Green cleaning services make significant strides towards better adhering to OSHA office safety standards regulating workplace safety.
Cleaning Services and OSHA Standards
OSHA has published an exhaustive list of requirements and standards regulating office safety.
These regulations are unusually specific regarding the control of hazardous chemical exposure to workers.
Not only does OSHA require the employer to train employees in the safe handling and disposal of chemical-based cleaning solutions, but they must also supply and train staff in the proper use of protective equipment.
Additionally, companies must post notifications regarding the storage of chemical cleaners in common areas.
Even a minor amount of accidental exposure can result in severe illness and financial penalties, and OSHA has been clear on its expectations of employer responsibilities and worker rights.
For More Information:
Chemicals Commonly Found in Commercial Cleaners
You often hear that Green Cleaning products do not contain the harsh chemicals found in their commercial counterparts; but what exactly are those chemicals?
Phthalates
Uses:
[sic]...soften and increase the flexibility of plastic and vinyl.
Commonly Found In:
Fragranced products such as dish soap and air fresheners.
Health Concerns:
- Potentially carcinogenic.
- Reduced sperm count in men.
How It's Absorbed:
Phthalates are most commonly absorbed through inhalation or the skin.
Triclosan
Uses:
[sic]... an ingredient added to many consumer products to reduce or prevent bacterial contamination.
Commonly Found In:
Antibacterial soap.
Health Concerns:
Excessive use of Triclosan can promote the increase of drug-resistant bacteria, such as MRSA, as well as antibiotic-resistant microbes.
Why It's Dangerous:
Currently, it does not appear that Triclosan presents any direct danger to humans; it is the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, created through its overuse, that is most concerning.
2-Butoxyethanol
Uses:
2-Butoxyethanol is widely used as a solvent in protective surface coatings such as spray lacquers, quick-dry lacquers, enamels, varnishes, and latex paints.
It is also used as an ingredient in paint thinners and strippers, varnish removers, agricultural chemicals, herbicides, silicon caulks, cutting oils, and hydraulic fluids.
It has other uses in metal cleaners, fabric dyes and inks, industrial and household cleaners (as a degreaser), and dry-cleaning compounds.
It is also used in liquid soaps and in cosmetics.
Commonly Found In:
Kitchen and multi-purpose cleaners.
Health Concerns:
- A sore throat.
- Narcosis.
- Pulmonary Edema.
- Severe liver and kidney damage.
How It's Absorbed:
2-Butoxyethanol is most commonly absorbed by humans through inhalation.
Ammonia
Uses:
About 80% of the ammonia produced by industry is used in agriculture as fertilizer.
Ammonia is also used as a refrigerant gas, for purification of water supplies, and in the manufacture of plastics, explosives, textiles, pesticides, dyes and other chemicals.
It is found in many household and industrial-strength cleaning solutions.
Household ammonia cleaning solutions are manufactured by adding ammonia gas to water and can be between 5 and 10% ammonia. Ammonia solutions for industrial use may be concentrations of 25% or higher and are corrosive.
Commonly Found In:
Glass cleaner and polishes for bathroom fixtures.
Health Concerns:
- Asthma.
- Chronic Bronchitis.
- Severe reactions in those with breathing problems.
How It's Absorbed:
Ammonia is almost exclusively absorbed through inhalation in humans.
Green and DIY Alternative Solutions
There are several resources available to assist those concerned with the health and safety of their cleaning products reduce exposure to hazardous chemicals and their impact on humans and the environment.
If you would like to learn more about how Green Cleaning Services can protect the safety of your employees and your business, contact us today for a free quote!
In Bakersfield CA, call 661-395-3009
In Fresno CA, call 559-473-1790
