Protect Your Cleaning Staff from Chemical Injuries

Cleaners worldwide know the importance of using the proper chemicals and solutions for cleaning and disinfecting surfaces. What they might not be aware of is the importance of using these solutions safely.

The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA) is urging employers to be proactive in teaching their staff the proper way to use cleaning chemicals, the European Cleaning Journal reports. These lessons should include the proper way to dilute solutions per the manufacturers’ instructions, warnings not to mix chemicals, and precautions to always use chemicals in well-ventilated areas. Businesses need to create comprehensive procedures to manage, identify, and safely dispose of chemicals.

EU-OSHA also recommends managers make sure their staff are wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) and proper clothing. In the instance of a chemical spill, employers need to set a protocol advising their workers whom to contact and whether to clean up the spill themselves or seek assistance.

EU-OSHA recently released new information on handing cleaning products safely. CMM also offers advice on safely containing cleaning chemicals, pesticides, aerosols, and other products your staff may use regularly.