Page 24 - TRAINING MODULE_BTM

BUMI TUNGGAL MAJU SDN BHD TRAINING MODULE

• Slips, trips and falls

• Machinery hazards

• Fire and Electricity

What are the chemical hazards in Contract Cleaning?

Most cleaning products are made up of the following:
• Acids and bases such as hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, formic acid, sodium hydroxide, and

ammonium

• Hydroxides are found in cleaning products for bathrooms and in products to remove lime,
concrete, and cement.

• They can cause irritation and severe burns of the skin, eyes and respiratory system if their
fumes are inhaled.

• Organic solvents and detergents such as white spirits, turpentine, acetone, aromatic
hydrocarbons, and alcoholmay be found in degreasing products used on floors and other

surfaces. These can cause irritation of the skin,respiratory system (through inhalation of

vapours), and a toxic effect on the nervous system, brain, kidneys, and liver.
• Disinfectants such as formaldehyde, glyoxal, and quaternary ammonium compounds can

cause allergicreactions and burns to the skin and mucous membranes.
• Fragrances and colouring agents found in many types of product can cause allergic reactions.

What protective measures should be taken when workingwith chemicals?

Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
Safety Data Sheets should be available for all hazardous chemicals used by cleaning staff. The

chemical supplier or manufacturer is responsible for providing this. The Safety Data Sheet
should be in English and should be easily accessible to the worker. Information in the SDS

should be used to make workers aware what hazards are present in the chemicals being handled
and how to protect themselves whilst handling it e.g. safety gloves may be required if the

chemical is an irritant or corrosive.

Labels on Chemical Containers

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