Green Cleaning and Janitorial Worker Safety

I was listening to a webinar about green cleaning by Building Operating Management, and one of the topics that was brought up was janitorial safety.

One of the reasons cleaning companies should be thinking about offering green cleaning services is that it is much safer for janitorial workers. Here are some safety issues to think about:

• Six out of 100 janitorial workers are injured by chemicals each year.

• Germicides and disinfectants can be harmful to workers. Over a period of time these chemicals are absorbed into the skin and can be inhaled - not safe!

• Dust from vacuuming is harmful so it makes sense to switch to vacuums with Hepa filtration.

• Fumes from VOC's (volatile organic chemical) are harmful

• Ergonomic concerns - equipment should be replaced as needed with more ergonomic equipment to reduce the cance of injury.

With the potential for worker's comp claims due to using "old" cleaning methods, chemicals and equipment, doesn't it make sense to make the switch?

Comments

[Jeff Savino]

It is critical for users to ask questions about the disinfectants they are purchasing, even the ones that claim they are safe. Two questions that are critical: 1) Are they EPA registered and do they meet requirements for EPA Toxicity Level IV (the safest rating allowed by the EPA. 2) Does the manufacturer have non-corrosion and materials compatibility data available.

[Jean Hanson]

Great points Jeff. Thanks for sharing!

[Sharon L. Cowan]

Whether you clean homes or offices, an MSDS sheet is a must for your employees' protection. This is one big reason for making your supply purchases from a reputable janitorial supply company rather than off the shelf from a supermarket. Besides the costs (you're paying for 90% water when you buy off the shelf), your janitorial supply rep can provide you will all the safety information you need in case of an emergency. The responsibility is yours should there be a splash or other incident. You must have the MSDS info close at hand. We can never take safety lightly.
Sharon Cowan

[kim]

I am working with a hose cleaning company now, The owner only uses BLEACH products off the shelves, I get head aches, stomach / carsickness,never mind the burning of my hands as glove are not supplied and I do that myself I want them. How do I tell her I don't want to work for her any longer due to these issues, as I feel if the chemicals were changed we'd all live a day with out a house or our noses smelling like a swimming pool! This lady has gone through a few employees due to this and the other 4 girls have refused to work in the wet areas as to this problem, I just don't want to quit but my health is more important then a paycheck!!!

[Jean Hanson]

Kim - you're absolutely right - your health is SO much more important. I think you need to have an honest sit-down with her and tell her how you feel. If bleach is being used then protective gloves and respirators must be supplied. She's got a worker's comp action and OSHA violations just waiting for her. Maybe you could do some internet research to back you up - give her something to open up her eyes!

[Cleaning Company London]

I know that many janitors end up with all kinds of health problems at the end of their careers. I definitely think that their health should be an issue that is addressed.

[Luanne Lozano]

As far as Green Products how do you know the health effects that will later come from them?I recently bought some Green Works products as requested by and client and was reading the Ingredients and the main ingredient was Ethanol you needed ventalation and gloves same as chemical cleaners just because it is naturally derived from corn or soy extended use I am sure would also be harmful dont you agree!

[Jean Hanson]

That's the thing about "green". People think that because it says green on the label it's totally safe - not necessarily so! Are you able to get MSDS sheet's? I would definitely get them for each product so you know exactly what you're getting. I believe Green Works is self-certifying their products as green. I feel better when a company uses a 3rd party certification organization like Green Seal.