Products that can harm.
WHY IT MATTERS
Cleaning chemicals cause burns, respiratory harm and poisoning, and cleaners handle them daily.
WHAT TO OBTAIN FOR EVERY PRODUCT
The safety data sheet.
WHAT IT TELLS YOU
Hazards Protective equipment required What to do on contact or ingestion Storage and disposal requirements
WHAT TO NEVER DO
Mix chemical products.
WHY
Some combinations produce toxic gases, and this kills people.
WHAT THE MOST DANGEROUS COMBINATION IS
Products containing bleach mixed with acidic cleaners.
WHAT TO TRAIN
That products are never mixed, under any circumstances.
WHAT TO PROVIDE
Gloves appropriate to the chemical Eye protection where splashing is possible Ventilation
WHY GLOVES SPECIFICALLY
Repeated exposure causes lasting skin damage.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH ABOUT LABELLING
Every container labelled with its contents.
WHY
Unlabelled containers cause poisoning and misuse.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH ABOUT STORAGE
Locked, where members of the public or children may access the building.
WHY
Schools, clinics and residential buildings all present this risk.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT SPILLS
Contain, ventilate, and clean per the data sheet.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH FOR EXPOSURE INCIDENTS
Immediate action, and where to seek help.
WHAT TO TRAIN
On arrival, and whenever a new product is introduced.
WHAT TO RECORD
Training, and the products in use at each site.
WHAT TO REVIEW
Whether products in use are actually necessary.
WHY
Fewer products means less risk and less confusion.
