The profession of building cleaner (EFZ)
Building cleaners with a Federal VET Certificate (EFZ) ensure cleanliness, hygiene and the preservation of value – in homes, offices, hospitals, factories, on public transport, on construction sites and in many other locations.
Job description
What building cleaners (EFZ) do
Building cleaners (EFZ) clean, maintain and preserve buildings and transport vehicles. They carry out routine, interim and deep cleaning, remove stains (e.g. from carpets) and undertake demanding specialist tasks.
- Routine, interim and deep cleaning in homes, offices and public buildings
- Final cleaning following new builds and refurbishments
- Disinfection (e.g. in sensitive areas such as hospitals)
- Facade cleaning, graffiti removal, specialist cleaning
- Preparation and securing of work sites (e.g. covers, barriers, scaffolding)
Machinery, equipment and cleaning products
Building cleaners (EFZ) work with professional machines and equipment and know how to use cleaning, care and disinfectant products correctly. Some of these must be used with particular care to prevent damage and protect both people and the environment.
- High-pressure cleaners and nozzles
- Single-disc machines, scrubber-dryers and vacuum sweepers
- Wet cleaning equipment and other specialist equipment
- Maintenance of equipment and minor repairs
- Safe dosing and use of cleaning and disinfectant products
Planning, efficiency and documentation
For each job, building cleaners (EFZ) select the most efficient cleaning method, estimate the required time, and prepare the necessary materials and equipment. Upon completion, they document the work according to guidelines and inform their supervisors.
- Determine the cleaning method and estimate the time required
- Select equipment, machinery, tools and consumables
- Determine the quantity and concentration of the cleaning agents
- Provide equipment (e.g. lifting equipment, scaffolding, protective sheeting, extension leads)
- Prepare a report and provide feedback to your line manager
What you bring to the table
- Enjoyment of manual work
- Enjoy the flexibility of changing jobs and roles
- Teamwork and good manners
- Good physical condition, no allergies to cleaning products, no fear of heights
- Completed primary school
Training
Practical training
Practical training takes place in a cleaning company. In addition, apprentices attend compulsory inter-company introductory courses as well as the course “Handling Toxic Substances”.
Theoretical training
Vocational school lessons usually take place one day a week. Typical subjects include:
- Career information
- Material
- Fundamentals of Natural Sciences
- Language and Communication
- Calculate
- Society (law, politics, business, culture)
- Sport
Further information from the professional association
Detailed information on the job profile of a building cleaner (EFZ), training pathways, further training opportunities and industry standards can be found directly from the relevant association.
Visit the ALLPURA association