CL-001 · Cleaning & Property Services

Cleaning Chemicals & Exposure

Awareness learning for workers who use cleaning products in New Zealand workplaces and client sites.

You will learn

  • why ordinary-looking cleaning products can still be hazardous
  • how labels and safety data sheets (SDS) support safer work
  • how exposure can occur through breathing, skin/eye contact or ingestion
  • why substitution, ventilation and safe systems come before relying only on PPE
  • what to do when a product, spill or task is outside your training.

Know the product before use

  • Use the product only for its intended workplace purpose and follow the label and workplace procedure.
  • Know where the current SDS is accessible. An SDS explains hazards, safe use, storage, PPE, first aid and emergency response.
  • Do not use an unlabelled or unknown chemical.
  • Never assume two cleaners can be safely mixed. Chemical reactions can create heat, fire, corrosive splashes or toxic gases.
Stop if information is missing. Ask your supervisor rather than guessing a dilution, mixing method or PPE requirement.

Control exposure

  • Eliminate an unnecessary hazardous product where reasonably practicable, or use a safer substitute where suitable.
  • Use dispensing/dilution systems, ventilation and other engineering or work-practice controls provided.
  • Avoid creating unnecessary spray, mist or vapour.
  • Wear the PPE identified by the risk assessment, SDS and workplace procedure, and know its limitations.
  • Wash hands before eating, drinking or touching your face and after chemical work.

Storage, transport and spills

  • Keep chemicals in suitable labelled containers and store incompatible products as required.
  • Secure products during transport between client sites.
  • Know the site's spill and emergency procedure before an incident happens.
  • For a spill, protect people first, raise the alarm and follow the SDS/workplace procedure. Do not clean up a spill you are not trained or equipped to handle.
  • Report damaged containers, missing labels, symptoms of exposure and near misses.

Stop · Think · Act

A bottle has been refilled with clear liquid but has no label. A colleague says it is probably glass cleaner. What should you do?

Knowledge check

1. What is an SDS used for?

2. If you are unsure whether two cleaning products can be mixed, what should you do?

3. Where does PPE fit?