What was the job of sweepers in the Lowell mill system?

In the Lowell mill system, sweepers were typically young girls or women employed to clean the factory floors and keep the machinery free of debris. Their duties included sweeping up lint and other materials that accumulated during the textile production process, which was essential for maintaining a safe and efficient working environment. Additionally, sweepers often worked long hours under challenging conditions, reflecting the broader labor practices of the time. This role was part of the larger system that relied heavily on female labor in the mills.