Many supervisors assume that their employees know about cleaning product safety. But unless you provide the appropriate training and supervision, this type of assumption could potentially put your employees and even yourself in danger.
Cleaning products are made from chemicals that are often toxic and caustic. If they aren’t handled properly, they can cause serious injury, fire, explosions, property damage and even death.
For example, if you accidentally mix together ammonia and bleach (two of the most common cleaning solutions) it forms hydrochloric acid. The hydrochloric acid reacts with the remaining ammonia and chlorine gas to form chloramine, a toxic vapor. This vapor attacks the eyes and mucous membranes, but even more critically, it can cause the victim to lose consciousness if inhaled which can lead to death.
Optimal Cleaning Product Safety
For optimal cleaning product safety, make sure cleaning products are kept in their original container whenever possible. Discourage your workers from transferring them to unlabeled spray bottles, for example.
Every commercial cleaning product is required to come with a Materials Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). Usually, it is included in the packaging. If you are purchasing an individual bottle from your supplier or buying your cleaning materials off site and bringing them into your facility, you may not have an MSDS sheet. If this is the case, you should reach out to the manufacturer and ask them to either mail one to you or send a copy electronically.
Required MSDS Folder
According to federal law, every business that handles chemicals — which, essentially, is every business — is required to have an MSDS folder containing the MSDS sheet for every chemical product used at that facility. The sheet contains information about the chemicals in the product, their risks, as well as first aid measures for accidental exposure or inhalation.
The MSDS folder is supposed to be kept in a central location where it can be easily accessed by any employee, preferably in a cage or an unlocked box where it won’t be lost or damaged.
All of your workers should be trained on where your MSDS folder is located and how to use it.
If there is ever an accident involving chemical cleaning products, one of the first things you should do is to reference the MSDS sheet to see what first aid is required.
Best Defense Is a Good Offense
If your warehouse is ever inspected by the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) or even the local health department, one of the things inspectors look for is whether or not your MSDS folder is up to date. If inspectors find chemicals but no MSDS, you may be found to be in non-compliance with federal or local laws.
The best defense against accidents involving cleaning products is a good offense. Take the time to train your employees cleaning product safety and how to properly use the cleaning products you rely upon to keep your facility clean and sanitary. Never assume anyone knows what they are doing, or take it for granted that safety procedures have been followed. Always provide proper supervision to avoid potentially dangerous and costly accidents.