The unsung heroes of the rail industry, we often forget about the dedicated teams that ensure every carriage is clean and every journey is a pleasant one.
From scrubbing the carriages to polishing the windows, these professionals work to maintain high hygiene standards across the rail network. Whether it’s your local weekend service or arush hour commute, train cleaners are part of the rail network backbone.
Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of this essential role.
What Do Train Cleaners Do?
Train cleaning is more than just a bit of polish. It’s about ensuring that every carriage meets stringent hygiene standards and looks its best for passengers. The responsibilities of a train cleaner include:
- Interior Cleaning: This involves vacuuming carpets, wiping down seats, cleaning windows, and disinfecting surfaces. Cleaners ensure that all passenger areas, including toilets, are spotless.
- Exterior Cleaning: Using specialised equipment, cleaners remove dirt, grime, (and sometimes even graffiti) from the outside of the train. This helps maintain the train’s appearance and prevents long-term damage.
- Waste Management: This includes emptying bins, removing litter, and ensuring waste is disposed of correctly and safely.
- Stocking Supplies: Replenishing toilet paper, soap, and other essentials in passenger facilities.
- Specialised Cleaning: Occasionally, cleaners deal with biohazards or perform deep cleans, which require additional training and protective equipment.
Where can you work?
Different rail operators have their own cleaning teams or subcontract to specialist cleaning companies. Here are a few examples:
- East Midlands Railway (EMR): Known for their robust cleaning protocols, EMR cleaners ensure high standards across their fleet. They focus on both daily cleanings and more thorough periodic cleanings.
- Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR): GTR employs a large cleaning staff to manage its extensive network, including the Thameslink and Great Northern services. Their cleaners work around the clock to keep trains in top condition.
- London North Eastern Railway (LNER): LNER places a strong emphasis on passenger experience, which is reflected in their meticulous cleaning schedules. Their teams work tirelessly to maintain the cleanliness of high-speed services.
- Colas Rail: Although more known for freight services, Colas Rail also has dedicated teams for cleaning and maintaining their rolling stock to ensure safety and hygiene standards are met.
How to Get Into Train Cleaning
Getting started in train cleaning doesn’t typically require formal qualifications, but certain skills and traits can make you stand out:
- Attention to Detail: Cleaners need a keen eye to spot areas that need attention and ensure nothing is missed.
- Physical Stamina: The job is physically demanding, involving lots of movement and handling cleaning equipment.
- Reliability: Punctuality and reliability are crucial, as trains need to be cleaned within specific timeframes.
- Teamwork: While some tasks are done solo, cleaners often work in teams, especially for larger cleaning operations.
- Flexibility: Train cleaning often requires shift work, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Experience in cleaning or facilities management can be beneficial, but many companies provide on-the-job training. Certifications in handling hazardous materials or specialised cleaning techniques can also be a plus.
Salary and Career Progression
Train cleaning jobs offer competitive wages, with entry-level positions typically starting around £18,000 to £20,000 per year. With experience, this can rise to £22,000 or more. Some roles, particularly those involving night shifts or specialist cleaning tasks, offer additional pay.
There are also opportunities for career progression. Many train cleaners move into supervisory roles or transition into other areas of the rail industry, such as facilities management or customer service.
Conclusion
Train cleaners play a vital role in the rail industry, ensuring that every journey is safe and pleasant. With opportunities for progression and the satisfaction of knowing you’re making a difference, it’s a job worth considering. So, if you have a keen eye for detail, a strong work ethic, and the flexibility to work shifts, the train cleaning team might just be the perfect fit for you.
All aboard for a cleaner, brighter rail future!
