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Cleaning Industry Health and Safety

Cleaning Industry Health and Safety

The Cleaning Industry Health and Safety is a vast topic as professional cleaners can be exposed to chemicals and other harmful situations which are hazardous to health. They can be exposed to various hazardous environments, two examples are working in confined spaces or at height. Here we are going to take a quick look at the top health and safety concerns for the cleaning of your home…

Cleaning Products

The Cleaning Industry Health and Safety are applicable to both industrial cleaning and house cleaning services. The cleaning process itself involves the use of cleaning products. Most of the cleaning products that are available in the market today are made up of the following:

  • Acids and Bases –Certain acids and bases such as hydrochloric acid, sodium hydroxide, formic acid, and ammonium hydroxide are found in most of the cleaning products used for floors and bathrooms. These products can be used on concrete, cement and lime. But, they can also cause irritation and lead to serious burns on the skin and eyes if proper care is not taken during the application of these chemicals.
  • Organic Solvents – Organic solvents such as turpentine, spirits, and alcohol-based detergents are commonly used in degreasing products. Not being careful while using these products can also lead to irritation of the skin and respiratory problems. Furthermore, exposure to these chemicals can have a toxic effect on a person’s nervous system and lead to liver or kidney damage.

Apart from these common ingredients, cleaning products also include fragrances, colouring agents and disinfectants. All of these ingredients have the potential to cause allergic reactions or burns if special care is not taken while using these products.

E-Cleaning Products

Today more and more people are looking for an alternative method of cleaning to avoid using materials which can be hazardous to people or the environment.

Many years ago, it was a common practice to use vinegar to clean windows and bicarb to clean the pots and pans. People also use to combine the two together to unblock the drain pipes in their sinks.

Being eco-friendly is a modern trend so people are making a switch to using various methods to clean their homes.

The eco-friendly market for cleaning products is a booming industry but they still use plastic containers for the materials. Opposed to the people who are developing the E-Cloth which only require the use of water.

How Do You Control the Risk?

When it comes to the Cleaning Industry Health and Safety regulations in your own home the question is who is responsible for knowing them? The answer is YOU are!

So, what can you do?

Some people opt for hiring a specialist cleaning service to hand over the responsibility to them. Believing that this will ensure that all the cleaners will have the experience and expertise it takes to handle chemicals and machinery used as part of the cleaning process in your home.

Will this minimize the risk? Are the costs acceptable? The amount of training and awareness a cleaning staff receives will vary from company to company.

By following these simple tips you will reduce the risk. Firstly, stand back for 5 seconds to assess all the dangers involved. For Cleaning Industry Health and Safety Guidlines to Control Riskexample, is the cleaning at height, is it in a confined space or is will involve hot or cold temperatures. Identify all the hazards then take steps to reduce the risk of an incident.

Decide what substance can be used for cleaning task. Identify the hazards involved in using these materials. Read the instructions to ensure that you aware of all the risks when using the product.

Many people ignore reading the medical precautions that should be taken in the event of an accident. This is very important, especially when using a very hazardous product. Some products can be lethal. If you read this advice you may then decide to look for an alternative product which is less harmful.

Finally, assess how many people should perform this task to do it safely?

With prior planning, you will reduce the risk of an injury and minimize the damage.

Cleaning Industry Health and Safety Guidelines

In the UK the Health Executive provide in-depth Cleaning Industry Health and Safety Guidelines on their website. The site provides occupation health and safety advice for everyone working the cleaning industry. This information is aimed predominately at employers advising them on how they can comply with the UK’s health and safety laws, it has lots of great advice and tips for everyone who cleans.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, it is the individual who will decide how the cleaning will be performed. The overall cost of the cleaning is generally the major deciding factor.

By following the tips above you will minimize the risks when cleaning has to be done in your home.

We at Cleanhome York provide domestic cleaning services in the Thirsk, York and Selby areas. We advise all our new clients, that it’s in their best interest if they supply the cleaning materials. As they know what works in their own home and it also avoids any cross contamination.

If you are looking to hire a cleaning service in the area we cover then please check out our website here and contact us for a no-obligation quote.

Cleanhome South Derbyshire – Bespoke Service.

We are not happy until you are! Your cleaner will usually tailor their services to fit exactly with your requirements, including spring cleaning and ironing.

Bespoke Service

We are not happy until you are! Your cleaner will usually tailor their services to fit exactly with your requirements, including spring cleaning and ironing.

Peace of Mind

Only 1 in 50 applicants makes it on to our carefully screened database. We interview them twice, visit them in their own homes and take up at least two references. And if they still subsequently don't measure up to your standards, we will send you someone who does.

Personal Cleaner

We don't operate in teams, and therefore you get the same cleaner every week. This is good because you develop a relationship with your cleaner. We have some clients who have had the same cleaner for years and years - and that's what we want for you.

COVID-19 5th January Update

 

Just to let you know we are open for business as usual and you can continue to have your cleaner clean your house.

The government has made it clear that cleaners are still permitted to work inside peoples' homes as long as Government Guidelines on social distancing and staying safe are followed (see below). In summary:

You can be outside of your home for work purposes where your place of work remains open and where you cannot work from home, including if your job involves working in other people's homes.

The full text can be found here New National Restrictions from 5 January (in England; there are similar texts available for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland). Specifically relating to cleaners, the guidance continues: 'This guidance applies to those working in, visiting or delivering to home environments. These include, but are not limited to, people working in the following areas:

  • 'This can include work in other people's homes where necessary - for example, for nannies, cleaners, social care workers providing support to children and families, or tradespeople (this is not an exhaustive list)'

Note this guidance is for people who are fit and well, and is dependent on the following social distancing guidelines being followed:

  • No work should be carried out in a household where people are isolating or where an individual is being shielded.
  • The cleaners can continue work, providing that they are well and have no symptoms. No work should be carried out by a cleaner who has coronavirus symptoms, however mild, or when someone in their own household has symptoms.
  • No work should be carried out in a household where any occupants are clinically extremely vulnerable to coronavirus, or households with a possible or confirmed case of coronavirus.
  • Whilst in the house. a cleaner should maintain a safe distance of at least two metres from any household occupant at all times, and ensure good ventilation in the area where they are working, including opening the window.
  • Upon entering the home, cleaners should wash their hands using soap and water for 20 seconds.
  • Cleaners should wash their hands regularly, particularly after blowing their nose, sneezing or coughing, and when leaving the property.

The good news with regard to cleaning is that the cleaners can social distance from their clients very easily, and we would advise that, if you are at home when they are there, that you remain in a separate room to your cleaner.

If you are happy to adhere to the government guidelines - and if your cleaner has not been in touch already - then please just call the office and we will ensure that your cleaning continues.

Best regards

The Cleanhome Team