2 Evaluating Product Risks
2.1 What Are Your Highest Risk Products?
2.2 What Are The Highest Risk Ingredients?
2.3 Criteria To Use For Evaluating Products
2.4 Using MSDSs To Evaluate Risks Of Sample
Products
2.5 Selecting Protective Gear
In This Section - How do you find out what products have the greatest risks
to your janitors, and to the people who occupy the buildings that you service?
To start with we will talk about the kinds of work where janitors use strong
chemicals.
Next we will list the ingredients in these products that make them so
dangerous. We will use material safety data sheets (MSDSs) to find out how
these ingredients can harm the unprotected worker, and to tell us what
protection the user should wear.
To finish off the hour we will take a look at sample products to see what their
labels and MSDSs tell us about the risks that they have.
Looking Ahead - In the next section we will talk about safer janitorial
products that you can use, and how to go about finding and testing them.
Janitorial Chemicals Workshop July 1999 Page 2-1
2.1 What Are Your Highest Risk Products?
We have found that the highest risk janitorial products are generally ones that:
? are corrosive to the eyes and skin;
? are flammable;
? give off toxic fumes; or
? are poisonous.
Product Hazards Often Seen Do You Use
In This Kind Of Product This Product?
Acid Toilet Bowl Cleaner Corrosive to eyes and skin;
Can cause blindness
With Hydrochloric Acid
Metal Cleaner Poisonous,
Causes Cancer, or
With Perchloroethylene
Flammable
Carpet Spotter Poisonous,
Causes Cancer, or
With Perchloroethylene
Flammable
General Purpose Cleaner Corrosive to eyes and skin,
Poisonous, or
With Butoxyethanol, Sodium
Flammable
Hydroxide, & Ethanolamine
Floor Finish Stripper Corrosive to eyes and skin
& Poisonous
With Butoxyethanol, Sodium
Hydroxide, & Ethanolamine
Baseboard Stripper Corrosive to eyes and skin
& Poisonous
With Butoxyethanol, Sodium
Hydroxide, & Ethanolamine
Graffiti Remover Poisonous,
Causes Cancer, or
With Methylene Chloride or
Flammable
Perchloroethylene
Glass Cleaner Flammable, or
Poisonous
With Butoxyethanol
Disinfectant Corrosive to eyes and skin
& Poisonous
With Bleach, Phenol, Quats., or
Hydrogen Peroxide
Janitorial Chemicals Workshop July 1999 Page 2-2
2.2 What Are The Highest Risk Ingredients?
The following are examples of ingredients in janitorial products that pose the
greatest health hazards to the user, building occupants, and the environment in
general.
Type Examples Problems
Acids Hydrochloric Acid, Phosphoric Acid Corrosive -
Causes blindness
Damages skin
Sewer discharge pH too low
Caustic Sodium Hydroxide; Sodium Metasilicate; Corrosive -
Potassium Hydroxide Causes blindness
Damages skin
Sewer pH too high
Solvents Perchloroethylene Causes cancer
Butoxyethanol; Poison -
Ethanolamine Absorbs through skin & poisons
Toluene liver, kidneys, and a pregnant
woman's fetus
HCFC-141 Environmental -
Destroys the ozone layer; causes
global warming
Surfactants Alkyl Phenol Ethoxylates Environmental -
Persists in the environment;
bioaccumulates; affects animal
hormone systems
Disinfectants Bleach (Sodium Hypochlorite) Corrosive - Can burn eyes & skin
Reacts - Bleach mixed with acid or
ammonia causes poison gas
Paradichlorobenzene (Urinal Blocks) Causes cancer
Quaternary Ammonium Chloride Corrosive - Can burn eyes & skin
Janitorial Chemicals Workshop July 1999 Page 2-3
Where can you get more information about these ingredients? The best sources
are Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) for your janitorial products, or MSDSs for
the toxic ingredients themselves. In addition, our project has published a safety
summary of 100 common ingredients found in many janitorial products. Visit our
web site for details.
Janitorial Chemicals Workshop July 1999 Page 2-4
Do Not Use The Following Ingredients
Janitorial products with these ingredients pose unacceptable risks to the janitor, to
building occupants, or to the environment. Gloves and goggles, may not be enough
to fully protect the user from harm. In some instances the ingredients are illegal for
janitorial products.
A "Skin Poison" can absorb through your skin and poison your liver, kidneys, and
other internal organs. An "Inhale Poison" harms you when you breath the fumes.
"Corrosive" means that the chemical can permanently destroy your eyes and skin.
CAS Number Ingredient Name Problems
00100-51-6 Benzyl Alcohol Cancer / Corrosive / Skin Poison
00075-45-6 CFC-22; Chloro difluoro methane Illegal
68603-42-9 Coconut Oil Diethanolamine Cancer
00111-42-2 Diethanolamine Cancer
00075-68-3 HCFC-141 Illegal
00120-40-1 Lauric Acid Diethanolamine Cancer
00071-55-6 Methyl Chloroform; 1,1,1-TCE Skin Poison
00078-93-3 Methyl Ethyl Ketone Skin Poison
00091-20-3 Naphthalene Cancer / Corrosive / Skin Poison
18662-53-8 Nitrilotriacetic Acid Cancer
00106-46-7 Para dichloro benzene Cancer / Inhale Poison
00127-18-4 Tetrachloroethylene; Perchloroethylene Cancer / Skin & Inhale Poison
"PERC"
00108-88-3 Toluene Skin Poison
Tributyl Tin Illegal
00079-01-6 Trichloroethylene Inhale Poison
Janitorial Chemicals Workshop July 1999 Page 2-5
Use Extreme Care (Avoid if Possible)
If at all possible, avoid janitorial products with these ingredients. They pose very
high risks to the janitor using the product, to building occupants, or to the
environment. If there are no substitutes available, then assure that workers are fully
trained in safe handling and use, and assure that protective gloves and goggles are
worn at all times.
CAS Number Ingredient Name Problems
00111-76-2 2-Butoxy Ethanol Skin Poison
00090-43-7 2-Phenyl Phenol Eye & Skin Burns
00067-64-1 Acetone Skin/Inhale Poison
07664-41-7 Ammonia Corrosive
01341-49-7 Ammonium Bifluoride Corrosive
01336-21-6 Ammonium Hydroxide Corrosive
00628-63-7 Amyl Acetate Poison
00124-07-2 Caprylic Acid Corrosive / Skin Poison
00084-74-2 Dibutyl Phthalate Hormone Modifier
00112-34-5 Diethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether Skin Poison
07647-01-1 Hydrochloric Acid Corrosive
07722-84-1 Hydrogen Peroxide Corrosive
00079-14-1 Hydroxyacetic Acid Corrosive
00141-43-5 Monoethanolamine Burns / Skin Poison
09016-45-9 Nonyl Phenol Ethoxylate Hormone Modifier
09036-19-5 Octyl Phenol Ethoxylate Hormone Modifier
07664-38-2 Phosphoric Acid Corrosive
26027-38-3 Polyethylene Monophenyl Ether Hormone Modifier / Burns
07681-51-9 Sodium Hypochlorite; Bleach Corrosive
00102-71-6 Triethanolamine Skin Poison
01330-20-7 Xylene Burns / Skin & Inhale Poison
Janitorial Chemicals Workshop July 1999 Page 2-6
Use Extreme Care With These Ingredients
These ingredients are dangerous, but may have to be used because safer
substitutes are not readily available. Assure that workers are fully trained in safe
handling and use, and assure that protective gloves and goggles are worn at all
times (particularly when handling concentrated solutions). Also take care when
disposing of left over product, wastewaters, and empty containers.
CAS Number Ingredient Name Problems
00872-50-4 1-Methyl 2-Pyrolidinone Burns
08001-54-5 Alkyl Dimethyl Benzyl Ammonium Burns
Chloride
00334-48-5 Capric Acid Skin Poison
00111-46-6 Diethylene Glycol Skin Poison
00115-10-6 Dimethyl Ether Burns
29911-28-2 Dipropylene Glycol Butoxy Ether Skin Poison
Burns
25155-30-0 Dodecyl Benzene Sulfonate Burns
27176-87-0 Dodecylbenzne Sulfonic Acid Burns
00064-17-5 Ethanol Skin/Inhale
Poison
00122-99-6 Ethylene Glycol Phenyl Ether Burns
00067-63-0 Isopropanol Skin & Inhale Poison / Burns
08008-20-6 Kerosene Inhale Poison / Burns
00067-56-1 Methanol Inhale Poison
02809-21-4 Phosphonic Acid Corrosive
07320-34-5 Potassium Diphosphate Burns
01310-58-3 Potassium Hydroxide Burns
07681-38-1 Sodium Bisulfate Corrosive
00497-19-8 Sodium Carbonate Corrosive
01310-73-2 Sodium Hydroxide Corrosive
06834-92-0 Sodium Metasilicate Corrosive
05329-14-6 Sulfamic Acid Burns
08052-41-3 Stoddard Solvent Poison
Janitorial Chemicals Workshop July 1999 Page 2-7
Use Routine Care With These Ingredients
Some of these ingredients are dangerous, but risks of them getting into the body to
do harm are relatively low. For example, several of these ingredients have to be
eaten in order for toxic effects to be felt. Others are toxic only at concentrations and
quantities that are much higher than occur in janitorial products.
As with any chemical, assure that workers are fully trained in safe handling and use,
and assure that protective gloves and goggles are worn at all times (particularly
when handling concentrated solutions). Also take care when disposing of left over
product, wastewaters, and empty containers.
CAS Number Ingredient Name Problems
00770-35-4 1-Phenoxy-2-Propanol Inhale Irritant
00064-19-7 Acetic Acid Irritant / Burns
00120-32-1 Chlorophene Poison
05989-27-5 d-Limonene Inhale Irritant
00111-90-0 Diethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether Inhale Poison (Slight)
00111-77-3 Diethylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether Poison
02809-21-4 Diphosphonic Acid Poison
34590-94-8 Dipropylene Glycol Methyl Ether Skin Poison (Slight)
17572-97-3 EDTA Tetrapotassium Salt Irritant
00064-02-8 Ethylene Diamine Tetraacetic Acid Irritant
00097-86-9 Isobutyl Methacrylate Irritant
67741-65-7 Mineral Spirits Irritant
08030-30-6 Naphtha Inhale Poison
05324-84-5 Octane Sulfonic Acid Skin Poison (Slight)
68441-17-8 Oxidized Polyethylene Irritant
63148-62-9 Poly Dimethyl Siloxane Irritant
07757-82-6 Sodium Sulfate Irritant
07758-29-4 Sodium Tripoly Phosphate Irritant
01300-72-7 Sodium Xylene Sulfonate Skin Poison (Slight)
Janitorial Chemicals Workshop July 1999 Page 2-8
2.3 Questions For Evaluating Products
Here are about 30 questions that you can use to evaluate the risks of janitorial
products. It takes quite a bit of effort to answer all of the questions, so it's best to
focus on the product characteristics that pose a higher hazard to you than others.
For details see the following pages.
How easy is it Do you want
to use this to use this
Health & Safety Impacts question? question?
Carcinogenic / Prop. 65 Easy
Reproductive Hazard - Mutagen Hard
Reproductive Hazard - Teratogen Hard
Endocrine Modifier Medium
Corrosivity / pH Easy
Flammability / Flash Point Easy
Reactivity Easy
Eye Irritant Medium
Skin Irritant Medium
Inhalation Irritant Medium
Ease of Skin Absorption Hard
Ease Of Inhalation / Vapor Pressure Hard
Overall Toxicity (LD50) Medium
Environmental Impacts
Ozone Depleting Substance Easy
Global Warming Substance Easy
Hazardous Waste Medium
Stormwater Pollutant Hard
Sanitary Sewer Pollutant Hard
Persistence / Biodegradability / Bioaccum. Hard
Indoor Air Quality Hard
Phosphates Medium
Volatile Organic Compounds Medium
Other Impacts
Has Added Fragrance Hard
Has Added Dye Hard
Packaged As Concentrate / Mixing System Medium
Safe Container Medium
Refillable Container Medium
Container Made Of Recycled Material Medium
Non-Aerosol Container Medium
Source: http://www.westp2net.org/Janitorial/jp4.htm
Janitorial Chemicals Workshop July 1999 Page 2-9
Product Risk Evaluation Questions
Impacts Description Of Criteria Where To Get Information
Does the product contain ingredients Material Safety Data Sheet
Carcinogenic /
that are known or suspected of (MSDS) for the product, or
Prop. 65 List
causing cancer, either in animals or MSDSs for each ingredient,
humans? or published cancer studies.
Example: Tetrachloroethylene Cancer studies are available
Nitrilo Triacetic Acid for only a few of the many
hundreds of ingredients
Recommendation: Avoid products used in janitorial products.
that have even trace amounts of
cancer causing ingredients. California's Proposition 65
chemical list is available on
the internet.
Known or suspected of interfering MSDS for the product, or
Reproductive
with conception, either in animals or separate MSDSs for its
Hazard -
humans? ingredients, or published
Mutagen toxicology studies.
Example:
Tetrachloroethylene
Recommendation: Avoid even trace
amounts of such ingredients.
Known or suspected of interfering MSDS for the product or its
Reproductive
with fetal development, either in ingredients, or published
Hazard -
animals or humans? toxicology studies.
Teratogen
Example:
Tetrachloroethylene
Recommendation: Avoid even trace
amounts of such ingredients.
Known or suspected of interfering Contact product supplier for
Endocrine
with hormone systems, either in information - these
Modifier
animals or humans? ingredients are not yet
required by OSHA to be
Example: Alkylphenol listed on the MSDS.
Ethoxylate
Dibutyl Phthalate Refer to our project web site
for links to internet sites with
Recommendation: Avoid even trace information about endocrine
amounts of such ingredients. modifiers.
Although in normal use these
ingredients do not affect the janitor,
they do persist in the environment
and affect fish and other animals,
and can contaminate drinking water
used by humans.
Janitorial Chemicals Workshop July 1999 Page 2-10
Will the product cause burns, or MSDS for the product or its
Corrosivity / pH
destroy skin, or cause blindness? ingredients. Older MSDSs
may not include pH.
Is the pH below 4 or above 11.5?
Examples: Hydrochloric Acid
Sodium Hydroxide
Recommendation: Avoid corrosive
ingredients (high or low pH) where
possible. If no alternatives are
available, then use product with
extreme care.
Is the product flammable or MSDS for the product or its
Flammability /
extremely flammable? ingredients.
Flash Point
Is the flash point below 140 F?
Is the NFPA or HMIS fire rating 2 or
higher?
Examples: Propane (Aerosol
Propellant)
Isopropanol
Toluene
Recommendation: Avoid flammable
(low flash point) ingredients where
possible. Change to non-aerosol
products if it is the propellant that
causes the fire rating to exceed 2..
Does the product contain ingredients MSDS for the product or its
Reactivity
that combine violently with other ingredients.
chemicals?
Is the NFPA or HMIS reactivity rating
2 or higher?
Examples: Bleach &
Ammonia
Bleach & Acid
Recommendation: Avoid reactive
ingredients where possible. Keep
incompatible products away from
each other.
Janitorial Chemicals Workshop July 1999 Page 2-11
Does the product contain ingredients MSDS for the product or its
Eye Irritant
that irritate the eyes "moderately" or ingredients.
"severely", or cause eye burns, or
cause blindness? Ask the supplier for eye
irritation test data. Once
Examples: Hydrochloric Acid scarce, these data are now
Ammonium becoming available for more
Hydroxide products.
Recommendation: Where possible,
avoid ingredients that cause
moderate eye irritation or worse.
Otherwise use such products with
extreme care.
Does the product contain ingredients MSDS for the product or its
Skin Irritant
that irritate the skin "moderately" or ingredients.
"severely", or cause skin burns, or
damage/scar the skin? Ask the supplier for skin
irritation test data. Once
Examples: Hydrochloric Acid scarce, these data are now
Sodium Hydroxide becoming available for more
products.
Recommendation: Where possible,
avoid ingredients that cause
moderate skin irritation or worse.
Otherwise use such products with
extreme care.
Does the product contain ingredients MSDS for the product or its
Inhalation Irritant
that irritate the nose, throat, or lungs ingredients.
"moderately" or "severely", or cause
burns, or damage/scar the air
passage?
Examples: Hydrochloric Acid
Sodium Hydroxide
Recommendation: Where possible,
avoid ingredients that cause
moderate irritation or worse.
Otherwise use such products with
extreme care.
Does the product contain ingredients MSDS for the product or its
Ease of Skin
that readily absorb through the skin, ingredients.
Absorbtion
and that then damage or poison the
kidneys, liver, or other internal Ask the supplier for skin
organs? absorbtion test data. These
data are available for only a
Examples: 2-Butoxyethanol few products and
Ethanolamine ingredients.
Acetone
Recommendation: Where possible,
avoid ingredients that can be
absorbed through skin. Otherwise
use such products with extreme
care.
Janitorial Chemicals Workshop July 1999 Page 2-12
Does the product contain ingredients MSDS for the product or its
Ease of
that evaporate readily, and therefore ingredients.
Inhalation /
are easy to inhale, and that then
Vapor Pressure damage or poison the kidneys, liver,
or other internal organs?
Is the vapor pressure of the product
or its most toxic ingredients more
than 18 millimeters of mercury
measured at 20 C?
Examples: Isopropanol
Tetrachloroethyle
ne
Recommendation: Where possible,
avoid toxic ingredients that
evaporate faster than water.
Otherwise use such products with
extreme care, provide good
ventilation, and wear a breathing
mask.
Is the product or any of its MSDS for the product or its
Overall Toxicity
ingredients highly toxic? ingredients.
(LD50)
Is the LD50 (oral - rat) for any
ingredient less than 500 mg/kg?
Examples: Naphthalene
Quaternary
Ammonium
Chloride
Recommendation: Where possible
avoid ingredients that are highly
toxic. Otherwise use such products
with extreme care.
Does the product contain any MSDS for the product or its
Ozone Depleting
ingredient that evaporates readily ingredients.
Substance
and affects the earth's ozone layer?
Examples: CFC-12
HCFC - 141
Recommendation: Do not use any
product with ingredients that harm
the earth's ozone layer.
Does the product contain any MSDS for the product or its
Global Warming
ingredient that evaporates readily ingredients.
Substance
and affects the earth's ozone layer?
Examples: CFC-12
HCFC - 141
Recommendation: Do not use any
products with ingredients that have
a global warming potential.
Janitorial Chemicals Workshop July 1999 Page 2-13
Does the product contain any MSDS for the product or its
Hazardous
ingredient regulated under SARA ingredients.
Waste
Title III?
Examples: Glycol Ethers
Methylene
Chloride
Recommendation: Where possible
avoid ingredients that are listed by
SARA Title III. Otherwise use such
products with extreme care.
If the product is to be used Newer MSDSs (with 16-part
Stormwater
outdoors, does it contain any format) might describe
Pollutant
ingredients that are considered stormwater requirements.
stormwater pollutants. Otherwise ask local
stormwater management
Examples: Most Chemicals agency for guidance.
Recommendation: Do not use
products containing stormwater
pollutants outdoors, unless steps
are taken to collect wastes before
they can reach stormwater system.
Will any unused product or any A few MSDSs mention
Sanitary Sewer
wastes be put into the sewer? If specific ingredients of
Pollutant
yes, does the product contain any concern to local sewer
ingredients regulated by the local agencies. Ask your local
sewer agency? agency for guidance.
Examples: High or low pH
Toxic Organics
Zinc & other metals
Recommendation: Do not use
products containing sanitary sewer
pollutants, unless steps are taken to
ship wastes off-site rather than
putting them into the sewer system.
Does the product contain any toxic A few MSDSs mention
Persistence /
ingredients that persist in the specific ingredients of
Biodegradability /
environment and bioaccumulate? concern in this area.
Bioaccumulation
Examples: Dibutyl Phthalate Contact product supplier and
Alkylphenol ask for their ecological fate
Ethoxylate assessment of the product.
Recommendation: Do not use Ask your local county health
products containing ingredients that agency for guidance.
are not readily and fully biodegraded
in the sanitary sewer system.
Janitorial Chemicals Workshop July 1999 Page 2-14
Does the product contain any MSDS for the product or its
Indoor Air Quality
ingredient that evaporates easily, ingredients. Look for added
and that has a smell, is flammable, or unnecessary fragrances,
is toxic? flammables, and other
volatile ingredients.
Examples: Isopropanol
d-Limonene
Recommendation: Where possible
avoid ingredients that affect indoor
air quality. Otherwise use such
products with extreme care, with
good outside ventilation, and at times
when the building is empty.
Does the product contain MSDS for product.
Phosphates
phosphates?
Example: Trisodium
Phosphate
Recommendation: Where possible
use products with no phosphates,
or very low phosphate levels. In
any case, be sure phosphate levels
are less than required by local
sewer agency.
Does the product have higher VOC MSDS for the product or its
Volatile Organic
levels than are allowed by California ingredients. Look for
Compounds
air quality rules? unnecessary added
fragrances, flammables, and
Example: General purpose cleaners other volatile ingredients.
must have less than 10% VOC
content.
Recommendation: Where possible
do not use products containing any
VOCs. If VOC ingredients are
needed, assure that the VOC % is
as low as possible.
Does the product have a separate Product MSDS. Ask supplier
Has Added
fragrance in addition to the natural for unscented products.
Fragrance
odors of its other ingredients.
Example: Lemon Oil
Recommendation: Do not use
products with unnecessary
fragrances.
Does the product have a separate Product MSDS. Ask supplier
Has Added Dye
dye in addition to the natural colors for uncolored products, or
of its other ingredients. for ones where the color
serves to identify different
Example: F&D Red products.
Recommendation: Do not use
products with unnecessary dyes.
Janitorial Chemicals Workshop July 1999 Page 2-15
Is the product available as a Ask supplier for mixing
Packaged As
concentrate? systems, dispensers, and
Bulk Concentrate
mixing guides.
/ Example: Disinfectant
Mixing System
Recommendation: If you have
trained people responsible for
mixing, and have safe mixing
systems, then purchase
concentrates. Otherwise buy only
ready-to-use (RTU) products.
Is the product container spill Ask supplier about spill
Safe Container
resistant? resistant containers and
packaging.
Are product containers shipped in
spill resistant packaging?
Are the container and trigger strong
enough to survive routine use?
Example: Trigger assembly
shipped separate with product in
containers having tightly closed
screw tops.
Recommendation: Consider
container safety when selecting
products.
Is the product container refillable? Ask supplier about refillable
Refillable
containers and dispensing
Container
Example: Trigger bottles that systems.
can be refilled at a dispensing
station.
Recommendation: Use products that
come in refillable containers.
Is the product container made of Ask supplier about recycled
Container Made
recycled plastic? Are shipping content of containers and
Of Recycled
packages made of recycled packaging.
Material cardboard?
Example: Trigger bottles
Recommendation: Use products
whose shipping containers and
trigger bottles are made of recycled
materials.
Is the product sold as an aerosol? Ask supplier for non-aerosol
Non-Aerosol
version of products.
Container
Example: Baseboard stripper
Furniture polish
Glass Cleaner
Graffiti Remover
Recommendation: Where possible
buy non-aerosol products.
Janitorial Chemicals Workshop July 1999 Page 2-16
2.4 Using MSDSs To Evaluate Products
Your group will be given sample material safety data sheets to review. Read these
MSDSs and answer the following shortened list of questions. Then decide which
product is the safest for you to use.
Product 1 Product 2 Product 3
Product Name
Manufacturer
MSDS Date
List Hazardous
Ingredients
Are there any Volatile
Organic Compounds
(VOCs)?
Product corrosive?
What is the pH?
Product flammable?
What is the Flash
Point?
NFPA Rating?
Health
Fire
Reactivity
Health Hazards?
Eyes?
Skin?
Inhalation?
Absorbtion?
Cancer?
Other?
Is this MSDS
Complete?
Which is the
safest product?
Janitorial Chemicals Workshop July 1999 Page 2-17
Example Review of Janitorial Product
Present Product Health, Safety & Environment Issues Suggestions
Vandalism Remover Eye - Can cause blindness. Stop Using this product.
(Aerosol)
Skin - Can cause damage & leave Continued use would
[H2 / F4 / R0] scars. potentially harm the janitor,
building occupants, and the
MSDS - Date Cancer - Tetrachloroethylene and environment in general.
methylene chloride are both listed by
Prop. 65 as causing cancer in Change to a safer
humans. alternative.
Tetrachloroethylene is also a human Return all containers to the
mutagen and teratogen. supplier, or dispose of as
hazardous waste.
Inhalation - Toluene,
tetrachloroethylene, and methylene
chloride can affect liver, kidneys,
and central nervous system. High
amounts can cause death.
Air - Affects indoor air quality.
Sensitive building occupants will be
affected.
Fire - Extremely flammable
Sewer - If discharged would cause
site to exceed its limits for toxic
organics.
Endocrine - Contains Nonyl phenol
ethoxylate, a chemical that persists
in the environment, accumulates in
animals, and damages their
hormone systems.
Janitorial Chemicals Workshop July 1999 Page 2-18
How We Evaluate Product Ingredients
"Stop Using" or "Do Not Use"
Janitorial products with these ingredients pose unacceptable risks to the janitor, to
building occupants, or to the environment. Gloves and goggles, may not be enough
to fully protect the user from harm. In some instances the ingredients are illegal for
janitorial products.
A "Skin Poison" can absorb through your skin and poison your liver, kidneys, and
other internal organs. An "Inhale Poison" harms you when you breath the fumes.
"Corrosive" means that the chemical will permanently destroy your eyes and skin.
"Avoid If Possible"
If at all possible, avoid janitorial products with these ingredients. They pose very
high risks to the janitor using the product, to building occupants, or to the
environment. If there are no substitutes available, then use with extreme care and
assure that workers are fully trained in safe handling and use, and assure that
protective gloves and goggles are worn at all times.
"Use With Extreme Care"
Ingredients of this kind are dangerous, but may have to be used because safer
substitutes are not readily available. Assure that workers are fully trained in safe
handling and use, and assure that protective gloves and goggles are worn at all
times (particularly when handling concentrated solutions). Also take care when
disposing of left over product, wastewaters, and empty containers.
"Use With Routine Care"
Some of these ingredients are dangerous, but risks of them getting into the body to
do harm are relatively low. For example, several of these ingredients have to be
eaten in order for toxic effects to be felt. Others are toxic only at concentrations and
quantities that are much higher than occur in janitorial products.
As with any chemical, assure that workers are fully trained in safe handling and use,
and assure that protective gloves and goggles are worn at all times (particularly
when handling concentrated solutions). Also take care when disposing of left over
product, wastewaters, and empty containers.
Janitorial Chemicals Workshop July 1999 Page 2-19
2.5 Selecting Protective Equipment
The material safety data sheet should tell you what kinds of protection to wear for
safe handling of the product. For most janitorial products the MSDS will tell you to
wear gloves and goggles, and perhaps a plastic apron.
Gloves
Heavy duty chemical resistant gloves are the best. Buy various sizes so that your
people can find a pair that fits.
If anyone has a problem with their hands sweating too much, then give them cloth
glove liners. These absorb sweat and make the gloves more comfortable. Another
thing to do to make gloves more comfortable is to use a hand cream before putting
the gloves on. One choice is antibacterial hand cream like what is used in hospitals
and doctors' offices. Such creams are available in drug stores.
Goggles
Plastic wrap-around soft-shell goggles are best for preventing chemical splashes
from hitting your eyes. The soft edges fit closely to your face and prevent liquids
from reaching your eyes. However, these goggles are uncomfortable, and can fog
up. To deal with these problems, buy the softest rubber goggles you can find. Also
get cleaning sprays that keep the lenses from fogging as badly (although nothing
can keep lenses totally clear).
Impact goggles are meant primarily for protecting your eyes from flying objects.
They provide some protection from splashed chemicals, but not as much as the
wrap-around type. Because they are more comfortable and do not fog as badly,
many people like these goggles better than the splash-proof kind. In deciding which
goggles to buy you have to make a trade off between protection and comfort.
Apron
Using a plastic apron can be important when opening and mixing products. This is
particularly true for when you are handling concentrated chemicals that you are
diluting with water.
Eyewash and Shower
California OSHA requires that an eyewash and shower be provided within 10
seconds reach of any employee who is handling corrosive chemicals (like floor
finish stripper or acid toilet bowl cleaner).
Janitorial Chemicals Workshop July 1999 Page 2-20
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