The Massachusetts Nurses Association suggests that health care facilities take the
following steps to reduce exposure to cleaning chemicals*:
• Evaluate products currently used by reviewing the adverse health and
environmental effects noted on the safety data sheets (SDSs). Begin to use
alternative products that have less potential for adverse health effects and
environmental pollution.
• Include a person with expertise in occupational health and safety on any
committee or group that selects these products.
• Provide hazard communication training that meets the following requirements of
the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard 1910.1200(h)(3), “Training and
Education”:
– Contains at least (ii) the physical and health hazards of the chemicals in the
work area and (iii) the measures for workers to use to protect themselves from
these hazards
– Follows the requirements of OSHA Standard 1910.1200(g)(8), and SDS, are
readily available
• Develop and communicate methods for reporting any symptoms that workers and
patients experience when cleaning products are in use. Provide medical
evaluation and treatment as necessary.
* Massachusetts Nurses Association. Exposure to environmental cleaning chemicals in healthcare
settings. Accessed Oct 26, 2012. http://www.massnurses.org/nursing-resources
/position-statements/env-cleaning-chem.