Cleaning and janitorial employees work with chemicals everyday. and it is important that they understand the hazards that can come with them. Even common cleaning products can cause serious harm if they are used incorrectly, mixed with incompatible chemicals, or used without the proper protection. Chemical exposure can happen through inhalation, skin contact, ingestion, or other means, and the effects can range from irritation and allergic reactions to burns, respiratory problems, serious illness, or even death. Employees need to understand what products they are working with, follow labels and safety procedures, use the appropriate protective equipment, and know where to find safety information when they need it.

One of the most dangerous mistakes an employee can make is assuming that because two products are safe to use separately, thy are safe to mix together. Incompatible chemicals can react and create toxic gases, fires, explosions, or other dangerous conditions. Proper training helps employees recognize these hazards before an accident happens instead of learning about them after someone gets hurt. Understanding chemical hazards protects the employee using the product, their coworkers, our clients, and anyone else who may be in the area. Chemical safety should be part of every cleaning company's training because protecting people is always more important than simply getting the job done.