Sweeping Methods
In the normal sweeping situation of footway and channel there is an established work method for a single operator which has been designed to minimize unproductive walking:
1. Park receptacle (normally a handcart) at commencement of section to be swept.
2. Using wide broom, sweep wastes off footway into channel for a convenient distance, say 20-50 metres.
3. Sweep channel in reverse direction, ending at parked receptacle; make intermediate heaps if quantity so required; do not sweep across drainage grids.
4. Move receptacle up to next section to be swept, picking up heaps on the way.
11.4.2 Work-norms for Street Sweepers
Work-norms for street cleansing depends on various factors e.g. city size, types of residential, institutional and commercial areas, quality and quantity of
refuse generated etc. Suggested work-norms have been given at Para 19.6 in Chapter 19 on “Institutional and Capacity Building Aspects”.
11.4.3 Working Hours
Different cities have adopted different working hours depending on local conditions and age-old traditions. It is desirable to start work as early as possible in the morning so that the city looks clean before the roads and streets get busy in the morning.
Normally the labour force is required to work for 8 hours and is given half an hours’ recess. Considering the type of work, it is desirable to split the 8 hours of duty of sweepers into two spells, 4 to 5 hours in the morning and 3 to 4 hours in the afternoon and the work force should be fully utilized in both the spells of duties. Quite often the work force is utilized in a group in the afternoon hours, which is highly unproductive. Individual work needs to be allotted to each person in both spells to ensure full output and accountability. The local body may decide the duty hours on the above lines and the total hours of work to be taken from the sweepers, subject to government policy, court orders and union agreements.
