CMI Management of Facilities & Resources 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A custodial manager wants to reduce chemical costs by 20%. Which strategy would be MOST effective?
- Buy cheaper, lower-concentration products
- Implement proper dilution control systems (Correct answer)
- Reduce cleaning frequency
- Eliminate specialty products
Correct answer: Implement proper dilution control systems
Dilution control systems ensure chemicals are mixed at the correct concentration, eliminating over-dispensing and significantly reducing product waste.
Question 2: Which cleaning sequence is recommended when cleaning a restroom to prevent cross-contamination?
- Floors first, then fixtures, then mirrors
- Mirrors and fixtures first, then toilets, then floors last (Correct answer)
- Toilets first, then floors, then mirrors
- Start at the door and work toward the back
Correct answer: Mirrors and fixtures first, then toilets, then floors last
Cleaning from high to low and from least soiled to most soiled (mirrors → fixtures → toilets → floors) prevents spreading contamination.
Question 3: What is the primary advantage of microfiber cleaning cloths compared to traditional cotton cloths?
- They are less expensive to purchase
- They remove more bacteria and require less chemical product (Correct answer)
- They are more durable and last longer
- They are better for heavy soil removal
Correct answer: They remove more bacteria and require less chemical product
Microfiber's split fibers trap bacteria mechanically and require up to 95% less chemical, making them more effective and eco-friendly.
Question 4: In custodial resource planning, what does 'production rate' refer to?
- The number of cleaning products used per shift
- The square footage a worker can clean per hour under standard conditions (Correct answer)
- The rate at which supplies are ordered and delivered
- The speed at which floor machines operate
Correct answer: The square footage a worker can clean per hour under standard conditions
Production rate measures how many square feet a custodial worker can clean per hour and is used to calculate staffing requirements.
Question 5: Which approach to scheduling custodial staff is designed to minimize disruption to building occupants?
- Night cleaning (Correct answer)
- Zone cleaning
- Team cleaning
- Frequency-based scheduling
Correct answer: Night cleaning
Night cleaning schedules custodial work after business hours so workers can clean without disturbing occupants or interrupting operations.
Question 6: A facility manager observes that floor machines are frequently breaking down. Which maintenance strategy would BEST prevent future downtime?
- Replace equipment only when it fails completely
- Implement a preventive maintenance schedule (Correct answer)
- Rent equipment instead of owning it
- Train workers to perform repairs themselves
Correct answer: Implement a preventive maintenance schedule
Preventive maintenance involves regular inspections and servicing on a schedule to catch problems before they cause equipment failure.
Question 7: When training new custodial employees, which method is generally MOST effective for teaching proper chemical handling?
- Providing a written manual for self-study
- Hands-on demonstration with supervised practice (Correct answer)
- Online video training only
- Shadowing an experienced employee without formal instruction
Correct answer: Hands-on demonstration with supervised practice
Hands-on demonstration with supervised practice ensures employees learn proper technique and safe handling procedures under direct observation.
