Cleaning products and regulations in the workplace
by James P. Outreach & PR ExecutiveAt work, safety isn’t always the first thing we think about,
especially in office-based roles away from heavy machinery and other big
hazards. It’s easy to forget that common everyday items can still pose a health
risk. Cleaning products are a prime example of this — used at work on a daily
basis with the purpose of protecting employees from dirt and harmful bacteria, we
must remember that these products are still chemicals and should be treated with
care.
Recommendations for storage
When it comes to storing cleaning products, there are a few
basic recommendations which should be applied to the workplace from the off.
First of all, it’s imperative that the area that you are
storing your cleaning products is both cool and dry. Furthermore, it’s
important that they aren’t stored anywhere that could heat up or cool down
suddenly, due to proximity with running equipment for example.
It is also recommended
that the original packaging is retained, unless stated otherwise by the
instructions on the product. For one, this should prevent any mix-up with other
products, thereby reducing the risk of accidentally mixing two chemicals that
should be kept apart: for example, a powerful drain cleaner such as one shot
drain cleaner products should not be used if bleach or other chemicals have
recently been used on the drain.
Importance of COSHH
This is important for businesses that deal with chemicals as
part of its industry, who are likely to be familiar with COSHH (Control of
Substances Hazardous to Health). COSHH also applies to cleaning products held
in the workplace. The
Health and Safety Executive points out example risks associated with
cleaning products and the cleaning process, including:
·
Skin allergies
·
Asthma
·
Burns
·
Eye damage
·
Dermatitis
CLP hazard pictograms
Since 2015, the hazard pictograms on products have been
updated from the old orange-and-black symbols to new red-and-white versions.
The old “X” symbol for irritant has been replaced entirely. This is to make the
pictograms more universal, as well as covering a few new areas. The
pictograms you may now come across on cleaning chemicals are:
·
Explosive,
which uses an exploding bomb picture
·
Flammable,
which uses a flame picture
·
Oxidising,
which uses a flame over a circle in its picture
·
Corrosive,
which uses a vial pouring onto a hand and a surface in its picture
·
Acute
toxicity, which uses a skull and crossbones picture
·
Hazardous
to the environment, which uses a dead tree and dead fish in its picture
·
Health
hazard and/or hazardous to the ozone layer, which uses an exclamation mark
picture
·
Serious
health hazard, which uses a picture of a person’s head and shoulders with a
starburst from the centre of the picture
·
Gas under
pressure, which uses a gas cylinder picture
Although these symbols are present on cleaning products, potential
risks will be reduced by ensuring the proper use and storage of these products.
Let’s look now at the correct practice for using cleaning products safely in
the workplace.
Usage of cleaning products containing chemicals
Initial risk assessment and process-setting
The European
Cleaning Journal, recommends that the first step is to ensure that a risk
assessment is outlined and carried out. This assessment will help to identify
specific cleaning products and processes that could have risk-reduction actions
in place, as well as reviewing that current processes are being adhered to.
Alongside this, you need to check that these processes are working; if not,
they will need amending.
As alluded to earlier, if the risk assessment highlights any
particular handling, storage, or usage requirements for a certain cleaning
product or cleaning equipment, the next step needs to be putting a process in
place. This process should be tailored to reduce any risk associated with the
product.
All cleaning products bought to be used at work should come
with instructions to make sure they are used safely, as well as a chemical
safety data sheet where applicable. Be sure to follow these instructions given,
as well as using the data sheet to help bolster your risk assessment.
Training
It goes without saying but a process is only beneficial if
it is explained and communicated to the staff expected to adhere to it. Be sure
to set aside time to train staff in any hazardous products with new processes
in place and make space for safety posters so they are clearly visible.
It is crucial that your staff have as little contact with
potentially harmful products as possible. Supplying adequate PPE for staff
using chemical cleaning products can help with this.
It’s easy to overlook cleaning products, with regards to
risk, but they are still chemical in nature. Be sure to keep your workplace
safe with necessary procedures and protective equipment.
Sources:
https://www.thespruce.com/where-and-how-to-store-cleaning-supplies-1900770
http://www.hse.gov.uk/coshh/industry/cleaning.htm
Sponsor Ads
Created on Nov 6th 2019 11:01. Viewed 322 times.