Industrial Cleaning Operators
Job description
These individuals clean industrial equipment to remove production residues. They carry and empty residual hazardous materials. They help with clean up in the event of environmental emergencies (e.g. chemical spills in waterways). They work for industrial cleaning companies.
Environment
- Controlled ambient temperature
- Equipment, machinery, tools
- Vehicle or passenger compartment
- Hazardous chemical
- Odours
- Nontoxic dust
- Humidity
- Uncontrolled ambient temperature
- Hazardous workplaces
Main tasks
- Clean industrial equipment by vacuum pumping or high-pressure water jet.
- Keep the working area free of obstacles.
- Check the condition of the cleaning equipment.
- Read and understand the work order instructions.
- Select specialized materials and equipment according to the cleaning task.
- Compare information on work orders with information provided by customers.
- Communicate with the persons in charge at client companies.
- Conduct tests with gas detectors.
Training and requirements
Formation
No specific training
Sometimes required
- A Class 5 driver's licence is usually required.
- A Class 1 or 3 driver's licence is sometimes required.
- A certificate of completion of general health and safety course on construction sites may be required.
- An attestation of training in confined space work may be required.
- A certification of WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) training may be required.
Main skills and characteristics
Skills
- Data collection
- Active listening
Abilities
- Oral comprehension
- Core strength
- Static muscle power
- Near vision
- Manual dexterity
- Physical flexibility in extension
Knowledge and attributes
- Capacity to establish and maintain interpersonal relations
- Critical thinking
- Focussed on results
- Sense of responsibility
- Capacity to adapt
- Knowledge of customer and personalized services
- Capacity to work in a team
- Rigour
- Sense of initiative
- Sense of observation
Interests
- Draft, communicate, and inform
- Work in transportation and maintenance
- Make, build, install
- Work manually
- Conduct tests and trials, control processes
Personality profiles (RIASEC)
- Realistic
- People with this profile prefer carrying out concrete tasks and being physically involved in what they do.
- Investigative
- People with this profile prefer relying on theoretical knowledge before acting. They like observation, analysis and problem solving.
- Conventional
- People with this profile prefer specific, well-defined tasks. They like to respect the order of things and follow established rules.
Appellation d’emploi liée (à traduire)
Specialized cleaners (CNP 65311)
Skill type
Sales and service
Last update: January 29, 2026
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