Avoiding Contact With Hazardous Cleaning Chemicals

This article was originally published in Clean Link. 

We have all heard about the hazards of cleaning chemicals and the potential harm they can have on those in contact with them. This recent article on Clean Link discusses how hazardous cleaning chemicals can affect people, and what can be done to avoid them.

In a previous article, we started looking at how our nose, skin/eyes and mouth can be affected by hazardous chemicals. A good illustration is to imagine walking by a candle shop and smelling the various scented candles on display. A small percentage of the population would immediately begin to experience breathing difficulties, asthma or other systems of toxicity. Others in the same area would experience a sense of wellbeing as the aroma drifted their way. Others would have no reaction at all.

Since we are all different it is important that we practice universal precautions to reduce the chance of that small percentage being harmed by what others might consider innocent vapors. The human eyeball is a very delicate organ that can be damaged immediately by certain corrosives that would not matter to other parts of the body. Burning, red eyes, tearing and other symptoms indicate the eye is trying to protect itself. As soon as possible, a worker should flush their eyes with clean water (or saline solution) to remove any contaminants. In most cases, contact lenses should not be worn.

Children tend to be the primary victims to ingesting liquids through the mouth. This can happen in the workplace if chemicals are left unguarded and a child gains access to them. Even minor amounts of a chemical can cause damage if ingested on a sandwich, drink or other item placed in the mouth. Food and beverages (especially open containers) should never be stored in the work area unless a specific area has been designated as the break room since no other place is available.

Contact with hazardous chemicals in the workplace can be minimized with a little thought to exposure risks. Please note the preceding is suggestive only since regulations will vary by government entity. It is highly recommended that reader consult with local SME (subject matter experts) on any safety related topic and use the preceding as a starting point. Go to www.osha.gov for more information or use a search engine for local and state regulations.

Components of a Floor Cleaning Process

The floor cleaning process is made up of four main components: time, temperature, agitation and cleaning substances. When one of these components is reduced, one or more of the remaining components must be increased in order to achieve the same level of cleaning.

Time: A floor scrubber can be slowed down in order to spend more time on a soiled area. Another approach is to “double-scrub” problem areas, but this is not a labor-efficient practice and can be unsafe, due to excess and unattended water on the floor. This may put the operator and facility occupants at risk for slips and falls.

Temperature: As the temperature of a cleaning solution is increased, the time required for chemicals to react with dirt is cut in half; conversely, as temperature decreases, reaction time increases.

Agitation: More downward pressure (scrub pressure) on the brush means more agitation of cleaning solution on dirty floors.

Cleaning substances: These include water and the various chemicals in detergents, sanitizers and disinfectants. In some green cleaning systems, the only cleaning substance used is water. Obviously, water-only cleaning eliminates the negative environmental and health impacts of chemical production, usage and disposal.