Working with Cleaning
Chemicals – Safely
Cleaning activities can mean that your hands are wet for
long periods of time. This can irritate your skin which can
lead to dermatitis.
Some cleaning products may contain ingredients which
can cause skin allergies and asthma.
A best practice guide for
Cleaning Services
Some stronger cleaning products are corrosive and
contact with skin and eyes can result in burns and longer
term damage.
The University has assessed its cleaning activities in order
to provide you with the least hazardous materials and
chemical free techniques while still allowing you to carry
out the tasks effectively.
The aim of this guide is to provide you with sufficient
information to allow you to handle substances safely and
look after your health and safety.
What are substances hazardous to health?
Anything harmful by inhalation, ingestion or skin contact, including:
 anything carrying a warning label indicating toxic, harmful,
corrosive or irritant
 Substantial quantities of dust
 Substances produced during work activities such as dust & fumes
 Cancer causing agents
 Asthma causing agents
 Biological agents
Where a substance is classified as hazardous, it must display warning
labels and instructions for safe use.
The label must contain:
 the name of the substance
 The nature of the risks – Harmful, toxic etc.
 A description of the hazard e.g. Harmful by inhalation
 Safety basics – Keep container closed, wash hands after use etc.
 Contact details for the supplier, manufacturer or importer of the
substance
 Actions to take in an emergency such as spillage, exposure to heat
etc.
 First Aid requirements in the event of personal exposure
Always follow the instructions and follow the dilution rates. Do not make
it stronger so it ‘works better’ – this can alter what it will do and may
create a hazardous environment rather than getting the job done quicker.
DO NOT use a substance if the label is missing or it is not clear as to the
contents. Always store bulk materials in their original 5 litre containers.
The ‘daily use’ containers e.g. trigger sprays must have a label them
which reflecst the information provided on the bulk product container.
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What do the symbols mean?
Example of
Hazard
Explosive
Oxidising
Example of Statement
Risk of explosion by shock, friction,
fire or other sources of ignition
Contact with combustible material
may cause fire
Flammable, Highly
Flammable
Highly Flammable
Toxic, Highly Toxic
Harmful in contact with skin
Harmful, Irritant
May cause sensitisation by skin
contact
Corrosive
Causes burns
Dangerous for the
Environment
Very toxic to aquatic organisms, may
cause long term adverse effects in the
aquatic environment
New symbols are being introduced which will replace the orange square
safety symbols. These new symbols are part of what is known as the
Global Harmonised System (GHS) and a chart showing the symbols and
categories will be displayed in cleaners cupboards.
The Safety Data Sheet
In addition to the information provided on the container, the Safety Data
Sheet provides information on specified areas. There may be situations
where more detail is required to ensure that the substances is suitable
for a particular working environment, or is incompatible with other types
of materials – the safety data sheet will help to determine these
situations. Copies of all safety data sheets are kept in the cupboard
where the materials are stored.
Why Controlling Hazardous Substances matters
Using chemicals or other substances at work can put people’s health
at risk. The University is required to make sure that adequate controls
are established and that everyone who uses these controls / methods
of work is trained in them. This will minimise the risk to the user and
any others who could be affected by the use of chemicals.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
You must wear appropriate PPE whenever handling chemicals. The wearing
of PPE is in addition to your safe methods of working. Wearing PPE does not
replace the need to follow safe working methods.
Gloves should fit correctly to allow good handling. You should remove them
when going from one work area to another or before touching a door
handle.
Emergency Procedures Continued
 Always deal with a spillage promptly.
 Store chemicals correctly, making sure that
lids are securely closed, and that containers
are stored in a location that is suitable for the
contents and not likely to suffer mechanical damage.
Liquid Spill of bulk chemicals
Wearing PPE, contain and absorb the chemicals with
cloths / paper towels or proprietary absorbent granules.
Bag and seal for disposal. Clean the area.
Liquid spill of diluted chemicals
Wearing PPE, flush the chemicals into a drain with water, if possible. If no
drain is available, proceed as above.
You should remove your gloves in accordance with HSE guidance to minimise
the risk of skin contamination. You can find this information later in this
booklet.
Personal Contamination
Eye – Wash out the affected eye with running water for at least
15 minutes. You can use emergency eye wash station bottles which are
located in areas which do not have easy access to running
water, this will give you time to get to a tap/shower.
You must wear eye protection whenever there is a risk of chemicals splashing
into the eyes.
Skin – Remove any contaminated clothing. Rinse skin
with running water.
Always check your PPE before use to ensure it is fit for purpose. You should
advise your Team Leader if your PPE needs replacing
Swallowing – Drink two large glasses of water and
seek medical advice. DO NOT induce vomiting.
Emergency Procedures
When handling chemicals, the user must understand emergency procedures.
The instructions on the packaging should give enough information to allow
you to deal with emergency situations – spillages etc. However, basic good
handling practice will cover the majority of handling situations.
Inhalation – Get to fresh air. If symptoms persist seek medical advice
Reporting
Report all accidents/incidents and near misses to your manager as
soon as possible after the incident.
University of Warwick – Looking after you - Skin Care
Skin care is taking preventative measures to protect your skin in order
to reduce the risk of developing a skin disease. It can be as simple as
making sure your skin is clean and free from contaminants, the use of
appropriate gloves or other protection, and making sure the skin is
moisturised.
Follow these simple steps to minimise the risk of of an illness or injury:

Cover any grazes and cuts with a waterproof dressing

Wear apporpriate and correctly sized gloves and replace them when
they become contaminated or damaged

Ensure any skin contamination is washed with large amounts of
water

Always wash your hands before eating,
drinking or smoking.

Apply afterwork cream (moisturiser) regularly to make sure your skin
retains its moisture. This will help to prevent skin conditions such as
dermatitis and exzcema.

Avoid touching your eyes when wearing gloves. If your eyes are
contaminated, wash them out immedialty with eye wash shower.
Report any skin conditions you have to your Supervisor, who will refer
you to the Occupational Health Department.
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Test Yourself
True /
False
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1
Manufacturers/Suppliers must provide information on
how to use and store materials safely
2
This label indicates the material is harmful
3
PPE stands for Personal Preventative Equipment
5
Materials must be stored in accordance with their hazard
grouping
5
‘Good Skin Care’ helps to prevent dermatitis
6
You can assume a product is safe to handle when the label
is missing
7
COSHH requires employers to asses and reduce risks to
employees when handing substances at work
8
Material Safety Data Sheets provide further safely
information
9
Using a stronger solution will get the job done quicker
10
You can keep your gloves on when going through doors