Poor custodial practices can lead to accidents, injuries, and even death.
The Negative Outcomes of Poor Custodial Practices
Poor cleaning practices can commonly result in accidents and preventable deaths, including:
- Slip and fall accidents can occur when floors are not properly cleaned and there is a build-up of dirt, grime, or spills. These accidents can lead to severe injuries, such as broken bones, head injuries, and even death.
- Falls from ladders can occur when ladders are not correctly set up or when workers are not using proper safety equipment. These falls can also lead to severe injuries, including head injuries, spinal cord injuries, and even death.
- Exposure to hazardous chemicals can occur when cleaning products are not properly used or stored. These chemicals can cause various health problems, including respiratory issues, skin irritation, and even death.
- Electrocution can occur when cleaning equipment is not grounded correctly or when workers come into contact with live wires and can be fatal. [1]
Understanding the Dangers of Cleaning Chemical Exposure
Cleaning supplies and disinfectants can release dangerous pollutants into the air, resulting in various health problems, including respiratory problems, headaches, and allergic reactions.
Some of the most common pollutants released by cleaning supplies and household chemicals include:
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
- Formaldehyde
- Ammonia
- Chlorine
- Pesticides
VOCs
VOCs are chemicals that vaporize at room temperature, often originating from numerous sources, including cleaning supplies, paints, and furniture.
VOCs can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat and cause headaches, dizziness, and nausea.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a colorless, strong-smelling gas commonly employed in various products, including building materials, adhesives, and cosmetics.
Formaldehyde can cause respiratory problems, including asthma, and can also increase cancer risk.
Ammonia
Ammonia is a colorless, pungent gas often found in cleaning supplies, fertilizers, and refrigerants.
Ammonia can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat and cause respiratory problems, such as asthma.
Chlorine
Chlorine is a greenish-yellow gas found in cleaning supplies, swimming pools, and water treatment.
Chlorine can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat and cause respiratory problems, such as asthma.
Pesticides
Pesticides are chemicals used to kill pests, such as insects, rodents, and weeds.
Pesticides can be harmful to human health, and they can also pollute the environment.
Tips to Reduce Exposure
To reduce your exposure to pollutants from cleaning supplies and household chemicals, you can:
- Use natural cleaning products whenever possible.
- Open windows and doors when you clean to ventilate the area.
- Wear gloves and a mask when cleaning.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after cleaning.
Additionally, those with allergies or respiratory problems may want to avoid using cleaning supplies altogether. Instead, you can hire a professional cleaner to clean your home.
Recommended Best Practices
Businesses and organizations can help prevent accidents and deaths by following recommended custodial practices, including:
- Training employees on proper cleaning procedures.
- Providing employees with the proper safety equipment.
- Ensuring that cleaning products are appropriately labeled and stored.
- Conducting regular safety inspections.
Additionally:
- Never mix cleaning products, as this can create dangerous fumes.
- Be aware of your surroundings and watch for hazards like slippery surfaces or uneven walkways.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after cleaning or disinfecting.
- Report any unsafe conditions to your supervisor immediately.
References
- Top 10 Safety Hazards Janitors Face. (n.d.). CleanLink. https://www.cleanlink.com/news/article/Top-10-Safety-Hazards-Janitors-Face--27386
- American Lung Association. (2020, July 13). Cleaning Supplies and Household Chemicals | American Lung Association. Www.lung.org. https://www.lung.org/clean-air/at-home/indoor-air-pollutants/cleaning-supplies-household-chem
Takeaway
Poor custodial practices can have serious consequences, including accidents, injuries, and even death.
Businesses and organizations can help prevent these tragedies by following recommended best practices, such as training employees on proper cleaning procedures, providing them with the appropriate safety equipment, and ensuring that cleaning products are appropriately labeled and stored.
Alternatively, outsourcing is a proven method for onboarding highly in-demand cleaning and disinfection services and experience for a fraction of the price of maintaining a similar service in-house.
If you would like more information regarding the effectiveness of high-performance infection prevention and control measures, or if you would like to schedule a free, no-obligation on-site assessment of your facility's custodial needs, contact us today for a free quote!
In Bakersfield, CA, call (661) 437-3253
In Fresno, CA, call (559) 206-1059
In Valencia, CA, or Santa Clarita, CA, call (661) 437-3253
In Palmdale, CA, or Lancaster, CA, call (661) 371-4756
