October 26, 2003—The UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published a new information sheet giving advice about using cleaning chemicals safely in the hospitality industry. The sheet is designed for managers and their staff who may be using such cleaning chemicals as heavy-duty drain cleaning products, oven cleaners, toilet cleaners, and bleaches.
It provides practical advice on how health risks may be avoided or reduced by ensuring control measures are in place, such as having safe handling and storage arrangements. It highlights the need to provide information and training for staff that use cleaning chemicals.
It also contains several real life case studies highlighting the risks people may encounter. The most common risks are from chemicals coming into contact with the skin or eyes by breathing in or swallowing. Without proper controls, some may cause dermatitis or other skin irritations, as well as asthma and breathing problems.
Free copies of “Safe use of cleaning chemicals in the hospitality industry,” Catering Information Sheet no. 22, are available online from the HSE, or from HSE Books, PO Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk, CO10 2WA, tel: 01787-881165 or fax: 01787-313995. For more information on steps to controlling chemicals in all workplaces, see COSHH essentials on the HSE Web site.
