Workplaces, such as schools, hospitals, hotels, restaurants and manufacturing plants, use cleaning chemicals to ensure the cleanliness of their buildings. However, some cleaning chemicals can be hazardous to the workers, causing problems ranging from skin rashes and burns to coughing and asthma. As a result, many employers are switching to green cleaning products because they are thought to be less hazardous to workers and the environment. But according to OSHA and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) “… placing the word ‘green’ in a name or on a bottle does not ensure that a chemical is safe. Employers should review the cleaning chemicals they purchase, including green cleaning products, to understand their health and safety hazards. Employers should choose the least hazardous cleaners.”

To help educate employers on the potential health problems caused by cleaning chemicals and the way to select safer products, OSHA and NIOSH have developed an “InfoSheet” on the topic (PDF Linked here).

According to the agencies, when employers are selecting cleaning chemicals, they should:

  • Consider the chemical ingredients; how and where the chemical will be used; and whether mists, vapors and/or gases will be released.
  • Understand that cleaners, sanitizers and disinfectants serve different purposes, and the importance of choosing the least hazardous cleaning chemical that will accomplish the task at hand.
  • Know that independent organizations are now certifying chemicals including cleaners as “green,” which means that must meet specific criteria as defined by the certifying organization.

In addition, if the chemical does not meet OSHA’s exception for consumer products, employers must:

  • Use the information contained in the Safety Data Sheet for all hazardous cleaning products to ensure that workers are properly protected.
  • Conduct the required training under the OSHA Hazard Communication standard BEFORE the worker begins using the cleaner, if the cleaning chemicals are hazardous.

In addition, the agencies also created a poster with guidelines for workers to protect their health while working with cleaning chemicals.

OSHA and NIOSH have developed an “InfoSheet” on the topic  www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2012-126/pdfs/2012-126.pdf

CDC “Protecting Workers Who Use Cleaning Chemicals

Please read full notice from JJKeller

DISCLAIMER: Environmental, Health and Safety News is not affiliated with or maintained by ANY for profit or non-profit entity. It is a 100% volunteer effort free from advertising or sponsorship of any kind. This site is intended to be an educational and not-for-profit website providing useful information for security, environmental, health, sciences, transportation, and public safety professionals and the general public. It is not “for the purpose of trade, to induce the sale of any goods or services.”
In the Webmaster’s opinion, any incidental use of any pictures and graphics, or quoted words on this site is not a violation of any trademark for the any reasons stated above. The webmaster will fully cooperate with any and everyone that believes any section of the site are in violation of fair use.

The use of any and all copyrighted works in the creation of this site is, in the Webmaster’s opinion, protected by 17 USC 107 (see Creative Commons License below). If the owner of a copyrighted work used in the creation of this site believes that 17 USC 107 does not apply to the use of their work, the site’s creator will cooperate to the fullest extent possible.

FAIR USE NOTE: The site provides information of a general & public nature regarding national or other developments. None of the information contained herein is intended as legal advice or opinions relative to specific matters, facts, situations or issues. Additional facts, information or future developments may affect the subjects addressed in this site. You should consult with an expert about your particular circumstances before acting on any of this information because it may not be applicable to your situation. This site contains information and links to sites which are not owned or maintained by this site. This site is not responsible for the content, linked sites, and the views expressed on linked sites do not necessarily reflect our views or opinions. The information contained herein is provided for personal, non-commercial, educational, entertainment and informational purposes only and does not constitute a guarantee of information or facts. This site makes no claims, expressed, implied, or statutory regarding the accuracy, timeliness, completeness, or correctness of any material contained herein. Since the conditions of use are outside my control, the individual visitor is entirely responsible for determining the appropriateness and applicability of all information contained herein.

This website is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

Back to Top