It's extremely important for all cleaning employees and staff to know about bloodborne pathogens because of how quick and easy we can be affected by it. A simple cut or being around someone who is sickly or bleeding and without proper knowledge you could be putting yourself in harms way of potentially contracting an illness or even worse. Understanding what to do and what not to do is truly an advantage because this doesn't have to be in the workplace, this can come from anywhere and from anybody..

We are all using cleaning products. They encompass a large variety of household chemicals including laundry detergents, dishwashing detergents, softeners, toilet cleaners, glass cleaners, polishers - to name just a few. Of course, cleaning products are needed, but how safe are they?

Let's take a look at Fragrances in Cleaning Products that are Complex Mixtures that May Include Toxic or Hazardous Chemicals

Cleaning products are made up of complex mixtures of chemicals, some of which may pose serious health risks. Apart from the detergent components (such as surfactants), many chemicals may be added to a cleaning product to provide a nice smell or neutralize bad smells. These are fragrance compounds. Approximately 2500 substances are used in fragrances, which may contain from 10 to more than 300 different chemical compounds. While the number of individual chemicals in cleaning product fragrances vary, even the so-called "green" products or products with no smell were found to contain fragrance chemicals. So, the lack of smell in a cleaning product does not necessarily mean it contains no fragrance chemicals. The fragrance chemicals may still be present in order to eliminate bad smells.

Fragrance Chemicals May Not Be Disclosed on Product Labels

One may wonder that such a large number of chemicals potentially present in cleaning products would certainly attract attention on the product label. However, U.S. regulations do not necessarily require disclosure of all ingredients in a consumer product, or of any ingredients in a mixture called "fragrance." In addition, fragrance formulas are considered trade secrets and components that make up the fragrance portion of the product are not revealed on labels. Therefore, the fragrance chemicals may not be listed on the product label. This was recently found to be the case in other countries such as Greece - with most fragrance chemicals found to be lacking from tested product labels.

People May Be Exposed to Chemicals from Cleaning Products in Several Ways Including Direct Skin Contact and Inhalation of Volatilized Compounds

Disclosed or not, some of the fragrance chemicals may be harmful to humans and are classified as toxic or hazardous under U.S. federal laws. Many of the chemicals used in fragrances are synthetic compounds derived from petroleum. They include benzene derivatives, aldehydes and many other known toxics and sensitizers capable of causing cancer, birth defects, central nervous system disorders and allergic reactions. Fragrance is increasingly cited as a trigger in health conditions such as asthma, allergies and migraine headaches. In addition, some fragrance materials have been found to accumulate in adipose tissue and are present in breast milk. Other materials are suspected of being hormone disruptors.

Consumers may be exposed to these toxic chemicals in several ways, particularly through direct skin contact and by breathing the vapors of these chemicals released in the air. Let us consider each of these potential exposure pathways. The first one involves the use of the products with direct skin contact possibly occurring each time the product is used. The second pathway certainly happens when the products are used, but it can also happen in between uses - depending on where and how the products are stored and how much of the indoor air gets exchanged/replaced periodically. In general, the potential inhalation pathway may become more important than skin exposure.

While people may get exposed to harmful chemicals potentially present in cleaning products, this may not necessarily translate in any type of harm. As is well known, the dose makes the poison, or, in other words, the exposure needs to reach a certain level to trigger any health risk. Both the duration of the exposure (e.g., the time toxic vapors are breathed in) and the amount of chemicals to which people are exposed (e.g. the concentration of the toxic vapors from the breathing area) contribute to the potential risk.

While no studies have addressed such potential health risks, here are some tips that should help minimize any potential exposure to toxic fragrance chemicals in cleaning products:

• Cleaning products should be kept in tightly-closed containers and in cool enclosed spaces away from the normal breathing zone. For example, keeping all cleaning products in a closet in the garage or a room where little time is spent by the home inhabitants may be the most important step toward minimizing any potential risks posed by chemicals in cleaning products. Alternatively, keeping such products in well-ventilated places may also reduce exposure risks. Keeping such products in containers that are not tightly closed and which are placed in open spaces within the bathroom or bedroom may be a bad idea, since vapors may escape even from closed containers and without producing an obvious smell. Such vapors may be continuously breathed in by inhabitants spending a longer time in these rooms. Keep in mind that higher temperatures are typically associated with higher volatilization rates, so cool storing places are always better.

• Minimize the use of cleaning products, or even eliminate them altogether if not absolutely necessary, to reduce or eliminate any potential exposure to toxic components. While laundry detergents may not be avoided, other types of cleanings products such as toilet cleaners, glass cleaners or softeners could be rarely or not at all used. Instead, soap and water may provide safer alternatives.

• Wear gloves while using any cleaning product and a face mask to substantially reduce the risk of any potential exposure to harmful components.

• Keep the room where such products are used well ventilated.

So, In Conclusion Are Cleaning Products Safe?

We don't know for sure if regular use is entirely safe. We do know that, in large quantities, many of these products are harmful to us and the environment. Even in lower doses, fragrance compounds may pose emerging health and environmental concerns. Until more detailed studies dealing with potential exposure risks from cleaning products become available, potential risks exist when cleaning products are used. Consumers and companies alike need to push for such studies. However, using and storing cleaning products wisely (see the tips provided in this article) could minimize or eliminate such potential risks, while you can still enjoy the benefits that make cleaning products so popular.

To find Green Clean Companies you can search the IJCSA Green Cleaning Directory and get the assistance you need to start living safe.

Having the cleaning employees and staff educated on bloodborne pathogens, will stop the contamination and spreading of disease. Proper protective practices that are communicated and documented to the staff, helps to provide a guide to keep safe.

Knowing what to do and who to go to in case of exposure, helps minimize the risk spreading or contamination. Documentation of exposure cases help to make incidents recorded. When working always keep in mind that unless you have sterilized the area it may be contaminated.

Never hold laundry or bags close to your body, treating those as if contaminated can stop exposure. The universal precautions are there for staff safety and knowing them can help cut the risk of exposure.

When it comes to janitorial customer service, there is no need to look any further than IJCSA.  My personal company, Partners in Grime, as well as all of the other companies that are certified through IJCSA put customer service first on the list.  

To all of us, a happy customer will keep coming back, and will also be our very best form of advertising.  Our philosophy is that this customer comes first, always.  We want you to know that you are heard.  We understand all of your needs. We will meet and exceed all of your expectations.  If you should ever have a question or concern, we are here for you in a timely fashion.  You will never wait days or weeks for a return phonecall.  Our lines of communication are always open to our clients, past, present, and future!  Whatever area you live in, just click on this link IJCSA Business Directory, and you will find the best of the best, who will work hard for you.

All industries, at some level, either employ janitorial staff or have employees who perform janitorial duties. It is of vital importance that these workers are educated about the occupational hazards they might reasonably be expected to encounter. By definition, janitorial duties include activities which potentially expose individuals to bloodborne pathogens; therefore, this is a subject that is especially relevant to workers in this sector. Even when no actual blood is involved, activities such as the most basic and necessary task of cleaning restrooms, involve the very real possibility of coming into contact with bodily fluids which may be contaminated with bloodborne pathogens.

It is, therefore, of critical importance that all janitorial staff know about the nature and risks of bloodborne pathogens and the procedures and practices that minimize those risks so that they can stay safe and healthy while continuing to provide high quality service. Whenever the possibility of exposure to bloodborne pathogens exists, it is important for those that are at risk for such exposure, to proactively follow the procedures and practices that have been deemed by medical and safety professionals to meet the highest standards. These are collectively called the Universal Precautions. They protect workers by minimizing their exposure to potential risks. In addition, by requiring employees to understand and adhere to these "Universal Precautions," an employer protects their business from potentially costly issues caused by failure to comply with safety regulations.

To search for a janitorial company with appropriately trained employees, follow the link below:

https://www.ijcsa.org/Janitorial-Service-Directory-Find-A-Janitorial-Service-JanitorialServices

Its important for cleaning staff to have basic bloodborne pathogens knowledge so employees can have a safe work enviroment. Having a sanitize work environment will let staff be able to handle any situation they may face. Like the video said having a good defense is a good offense,having a clean work enviroment a good defense to have against bloodborne pathogens.

Blood can have numerous pathogens that can be infectious. HIV and HBV are bloodborne diseases that can have serious symptoms that any cleaning staff should at least be aware. Being aware of infectious diseases will give the cleaning staff the importance of a clean work environment.

Having been through the recent pandemic we can see how easily a disease can spread and that's with protocols we have in place. Not having basic knowledge and understanding of a pathogen can lead to a worse outcome then we intend to have, it's very important for the cleaning staff to have understanding of bloodborne pathogens.

Working around bloodborne pathogens is a safety hazard. Proper training and knowledge are key to keeping your workers safe from harm. Understanding the different types of disease that can carry pathogens in the blood.

Proper PPE's are a must to keep the spread of disease down. Even with ppe's you are still at risk. Wearing PPE'S at all times around infectious disease can help keep you safe. Proper disposal is also very important in eliminating spread after the job is complete. Washing hands and sanitizing ppe's are contact with blood is extremely important 

If coming in contact with blood it is important that the proper way to clean and treat the area is done immediately. Having the contact information for infectious disease on hand is a must. Training refreshers yearly and  keeping your employees aware of the dangers they will face in certain cleaning situations are very important to keep them safe. 

The cleaning industry has been taking a toll on our planet for several decades. The use of harmful cleaning chemicals have contributed towards negative climate changes in addition to pollution and other environmental factors. Ironically the sole purpose of chemical cleaners only serves to leave our world in immoral conditions as it leads to an increase in waste and contaminants.

Chemicals are primarily created/ produced in labs or factories where they often exhaust harmful pollutants in the atmosphere or water ways. This in return damages our ozone layer and contributes to more global warming. Our water ways contain many animals that have to suffer from the harsh toxicity as well. Without really knowing consumers who purchase and use these products are inflicting damage to our ecosystems and endangering habitats of precious wildlife.

It is important to note that natural green products are just as effective as chemically induced solutions and has the reciprocal effect on our planet. We could save a lot of our planet if we adopt to greener solutions and make it a norm for the cleaning industry.

Find Local Certified Green Cleaning Companies Here

In this line of work it is always safety first, never knowing what you may encounter. The cleaning business in the middle of what is to be considered the worst Pandemic ever to hit the world. Simply changing out a trash bag without the proper protection (gloves and glasses) could cause you to get a cut from some glass or needle or even com in contact with some unknown fluid(s).

I require all of my employees to take this course and I pay for it, they say knowledge is power and I aim high. Something as simple as cleaning a surface(s) with a sharp edge which is invisible to the naked eye, without the proper gear could end fatal. 

More importantly, knowing the correct chemicals that is  OSHA approved to kill pathogens such as but not limited to, HBV or HIV. Having the proper protective  gear, with the approved products for disinfecting and sanitizing will always produce satisfied customers.

Bloodborne pathogens are pathogenic microorganisms that live within our blood, these pathogens are known to cause disease in humans, as a cleaning employees and it is our job to know how to properly handle, and clean an area which has been contaminated with blood, also knowing the proper disposal of contaminated materials.

Without proper knowledge of how to clean a contaminated area you run the risk of illness and even death as bloodborne pathogens very easily enter our bodies through breaks in the skin, cuts, and our nose and mouth as they can infect us by making contact with our mucus membrane.

There are procedures put in place to handle such contaminated items and areas, the cleaning employees along with staff should all be well aware and knowledgeable of these procedures for their safety and also the safety of the public.