Bleach, degreasers, descalers, dishwasher products, stain removers: in a kitchen or a hotel many products are used every day. Used badly, they irritate the skin, eyes and airways, and some burn.
What the regulations say
Real Decreto 374/2001 protects workers against chemical agents. The employer must assess the risks, replace dangerous products with less dangerous ones if it can, provide protective equipment and train and inform. The products are classified and labelled under the CLP Regulation (Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008).
Reading the label
Every container carries:
- The name of the product.
- One or more pictograms, in the shape of a diamond with a red border.
- A signal word: "Danger" (more serious) or "Warning" (less serious).
- Hazard statements (H phrases) and precautionary statements (P phrases).
- The details of the company that makes or distributes it.
Some pictograms:
- Corrosion: burns the skin and seriously damages the eyes.
- Exclamation mark: irritates the skin or eyes, or is harmful.
- Flame: flammable.
- Skull and crossbones: toxic if inhaled, in contact with the skin or swallowed.
- Health hazard: may cause long-term harm, for example respiratory allergy.
Safety data sheet
For products for professional use, the supplier must provide a safety data sheet (SDS). It has 16 sections in a fixed format set by the REACH Regulation. It covers the hazards, first-aid measures, the recommended personal protection and what to do in case of a spill. It must be available where the product is used, in a language you understand, and you can ask for it.
Basic rules
- Read the label before using a new product.
- Never mix products. Bleach with ammonia produces toxic gases (chloramines). Bleach with an acid descaler produces chlorine. If in doubt, use one product at a time.
- Measure the dose as the manufacturer says. More product does not clean better, and it does increase the risk.
- Never put a product into a drink or food container. If you have to decant, the new container must carry its own label.
- Ventilate the room while you clean and do not breathe in vapours.
- Wear gloves suited to the product (the ones in the sheet), goggles if there is a splash risk and closed footwear.
- Store them closed, in their place, away from food and heat, and out of the reach of customers and children.
- Wash your hands after using them and do not eat or drink while handling them.
Substances and sensitisation
Some substances cause dermatitis (dry, red, cracked skin) or respiratory allergy (cough, breathlessness, rhinitis). Rubber gloves that are damp inside also irritate: wear cotton ones underneath and change them if they get wet. If you notice symptoms that improve at weekends, tell your manager and health surveillance.
If there is an accident
- Skin: take off contaminated clothing and wash with plenty of water for several minutes.
- Eyes: rinse with plenty of water for several minutes, without rubbing, and seek medical attention.
- Inhalation: get out into the fresh air.
- Swallowing: do not induce vomiting; call 112 with the product label in front of you.
- Spill: raise the alarm and follow the instructions in the sheet.
The employer's part
Keep the sheets to hand, provide the right gloves and goggles, train staff on each product, label the containers and check whether less dangerous products exist.