Standard Procedure

The other day as a couple co-workers and I were heading for coffee, we met our boss as he was walking into the data center where we have been working for the last few weeks. One of my co-workers mentioned he had requested a trash can for our area in the data center. Suddenly the conversation spirals into how the trash will get emptied since the cleaning crew does not have access to the data center, transporting the whole trash can verses just the bagged trash to prevent leaks, etc. We stood in amazement waiting for the detailed discussion for handling trash to wind down so we could get coffee.

Once we got our hands on our caffeine replenishment, we returned to work. I quickly set to work crafting a defined procedure for handling trash so that we might merit a trash can. I shared my well crafted document with several colleagues. One suggested submitting it to ANSI  for adoption as a national standard, while others suggested sharing it via social media and of course my blog. So, with our further ado, here is my submission...

Waste Receptacle Processing Procedure

1.       Background/Purpose

The purpose of this document is to define the procedural steps followed by the Taking Care of Business (TCB) team for proper disposal and removal of waste from the data center in order to ensure consistency, quality, and pride.

2.    General

It is imperative that any waste generated by the consumption of liquids and solids by carbon based individuals should be properly disposed in a safe and efficient manner and such waste must be removed from waste collection units on a daily basis in order to ensure consistency, quality, and pride.

3.   Procedure

a)      Imaging Lead will wear gloves when handling waste receptacles and will properly wash his or her hands after handling waste receptacles utilizing hot water and soap to prevent any possible contamination from handling waste.

b)      Imaging Lead will retrieve a waste receptacle at the beginning of the day and transport it to the data center via a cart or hand truck. Imaging Lead should exercise due regard in transporting the waste receptacle to ensure proper lifting techniques are utilized to prevent any possible physical injuries. At no time should a waste receptacle be carried by hand whether empty or full. All waste receptacles should be transported via a cart or hand truck.

c)       Imaging Lead will ensure that the waste receptacle has a proper waste receptacle liner installed to prevent any possible leaks of waste liquids and/or solids.

d)      All carbon based individuals will utilize the waste receptacle to dispose of any waste generated by consuming liquids and/or solids during the course of the business day. No waste items should be left on the data center floor or on table surfaces.

e)      At the end of the day, the Imaging Lead will transport the waste receptacle out of the data center utilizing gloves and a cart or hand truck. Imaging Lead should exercise due regard in transporting the waste receptacle to ensure proper lifting techniques are utilized to prevent any possible physical injuries. At no time should a waste receptacle be carried by hand whether empty or full. All waste receptacles should be transported via a cart or hand truck. Additionally, the Imaging Lead will exercise due regard to prevent any possible leaks of waste liquids and/or solids.

f)       Imaging Lead will employ additional carbon based individuals to escort the transportation of the waste receptacle to ensure that no other carbon based individual comes in contact with the waste receptacle that is not wearing proper gloves. Additional carbon based individuals will hold doors open to allow the efficient transportation of the waste receptacle from the data center, through the loading/receiving room, and onto the rear loading dock.

g)      Once the Imaging Lead has safely transported the waste receptacle to the loading dock, the Imaging Lead should exercise due regard to ensure that all carbon based individuals utilize proper lifting techniques to prevent any possible physical injuries.  Additionally the Imaging Lead will exercise due regard to ensure there are no leaks of liquid or solid waste during the transportation of the waste receptacle to the loading dock.

h)      Imaging Lead will provide instruction in properly sealing the waste receptacle liner by utilizing the four corners of the liner and tying it in a double square knot. Other knots may be approved after proper testing and inspection processes have been secured.

i)        Once the waste receptacle liner has been properly sealed, the Imaging Lead will instruct the additional carbon based individuals in lifting the waste receptacle liner into the compactor. The Imaging Lead will instruct the carbon based individuals to lift on a count of three. Three shall be the count and the counting shall be three. The counting will not continue to four nor shall the counting stop at two unless immediately proceeding to three. Three shall be the count and the counting shall be three.

j)        Once the waste receptacle liner has been placed inside the compactor, all carbon based individuals will in unison proclaim a shout of acclimation, “YAY!”

k)      The Imaging Lead will then lead all carbon based individuals in proper disposal of gloves and hand washing techniques.

l)        The Imaging Lead will store the waste receptacle outside the data center doors with a fresh waste receptacle liner before removing his or her gloves and engaging in proper hand washing techniques.