Cleaning with chemicals is an essential task in many industries, from healthcare and hospitality to food production and household maintenance. However, without proper precautions, it can pose risks to your health and safety. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) acts as a critical barrier between you and hazardous substances. But simply having PPE isn’t enough—it’s crucial to use it correctly.
Chemical cleaning agents often contain ingredients that can irritate the skin, damage the eyes, or cause respiratory issues. Properly using PPE minimizes these risks and ensures compliance with workplace safety regulations such as OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) guidelines.
Types of PPE for chemical cleaning
Before diving into best practices, it’s essential to understand the types of PPE used when handling cleaning chemicals:
Gloves
Protect your hands from chemical burns, irritation, and absorption. Nitrile gloves are often preferred as they resist many cleaning agents better than latex or vinyl gloves.
Eye protection
Safety goggles or face shields protect your eyes from splashes.
Respirators
These prevent inhalation of harmful vapors or fumes. Choose a respirator suitable for the chemicals being used (e.g., N95 or cartridge-based).
Protective clothing
Aprons, coveralls, or chemical-resistant suits protect skin and regular clothing.
Footwear
Non-slip, chemical-resistant boots safeguard your feet while preventing slips on wet surfaces.
Steps to use PPE effectively
1. Assess the cleaning environment
- Identify potential hazards by reviewing Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for the chemicals being used.
- Understand the required PPE for each cleaning task based on the chemical’s toxicity and method of application.
2. Inspect PPE before use
- Check gloves, goggles, and respirators for any damage or wear.
- Ensure the fit is secure—loose PPE can fail to provide adequate protection.
3. Don PPE correctly
- Wash your hands before putting on gloves to avoid contamination.
- Secure goggles or face shields tightly to prevent splashes from reaching your eyes.
- Wear respiratory protection last, ensuring it forms a complete seal around your nose and mouth.
4. Follow proper cleaning procedures
- Handle chemicals in well-ventilated areas or near exhaust fans to minimise fume exposure.
- Avoid mixing chemicals unless explicitly stated safe to do so; combinations like bleach and ammonia can create toxic gases.
5. Remove PPE safely
- Remove gloves by peeling them off inside out, without touching the outer surface.
- Wash your hands immediately after taking off gloves or any other PPE.
- Decontaminate reusable PPE like goggles or respirator cartridges as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
6. Store PPE appropriately
- Store PPE in a clean, dry area away from chemicals.
- Regularly replace disposable PPE and inspect reusable equipment for signs of wear or damage.
Common mistakes to avoid
Skipping PPE
Rushing through tasks without wearing PPE, even for “quick jobs,” can lead to serious injuries.
Reusing disposable PPE
Always dispose of single-use gloves and masks after each session.
Improper fit
Ill-fitting PPE, such as loose goggles or oversized gloves, can compromise safety.
Neglecting training
Ensure all staff handling chemicals are trained in PPE use and hazard awareness.
Toolbox talk for PPE
Workplace safety begins with a hazard assessment using tools like risk assessments and Job Safety Analysis (JSA). Apply the hierarchy of controls, and if risks remain, select and train employees on proper PPE use. Regular toolbox talks ensure PPE is suitable, available, and effective.
Need help implementing effective safety measures? Explore our expert guides and training resources to ensure your team is fully equipped.
Key takeaways
- PPE is your first line of defense when working with cleaning chemicals.
- Always read chemical labels and SDS to understand the risks and necessary precautions.
- Regularly inspect, use, and maintain PPE to maximize its effectiveness.
- Proper training is essential for ensuring the safety of all team members.
By following these guidelines, you can create a safer cleaning environment while reducing health risks.
