Page 32 - TRAINING MODULE_BTM

BUMI TUNGGAL MAJU SDN BHD TRAINING MODULE

Floor finishes should be durable and appropriate for the prescribed maintenance method, but they

typically contain heavy metals such as zinc. Importantly, floor finishes should be compatible
with the stripping solution.

• Durability: Prefer finishes that are more durable (require less maintenancesuch as buffing,

restoring, and recoating) than less durable finishes thatrequire more frequent maintenance.
• Heavy metals: Prefer non-metal cross-linked polymers (e.g., zinc-free) ascompared to those

containing heavy metals. Another significant benefit ofnon-metal polymer formulas is that

frequently they can be removed withless hazardous floor strippers.

7. FLOOR STRIPPERS

Floor strippers typically have extreme (alkaline) pH, solvents, and ammoniated compounds to

remove metal cross-linked floor finishes. Floor strippers should be compatible with the floor
finish. The following are some of the specific issues to compare in this product category:

• pH: Prefer those with a pH closer to neutral (in the range of 10 to 12) ascompared to those

with extreme pH (closer to 14).

8. FURNITURE POLISHES

Furniture polishes frequently use petroleum distillates, which are poisonous and derived from a

non-renewable resource.

9. GENERAL DEGREASERS

General degreasers are typically heavy-duty cleaners that include solvents for removing oil-
based soils. Traditional solvents are typically derived from a nonrenewable sources (e.g.,

petroleum), can be flammable, and have high VOC levels that can cause respiratory irritation and
contribute to environmental pollution; some cause severe health impacts.

10. GENERAL DISINFECTANTS

General disinfectants are similar to cleaners (see All-Purpose Cleaners) with additional

ingredients to kill bacteria and other unwanted organisms (see Restroom Disinfectants). Because
disinfectants kill organisms, they are toxic by definition. Some are persistent in the environment

and accumulate in living tissue. Care in selection and use is important.

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