Much like the janitorial supplies bought in Manila, cleaning products contain chemicals that are harmful
to the health and environment. Companies
are aware of such risks because they are purchasing the same, if not more
high-end, products. They simply let their custodians have access to it whenever
the next cleaning session is scheduled. However, this kind of freedom could pose
certain risks especially on the side of the custodians. Wearing of face masks
and latex gloves are not enough. What should the management and cleaning
personnel do?
An article brought to you by: http://www.polymerprod.com/
The OSHA
(Occupational Safety and Health Administration), under United States Department
of Labor, formulated some guidelines regarding the proper use of cleaning
products for the safety of workers. These are the following:
Training
of Workers
This must be
initiated by the management or the employer who hires the people to be assigned
in the cleaning department. You don’t just give them an identification card,
tell them their work schedules, give them a timecard, point where the cleaning
supply closet is and off they go. As any other employee under the payroll of
the company, they must undergo orientation and training.
This training
includes a discussion of the cleaning products they will be dealing with such
as the chemicals or ingredients they contain; the symptoms and health problems they
may cause; and what type of first aid measure is applicable if improperly used.
Investing
in Proper Protective Equipment
The basic “battle
gear” of a custodian are gloves, safety goggles, and face masks or respirators.
The management may have accomplished this requirement which is good. On the
other hand, workers should take part as well by wearing all three while even working
on basic tasks. Why is this necessary?
As we mentioned
above, cleaning products contain harmful chemicals that if accidentally diluted
may cause severe consequences. What we mean by ‘accidental’ is, in general,
chemicals should not be mixed. The prime example is bleach and ammonia, a
deadly combination that may cause lung damage or worse, death.
Put
on Labels on Cleaning Products
Or never peel off
the labels, whatever is applicable. Labels don’t just tell the name of the
product. It shows how to properly use the said product and the chemicals or
ingredients it has. Plus, the corresponding first aid in case something bad
happens while using the product.
Strictly read and follow
what is written on the label at all times.
Establish
Open Communication
Unfortunately, in
this type of job, complaints are sometimes unheard of or shrugged off by the
higher ups. According to the “Green Building Operations and Maintenance Manual”
published by Green Seal, communication is encouraged among building
management/owners, employees, and occupants. Of course, let us not forget the
custodians as well. It is not only the job of the custodian to maintain the
cleanliness and orderliness of the building. The occupants and the management
must take part too because they are the ones who use the facilities inside the
building frequently. How?
Address the
grievances of the custodians and provide an immediate solution to their
problems. In this way, they will be more productive and work with the best
results.
In an ideal world,
guidelines such as these must be enforced, followed and implemented but in
reality they don’t happen word-for-word. Most of the time, the management
itself takes these for granted. Their duty doesn’t end by buying janitorial
supplies that may be from Manila or the US. They must take into consideration
the health, safety and well-being of their custodians.
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