by

I) DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

I Superiz‘tgllfillzalfif l[EubBlIiJ(:TII;1Esiii-uction

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'3 ISSUED MONTHLY

a Entered as second-class matter March 21, 1933, at the post office at
{1 Frankfort, Kentucky, under the Act of August 24, 1912.
“-1 VOL. xx AUGUST, I952 No. 6

   

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

FOREWORD

Adequate school plant care is vital to the health and welfare of the
pupils who must use the plant. Dirty, unattractive school buildings have
a depressing effect upon the attitude and morale of the pupils of the
school. Proper school plant care can do much to relieve this condition.

One effect of the improvement of rural roads has been the demand
for more adequate school service than it was possible to provide pre-
viously. A school plant adequate for housing a modern educational
program requires electrical, pumping and cleaning machinery in a much
greater degree than has been required heretofore. Such facilities demand
more skill on the part of the custodial staff.

Improvement in this service will not come through chance but
requires careful training for those who must care for the building. Since
expensive buildings, machinery and equipment must be installed for
use in present school plants, it is necessary to have individuals who
know how to run the machinery and service the type of school plants
required if they are to be operated in such manner as will preserve
the health and welfare of the children and guard against loss and
damage to the equipment and buildings due to a lack of skill on the
part of the custodial staff.

In an attempt to improve the present custodial services in such
manner as to meet the needs, as stated herein, the first conference of
janitors was called at the Madisonville Area Vocational School for the
week of July 24—28, 1950, and as a result of this conference, other Jani—
torial Training Conferences were held at twelve Area Vocational Schools
during the summer of 1951.

A short summary of these conferences is being sent to you with the
hope that it will be of service to you and your custodial staff and an

incentive to send your janitors to the conferences to be held this summer.

WENDELL P. BUTLER

Superintendent of Public Instruction

295

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

  
  
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 

 

 

INTRODUCTION

School janitors and custodians occupy a very important place in
the present day school organization. They are not only caretakers, but
must have some ability of a professional engineer. Really, they are the
men behind the scenes, who play an important part in the success of the
operation of the school. Any one of these individuals who does his work
well contributes much to the comfort of the pupils and teachers, as well
as to the efficiency of the operation of the school. On the other hand,
if a janitor does not do his work properly, he creates conditions under
which it is practically impossible for the students and faculty to do their
best work. The most efficient janitorial service is that which causes
the school work to move smoothly without the occupants of the school
realizing who is responsible for their physical comfort. Because of its
importance, the custodial staff of any school organization should be
given more consideration in plans for operation of a school than is
sometimes accorded.

For many years the school janitor has been thought of as a person
who fires the furnace, cleans the floor and does odd jobs around the
building as he is requested. An engineer responsible for approving the
installation of the heating, plumbing and electrical equipment of a very
nice school building in a rural territory advised that it is practically
useless to install modern machinery and equipment in school buildings
unless the janitors and custodians who are to use them have a better
understanding of the operation of such equipment than is possessed by
many who are now put in charge of the costly equipment in a modern
school building.

An architect reports that much damage had been done to the heating
and plumbing equipment of a certain new building where he had super-
vised the installation of such equipment because a janitor was put in
charge of the building who lacked sufficient knowledge of the proper
care and operation of the equipment.

As a result of these reports to the State Department of Education,
it was decided to do something to improve the janitorial service of the
State. As a start a janitorial training conference was conducted for one
week at the Madisonville Training School Center. This conference was
called by the Superintendent of Public Instruction. A man well trained
in conducting conferences and who understands the superintendents‘
problems was put in charge of this conference to suggest ways and
means of arriving at solutions to the problems of janitors. The confer-
ence was conducted in such a manner that the individuals attending
participated in making plans and developing procedures, by demon—
strating operations, for janitorial and custodial services. At the close
of this conference, those who attended requested that it become an
annual affair in order that they might become better prepared to render
the service needed in a modern school plant.

296

 

 

 

 
 
   

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Each day during the conference some member of the staff of the
local trade school made a record of the decisions, procedures and
desirable activities for janitors.

The discussions of the individuals participating were around the
idea of spotting and analyzing problems and working out solutions to
them based on the experience of those present. The work was conducted
with the idea of:

1. Developing a sense of pride in janitorial service as well as
initiative for the individual janitors.

2. Improving skills in housekeeping and school maintenance, sani-
tation and safety practices.

3. Assisting janitors in organizing and scheduling their work in an
efficient manner.

4. Developing personal qualifications of a good janitor.

5. Discussing the relationship of janitor with pupils, teachers, and
the public.

During the week there was discussed in detail the daily considera—
tions which the janitor should give to the following: fire prevention;
safety practices; sanitation; sweeping, dusting and cleaning methods;
care of toilets, heating and ventilating facilities; maintenance of building
and equipment and care of school grounds.

The agreements reached on each of these items were summarized,
mimeographed and sent to the individuals attending the conference.

This first conference was so successful that the following year, 1950-
51, a conference was conducted at each of the twelve trade school centers
located at: Ashland, Harlan, Hazard, Lexington, Louisville, Madisonville,
Paintsville, Covington, Owensboro, Paducah, Somerset and Bowling
Green. Two hundred and twenty—five janitors and custodians attended

these conferences.

This bulletin contains a few of the fundamental principles agreed
upon by the twelve trade school centers during the week’s conferences.

Plans are now under way for conferences at each of the twelve area
trade schools for the summer of 1952. When these conferences have
closed, a summary of the best thinking will be compiled and written so
that it will become a manual for school custodians and janitors.

297

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Janitorial

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 The following pages include a summary of the Janitorial Training
Conferences sponsored by the State Department of Education and held at

   
  

 

the Area Vocational Schools:
Number of
Janitors
Schools Dates—1951 Attending
Ashland Voc. School July 16-20 20
Harlan Co. Voc. School June 25-29 12
(Harlan)
‘ Hazard Voc. School July 16-20 ~ 14
l. Lafayette Voc. School June 18—22 20
(Lexington)
g Oakdale Voc. School June 25-29 39
_. 4m”) (Louisville)
: Madisonville Trade School July 9—13 18
; Mayo State Voc. School July 16-20 24
2 - (Paintsville)
0
E Northern Ky. State Voc. School July 16-20 20
K gg (Covington)
£7 Owensboro Tech. High School July 16-20 20
C .
E: Tilghman Trade School July 16-20 9
'3: (Paducah)
in
“5. Somerset Voc. School July 16-20 17
.5 Western Trade School June 18-22 12
.2 (Bowling Green)
S —
.5 Total janitors attending 225
O
E The conference method of teaching is not a lecture method. It is
H the very opposite. It is an activity plan of teaching to be used with
adults who have had actual experience with the problems on the agenda
of the conference.

 

In brief, a conference involves the following:
1. Spotting the problem.
, 2. Analyzing the problem.

3. Working out a solution to the problem. Discussion by the
members of the group is a must.

A chalkboard is in continuous use and supplementary information is
brought to the group by various devices.

 

299

 

 

 

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

A conference report is merely a recording of the highlights of the
series of meetings. The many discussions and side remarks, so necessary
in the open—discussion plan, are not included.- Therefore, this report is
only an attempt to reduce to print the things that happened in an activity
program. It does not tell the complete story.

The Janitorial Training Conferences held during the summer of 1951
were all well attended. There were 225 janitors in the twelve classes.

The following is a list of objectives of the Janitorial Training Con—
ferences:
Develop sense of pride in janitorial service.
Develop initiative in janitors.
Improve skills in housekeeping.
Improve skills in maintenance.
Improve sanitation and safety practices.

Help janitors to organize and schedule their work.

959%.“!0!‘

In order to obtain these objectives, a conference leader used certain
techniques to get the members of the class to discuss topics and decide on
solutions which included the best thinking of the members. The follow—

ing topics were used for discussion:
1. Personal qualifications of a good janitor.

2. Relationship of janitor with pupils, teachers, principal and
public.

Responsibilities of janitor.

Fire prevention.

Work schedule.

Janitor’s tools and care of tools.
Safety practices.

Sanitation.

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Sweeping methods—-
—-class room floor
——corridor
—stairway
——gymnasium

10. Dusting methods.

11. Cleaning methods—
—light fixtures
—blackboards
-—windows
——-hardware
—walls and ceilings

300

   
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
   

 

 ghts of the 12. Mopping and scrubbing floors.

:0 necessary 13. Oiling and waxing floors.

llS report is 14. Care of toilet rooms.

Lan activity . 15. Maintenance of buildings and equipment and care of school
grounds.

16. Heating and ventilating problems.
mer of 1951

alve classes. Each janitor is provided with a complete report of the conference he

‘ attended for future reference.
aining Con— ‘ Harold G. Wilson, Director
\ Trade and Industrial Education
I
1

The following highlights are taken from conclusions reached at the
various Janitorial Training Conferences held last summer:

Personal qualifications of a good janitor

1. Develop a good personality.

a. Be pleasant and friendly to other people.

b. Be sympathetic and understanding.

c. Develop ability to meet people.
Jsed certain i Be as clean and neat as possible at all times.
1d decide on i Must be a sober person of good moral character and use good
The follow- judgment in all matters.
Must have a cooperative and helpful attitude toward others.
Must be able to get along with teachers and pupils.
Should be a good citizen and take part in community affairs.
Must be energetic and a good worker.

9°20

 

>199"?

*incipal and
Relation of janitor with pupils, teachers, principal and public
1. Understand and follow lines of authority.
2. Talk over problems with principal and teachers.
3. Be friendly with children, but maintain their respect and
proper consideration for the janitor and his responsibilities.
4. Be prompt, business-like and courteous to the general public
on matters concerning the school and your work.
5. Cooperate with all those you must contact and encourage
cooperation.

 

Responsibilities of janitor
1. The main responsibility, broadly stated, is to assist in providing
comfortable and safe surroundings for the school children.
3. Keep school buildings and grounds as clean as possible at
all times.
. Keep buildings properly heated and ventilated.
Use supplies and equipment economically and wisely.
. See that all buildings are properly locked when not in use.
. See that all lights are turned off when not needed.
Keep utility costs at a minimum.
. Maintain sanitary conditions around drinking fountains.
and in rest rooms.

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\ 301

 

 

 

 

 

 

  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
   

 

 

 

hi Repair, remove and/or report all conditions that are safety
hazards on the school property.
i. Be constantly on the alert for fire hazards around the school
plant and see that hazards are removed when found to exist. ,
j. Have a thorough knowledge of the complete school schedule.

Fire prevention
Fire prevention requires eternal vigilance on the part of the jani—
tor. This is true not only because of the many chances for fire
around a large building but because of the terrible consequences
that often follow a school building fire. By preventing fires from
starting the janitor is guarding the lives of innocent children. He
has no greater responsibility.

Many fires are caused by spontaneous combustion. This seldom
happens where good housekeeping is practiced. Never leave
rubbish piled in out-of—the way corners or put oily rags in closed
containers, Trash of all kinds should be burned promptly when it is
collected.

It is most important that the janitor be familiar with the types of i
fire extinguishers used and see that they are in proper working ,
order at all times.

Work schedule

A systematic procedure enables the janitor to do a better job, easier
and in the shortest time possible. It would be impossible to set up
a uniform schedule or job timetable for all janitors. Each janitor
should thoughtfully work out his own daily, weekly, monthly and
periodic job work schedule in relation to his time on the job. This
could be reviewed and approved by the business manager, super-
visor, or principal of the school.

Janitors’ tools and care of tools
In order to do his job efficiently and economically, the janitor must
have an adequate number of the proper tools for doing his job.
It is his responsibility to advise and help make the selection of
these tools and take proper care of them after they are acquired

 

‘ Safety practices
It is extremely important that the janitor keep safety in mind at
all times and practice safety in every respect. A few of the major
safety practices are listed as follows:
Inspect and recharge fire extinguishers.
Maintain fire alarm systems. i
Store inflammable materials in safe place. ,
Adjust, oil and maintain crash hardware on all exit doors.
Dispose of oily rags. -
Maintain proper light and ventilation.
Do not use wax or cleaners which cause floor to become

slippery.

F‘P’SNPF‘JN!“

302

 are safety . Keep dust to a minimum in class rooms and hallways.
9. Keep garbage disposal units covered.
the school 10 K t '1 ‘ ~ c - ~
. . eep 01 ets and wash rooms dismrected and drinking foun—
nd ‘50 9X15t' tains in sanitary condition.
)1 schedule
Sweeping methods
3f the jani— The type of flooring, finish, composition, etc., are the main factors
:es for fire that determine the sweeping methods. The modern school building
insequences usually has concrete or fireproof composition flooring that requires
‘4 fires from special care.
iildren. He 1. Classroom——The best methods of sweeping a classroom were
discussed and demonstrated satisfactorily.
‘his seldom 2. Corridors—The type of floor and finish determines the method
ever leave to be used. A sanitary dust inhibitor met the approval of all
gs in closed jamtors.
y when it is 3. Stairways—Use partly worn out straw broom. Sweep stair—
way and then hallway.
:he types of 4. Gymnasium—Use sanitary dust inhibitor or sweeping com-

»er working

pound suitable for particular type of finish on gym floor. Cau-

 

tion: Do not use any material that may be slippery at any

time.
r job, easier Dusting methods
)le to set up
Each janitor
nonthly and
716 job. This
ager, super-

For dusting, the following five points were generally accepted and
agreed upon:

1. Apply Misto or other chemically treated dust inhibitor to
cloth; keep cloth folded overnight.

Use special treated sweeping compounds and waxes.
Use spray and sanitary dust inhibitor.
Use sawdust and water on certain types of floors.

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janitor must
ling his job.
selection of
.re acquired.

Use a permanent treated type of dust mop or cloth.
Cleaning methods

1. Light Fixtures—Types of lighting fixtures found in the schools
of today are so varied that the janitor should always follow
the method of cleaning recommended by the manufacturer.

 

r in mind at
of the major 2. Blackboardy—Use large cloth or towel and clear water. Wet
towel, fold and wring to damp dry. Hold end of cloth in each
hand. Begin at upper right hand side of board and wipe in a
.' continuous motion toward the left. Drop hands to unwashed
part of board and repeat operation from left to right side. This
method requires only two quick motions. Fold cloth and wipe

chalk trough with one continuous motion from end to end.
3. Windows—Water and soap are good; some people prefer a
small amount of ammonia added.
1 To wash small panes in a large frame:

.1 exit doors.

r to become

3-03

 

 

 

 

 

 

    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
   
  

Use clean cloth saturated with warm soapy water. Begin at
top row of panes and go over each one working toward the
bottom. Dry with non—fraying cloth or paper. A small squeegee

may be used instead of cloth.

l > . To wash large windows or single pane: 1
‘ Use same method as for small panes. A squeegee is recom-
mended for fast efficient service. Wipe bottom of windows
with a dry cloth to absorb excess water.

4. Hardware—Most of the hardware throughout the school build-
ings will be made of brass. A good brand of brass cleaner and
polish is sufficient to give it a new appearance.

5. Walls and Ceilings—Sweep walls down with a 16” soft hair
brush with a 6” handle. Use detergent or mild soap to wash
painted walls (lead base paint).

Walls that have been painted with lead or zinc base paint re-
quire diiferent cleaning procedures to those having other types

of paint.

Mopping and scrubbing floors
The substances used in school buildings today are so varied that l
a standard procedure can no longer be given for scrubbing and
mopping. Hardwoods should not have an excess of water used on
them because it will cause bucking and cracking.
When mopping or scrubbing wood floors, apply warm soapy water,
‘ ‘ 1 rinse sparingly and mop dry immediately.
I Q Terraza, linoleum, tile and composition floors lend themselves
readily to damp mopping. Use damp mop, soapy water, rinse with
clear water and mop dry.

Oiling and waxing floors
The dangers of using oil on floors and storage of oil and oily mops

was stressed by representatives of the State Fire Marshal’s Office.
. ‘ ' The janitor should take every precautionary measure to see that
31 .j 1 oily mops are stored properly outside the buildings.

There are many commercial brands of floor waxes on the market

for every type of floor.
Electrical floor waxers are recommended because they are more

efficient and economical from a time saving viewpoint.

 

Care of toilet rooms
To insure sanitation it was agreed that toilet seats should be

scrubbed with a soft cloth at least two or three times a week.
Toilet floors should be scrubbed with a brush daily, using a clean-
ing mixture and mopping dry after rinsing.

Urinals should be cleaned daily. The use of deodorants alone does
not suffice for scrubbing.

Adequate ventilation for toilet rooms must be provided for at all
times.

 

304

 

 

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toward the
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Maintenance of. buildings and equipment and care of school grounds

1.

Gutters and Downspouts—These should be cleaned out at least
twice a year, spring and late fall. All downspouts should be
equipped with a wire strainer to prevent leaves and debris
from clogging the drain.

Fire Escapes—Fire escapes should be inspected regularly and
kept in first class condition. Doors and windows leading to fire
escapes should be unlocked during school hours. These exits
should be free of obstacles and doors and windows both easily
opened.

Painting—The woodwork of a brick building should be kept
well painted as this will preserve the wood. A frame building
should be painted when needed.

Windows—Windows should be kept clean outside and all
broken panes replaced. They should be cleaned at least three

'times during the school session on the outside and once a month

inside. Sash putty should be applied when needed.

For cleaning glass—Three—fourths of a cup of household
ammonia to a pail of water is recommended for this. Use a
sponge to apply and a chamois to polish. Also recommended
is—one third pint of wood alcohol to a gallon of warm water.
Window cords should be replaced when broken.

Doors—Door hinges and door checks should be oiled occa—
sionally. Door checks are manufactured with a set screw. This
set screw regulates the speed of the door. They are generally
equipped with a cup washer which holds the fluid. This cup
should be kept full. If anything else gets wrong with the door
check it would be advisable to send it back to the manufacturer
for repairs.

Outside Cleaning—Steps and vestibules should be kept clean
and free of ice and snow during the winter. The janitor should
erase writing done by pupils on buildings, fences, walks and
outside buildings or sheds. They should keep leaves and trash
from accumulating around or under frame buildings, as this is
a fire hazard. An incinerator or wire container should be had
for burning trash.

The School Grounds—School grounds should be gone over daily
and rubbish and decaying refuse should be removed. School
children have a mania for breaking bottles and broken glass is
dangerous. In winter when walks become slippery, sand or
sawdust can be used. Ashes are not recommended since it is
tracked indoors and ruins floors. Floor mats should be placed
at outside doors.

305

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

10.

ll.

  

Care of the Shrubs—Most schools have hardy shrubs of an
evergreen type. When necessary to spray these for insects a
solution of Nicotine or Black Leaf Forty can be used, according
to directions on packages. This is also good for spraying rose
bushes, hydrangeas and many other like plants.

Lawns—The school lawn should be cut when needed instead
of at a set time. It should be done in the early morning or late
evening. Lawns should be watered thoroughly but not too
frequently. When bare or thin spots appear in the lawn they
should be reseeded. Fertilizer should be applied, either com-
mercial or old stable manure, according to the need of the soil.

Playgrounds—Ashes and garbage or refuse of any kind should
not be dumped onto or burned on playgrounds. The soil should
be kept rolled smooth and level. A playground that has a
surface of sand and gravel is better than one that has ordinary
surface soil, since there is less mud to be tracked into the
building by the children. A careful inspection should‘ be made
once a week and holes filled up. This is a step for safety, as a
broken leg or sprained ankle can result from a child stepping
into a hole.

Playground Equipment—The playground equipment should
have a careful inspection weekly, thereby insuring another step
for safety. It should be examined closely for loose or protrud-
ing nails, bolts, or rivets, split boards, worn or frayed cables,
or chain links and loose seats. Such repairs should be made by
the janitor as far as possible. Otherwise it should be reported
to the principal so the children can be notified not to play on
the apparatus until it is made safe.

 
   
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   

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