Other hazards
Apart from agents derived from cleaning
products, biological exposures related to
the building or the work environment
may be relevant. Cleaning staff can be
exposed to micro-organisms in dust or
in aerosols released from waste during
the cleaning process. Such exposure is
also possible in connection with
vacuuming processes when a large part
of the dust can pass through the
vacuuming cleaner. Biological dust can
contain indoor allergens, moulds and
fungal secretion products, and bacterial
endotoxin, among others. Street and
other outdoor cleaners are often
exposed to combustion particles and
fumes from vehicle exhaust.good housekeeping, reduction of hazardous
chemicals, avoidance of exposure,
and personal protection.
N Administrative measures may include
rotation of cleaning jobs, in order to
reduce (distribute better) monotonous
work, unfavourable working
hours, or activities with high physical
workload or environmental
exposures.
N A training programme including
written information (fact sheets)24
and education (person-to-person
training or videos within courses
or workshops) improves awareness
of hazards and knowledge of simple
ways to reduce risks. Technical information
may include how to store,
mix, and use products; how to avoid
incompatibilities with other products;
accessibility to the supplier’s customer
service system; and how to properly
dispose of unused products, waste,
and containers.
N In certain situations tools can be
replaced by long handled equipment
to avoid bending postures.
N Cleaning equipment should be maintained
well; routine checking, repair,
and replacement should be done
regularly.
N The use of carts to move cleaning
tools and products from one place to
another reduces musculoskeletal
load.
N Stable stepladders should always be
used instead of chairs or other
furniture to reach higher objects.
Climbing the stepladder should be
done wearing proper shoes with antislip
soles, and never with both hands
occupied.
N Waste bags should be handled using
gloves, and bags must never be
compressed.
N As a preventive measure, hospital
cleaners should be vaccinated against
hepatitis B.
N Before the application of cleaning
products, the following should be
considered:25
– Is it really necessary to use this
strong/irritant product (ammonia,
bleach, strong acids, degreasing
sprays) or could it be replaced by
other, less aggressive products?
– If necessary, could it be used
less frequently, and/or in smaller
quantities?
– Could it be used in another application
form? (glass cleaning sprays
can often without inconvenience
be replaced by glass cleaning
liquids, and inhalatory exposure
consequently reduced.)
N In order to avoid dermal effects on
the hands, the use of gloves can be
recommended when working with
cleaning products. In addition, direct
skin contact with cleaning products
should be avoided; wet hands should
be minimised, and if wet, dried
thoroughly. Finally, an appropriate
hand cream should be applied after
work.
N The mixing of cleaning products
should always be avoided; even
liquid multi-use cleaning products
(for example, for mopping floors)
may contain bleach, and decalcifiers
and toilet cleaners may contain acids.
Surfaces should be rinsed after application
of a cleaning product before
using a second product (if necessary).
N During and after the use of cleaning
products, windows should always be
opened to increase the ventilation
rate. Cleaners should avoid staying in
the same room immediately after the
application of strongly irritant cleaning
agents.
N Respiratory protection can be recommended
in cases of expected high
airborne exposures to ammonia or
other irritants, by using a proper
mask or a damp cloth.