forbidden city maintenance regulations


workers (24):

  • stalls must be cleaned 1 minute after they are used
  • each cleaner should spend a minimum of 30 minutes cleaning stalls before opening time at 8:30am
  • ensure that there are enough toilet paper rolls for visitors, liquid soap dispensers are filled, and mirrors are polished
  • remove garbage from the moat
  • vaccinate stray cats, feed them vitamins, and let them inside if it is cold

cats (200):

  • keep rats and vermin away

the daily schedule of gao, a maintenance worker

9AM

“A middle-aged woman is heard complaining to Gao that there's a crowd of female visitors ahead of her in the line so she will have to wait a long time for her turn. Finding a squatting unit empty, Gao immediately cleans it for the woman, while sweating profusely.”

“Gao pastes a typed notice on every cubicle door: ‘For everyone's comfort, please keep the toilet clean.’”

break

3PM

“The number of tourists dwindles and Gao has a little time to relax.”

“Gao prepares to take off her uniform and change into regular clothing, a young woman comes into the toilet saying she is sick. After she has left, Gao picks up the mob and cleans up the woman's vomit.”

5PM




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