Cleaning and janitorial employees regularly work with chemicals designed to remove soils, disinfect surfaces, dissolve grease, control odors, and perform other specialized cleaning tasks. While these products are valuable tools, they can also present hazards when used incorrectly. Depending on the chemical, improper use can cause skin or eye irritation, chemical burns, breathing difficulties, poisoning, or other injuries. Some products can also create dangerous reactions when mixed together. Understanding product labels, Safety Data Sheets (SDS), required personal protective equipment, proper dilution, ventilation, storage, and handling procedures helps employees recognize these hazards before an accident occurs.

Chemical safety also involves understanding that familiarity does not necessarily mean a product is harmless. Cleaning employees may use the same chemicals every day, which can make it easy to become less cautious over time. Using an unlabeled container, mixing products, applying too much chemical, failing to wear appropriate protective equipment, or using a product in a poorly ventilated area can quickly turn a routine cleaning task into a hazardous situation. When cleaning and janitorial employees understand chemical hazards and know how to respond to spills, accidental contact, or exposure, they are better prepared to protect themselves, their coworkers, building occupants, and the properties in which they work.