In most industries, the use of industrial detergents is standard practice. From bactericidal detergent for cleaning and sanitising in food preparation areas to algicide for controlling moss and algae growth. However, storing and handling them is often overlooked, causing spillages, eye damage and skin conditions such as contact dermatitis. To highlight the importance of storing and handling industrial detergents. In this blog, we will discuss the best practices to follow.
Read All Instructions
According to the HSE (Health & Safety Executive), all detergents which are classified as hazardous must be labelled and packaged with the name of the product, address and contact details of the manufacturer, a list of chemicals in the detergent as well as the recommended quantities and dosage instructions. Before using any industrial detergent, it is essential to carefully read the labelling and familiarise yourself with the storage requirements and the instructions. In general, industrial detergents are recommended to be stored in a cool, dark and well-ventilated place away from direct sunlight, hot surfaces or air vents and out of the reach of children and pets. However, most hazardous industrial detergents may have slightly different guidance or instructions.
Always Wear PPE
To prevent skin and eye irritation, it is advised to wear proper PPE (personal protective equipment) when handling and using industrial detergents. These include gloves, eye goggles and chemical resistant aprons or overalls. PPE acts as a layer of protection to prevent skin burns and other skin conditions if a spillage occurs while handling it. While less hazardous industrial detergents do not require a full set of PPE, it is always recommended to wear appropriate gloves to protect your hands when handling any industrial detergent as it’s possible to develop an allergic reaction at any time. Afterall, industrial detergents are classified as chemicals.
Carry Out A Risk Assessment
By law, it is an employer’s requirement to protect their employees from harm. For that reason, all businesses who use industrial detergents as part of their operations must carry out a risk assessment. This involves identifying the hazards, determining how likely they are to occur in the workplace, taking action to eliminate or control each hazard, recording the findings and reviewing them regularly. Each business will have a different risk assessment, depending on specific hazards and plan of action.
Provide Information & Training To Staff
As well as carrying out a risk assessment, it is also a responsibility for employers to provide information and staff training. In this case, training on the storage and handling of industrial detergent to reduce hazards, ensuring a safe and healthy work environment. If staff are untrained on the matter, the chances of misusing chemicals is higher. For example, if a worker uses more than the recommended dosage of general floor cleaner, it could make surfaces slippery, causing a safety hazard to the worker and others.
Industrial Detergents At Britclean
Once these practices are followed, you can ensure your workplace is not only clean but also safe for workers and others. If you happen to be looking for industrial detergents for your workplace needs, Britclean supplies a wide range of industrial cleaning products including car care, traffic film removers, general cleaning as well as bespoke formulations to match your exact requirements. Most of our products are also suitable to use in high pressure washers.
For more information on our products or if you’re looking for a specific formulation, please contact us today and we will be happy to find a solution to satisfy your industrial cleaning needs.