HAZARDS OF THE JOB AND IN
THE WORKPLACE
Occupational hazards in cleaning work
may depend on the working tasks and
cleaning equipment applied, on the
cleaning products used, and on the
environment to be cleaned. Regarding
the latter, exposures are often inherent
to the type of environment where the
cleaning is performed and hence risks
are related to the function of the
cleaning location. A Finnish study suggested
that the risk of asthma was
highest for cleaners of industrial sites
with a recognised risk of occupational
asthma.8 Thus, exposures to products or
waste from the manufacturing process
where the cleaning is performed may be
relevant.
Cleaners have unfavourable working
hours; they often clean after or before
regular working hours. In many offices
and factories, mechanical ventilation,
heating, and air conditioning are frequently
turned off or are functioning at
lower level during these hours.
Consequently, cleaners are often
exposed to cold, heat, and poor ventilation,
and in the case of surgery rooms,
laboratories, or workshops this may
result in increased respiratory exposures.
Workplace exposure to cleaning products
is ubiquitous and occurs in both
industrial and non-industrial settings. It
is not unusual for these products to be
used in higher concentrations or larger
amounts than necessary. This may be
related to the deep rooted though
unfounded belief that cleaning is done
better and/or quicker this way. Mainly
physical, safety, chemical, and psychosocial
hazards can be distinguished in
cleaning work.