The cleaning industry employs a large number of people
in the UK. Professional cleaning companies offer their services to various
sectors like schools, hospitals, factories, offices, shops, aircraft, shopping
malls, and even private homes. Here, in this guide, you can find a
comprehensive list of health and safety precautions that professional cleaners
should take while on the job.
Professional cleaners face a wide array of risks and
hazards as part of their daily routine. From occupational skin irritation as a
result of handling hazardous cleaning ingredients to muscular-skeletal
disorders as a result of handling, heavy-duty mops, cleaners have to deal with
plenty of risks every day.
Here, in this guide, we introduce the top three
workplace hazards faced by cleaners on the job and ways to overcome them.
1. Chemical hazards
Cleaners handle a variety of cleaning products every
day. From regular household cleaners to more corrosive and toxic cleaners,
depending on the working environment. Close contact with these substances can
lead to long-term health troubles like eczema, asthma, skin burns, dermatitis,
allergies, and even damage to the eyes.
Here are some common guidelines cleaners have to face
to reduce exposure to these substances.
●
Professional cleaners should
maintain a list of all cleaning materials in the facility. The documentation
should include the number of gallons stores, the number of containers, as well
as details on where each cleaning material is stored. It should also cover
potential hazards and the necessary precautions for each cleaning chemical. For
instance, some should be stored away from direct sunlight, while others must be
stored only in glass bottles and so on.
●
Ensure that you keep all
cleaning materials only in their original containers and avoid mixing chemicals
even if they are of the same type.
●
Store chemicals away from HVAC
vents and ensure that it’s stored in well-ventilated areas. It helps in
preventing fumes from spreading to other areas of the building in case of an
accidental spill.
●
All chemicals should be marked
with safety signage. Ensure that the signs are easy to read using clear images.
●
All cleaners should be aware
of the signal words:
o
Caution – meaning the product
is relatively safe but should be used carefully
o
Warning – meaning the product
is moderately toxic
o
Danger – meaning the product
is highly toxic and can cause permanent damage to eyes and skin on exposure.
●
Cleaners should use the right
PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) while handling cleaning substances like
protective gloves, hearing protection, eye
protection, overalls, etc. Besides, chemical cleaners are exposed to fine dust
and toxic industrial dust like asbestos fibres. Using PPE like a best dust mask and asbestos PPE is a must to
prevent breathing troubles and other life-threatening health diseases like lung
cancer, laryngeal cancer, etc.
●
Cleaners should practice good
hand care – make sure to clean and dry your hands thoroughly after handling the
chemicals.
●
Many cleaning products contain
harmful chemicals like ammonia, bleach, etc., which release poisonous fumes and
gases. Inhaling these gases can make you feel ill. Hence cleaners must wear
high-grade JSP masks to keep
yourself safe.
2. Slips, Trips, and Falls
Slips, trips, and falls are some of the significant
hazards of workplace injuries for cleaners. Here are a few ways cleaners can
reduce these hazards while on the job:
●
Wear comfortable,
slip-resistant shoes.
●
Mop floors when the place is
empty. Avoid mopping during rush hours. Also, make sure to use wet floor signs
to notify passersby of the mopping.
●
At times, dry mopping is
better than wet mopping. For instance, if there is a small spill instead of
using a wet mop and creating a slip hazard, cleaners can use paper towels to
dry that small area.
●
Always use step stools and not
regular chairs, as the latter can be unstable, causing you to trip. If using
ladders, make sure to learn proper ladder safety.
●
When using pushcarts, make
sure that you can see beyond the load and approach corners and turns with
precaution.
●
Keep walkways clear of debris
and garbage.
3. Falling objects
Falling objects are another common workplace injury
for professional cleaners. Here are a few tips to prevent accidents due to
falling objects:
●
Use caution when walking,
carrying heavy loads. Approach blind spots like doors, walkways, and corridors
with due caution.
●
Stack materials carefully to
avoid falling. Don’t stack cleaning objects too high. Waist-level columns are
the preferred choice.
With the Right
Precautions, Cleaners can avoid Workplace Accidents and Injuries
With proper training and the right supervision, a safe
working environment can be created for professional cleaners. Follow the
various guidelines listed here and enjoy an incident-free workplace.