In the cleaning and janitorial industry, it is one of the most dangerous areas to combine two cleaning agents that are incompatible with each other. There is a possibility that many employees do not know that if some cleaning agents are combined, they will create a dangerous chemical reaction, which will release, toxic, gas, create harmful fumes, or cause Severe chemical burns.

for example, when an employee combines bleach with ammonia or an acid base cleaner, he/she creates a poisonous gas, which can affect the respiratory system, damage the lungs in an ultimately result in death. These types of chemical reactions usually occur very quickly.

therefore, employees have very little time to evacuate the area. Even though some cleaning agents may appear harmless when used alone, they may become extremely hazardous when combine. It is vital to understand that the compatibility of cleaning agents due to the fact that even though a simple error, such as combining cleaning agents in the same bucket or using a second cleaning agent right after the first cleaning agent without properly rinsing off the first cleaning agent can create a life-threatening situation. all janitorial employees must be aware of the potential risk associated with the chemical hazards to protect themselves, their fellow employees, their customers and the general public. Employee should always read the label of each product in the safety data sheets prior to using any unfamiliar cleaning agents. employee should also follow the directions provided by the manufacturer of each product employees must use the correct personal protective equipment. Employee should never combine cleaning products unless they have been instructed to do so by the manufacturer of the cleaning product. An employee who notices unusual fumes, strong odors, coughing, burning eyes, having difficulty breathing, should immediately exit the contaminated area and follow the companies emergency response plan. Chemical safety is not simply a company requirement, it is a responsibility that can prevent serious injury as well as long-term health problems, or even death. Understanding, chemical hazards in following safe handling practices daily, janitorial employees can assist in creating a safer workplace for all.