Chemical Safety
Many cleaners and sanitizers are corrosive or toxic compounds that must be handled in
a safe manner. Chemicals should be handled and applied with all possible precautions
to protect the workers who use them
General guidelines for handling chemicals

Material Safety Data Sheets describing potential hazards for
hazardous chemicals must be filed and in a place that is
accessible to all workers. In addition to MSDS sheets, keep
a copy of the container label and technical service bulletins.
Review them regularly for any changes that occur. Send copies of MSDS sheets to
the emergency room of your local hospital.

Post emergency numbers and the nearest Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222)
in a prominent location.

If a chemical is swallowed, call for emergency help immediately. Do not induce
vomiting unless instructed by a doctor.

If there is contact to the skin or eyes, flush the area for 15 minutes and get medical
help.

Store chemicals in a cool, dry, place without sun. Keep them locked and allow
access to authorized individuals only.

When handling concentrate solutions, protect you hands and face by
 using safety glasses or face shields,
 wearing cuffed rubber gloves, and
 wearing long sleeved protective clothes.

Prevent chemicals from reaching the hands and feet by cuffing rubber gloves and by
not tucking pants inside boots.

Do not mix materials using containers or scoops that are used for other products.
Dangerous reactions can occur.

When diluting sanitizers, always add concentrated sanitizer to water; not water to
sanitizer. Adding water to a concentrated sanitizer may rapidly generate heat and
splattering.

Strong acids, alkalis, and concentrated chlorine solutions are highly corrosive and
should not be sprayed in plants.
Guidelines for specific types of chemicals
Chlorinated products

Mixing a chlorine sanitizer with acid generates deadly chlorine gas. Mixing
sodium hypochlorite with quaternary ammonium compounds generates heat
and nitrogen chloride (explosive).

Chlorinated compounds react violently when combined with acids, alkalis, or
ammonia. Do not mix these substances or allow contact in any way.

Solid chlorine compounds are strong oxidizers and must be stored away from
organic materials.
Alkalis

Many products such as caustic alkalis give off heat when mixed with water.
Always add the chemical to the water. Never add the water to the chemical.

Do not use strong alkalis on aluminum surfaces. Explosive hydrogen gas can
be generated.

Remove clothing contaminated with alkali immediately. Do not wear again
until thoroughly washed. Discard shoes that are severely contaminated with
alkali.

Alkali spills can cause floors to become very slippery. Divert traffic in the
affected area and flush away the chemical with cool water.
Acid compounds

Acid vapors can irritate skin, eyes, mucous membranes, and respiratory
tract. If vapors or fumes are inhaled, seek fresh air immediately.

Sodium hydroxide reacts with aluminum to form hydrogen gas which is
explosive at a 4 or lower.