OSHA Protecting Workers Who Use Cleaning Chemicals

Information on ways to protect workers who use cleaning chemicals.

Potential Health Problems Caused by Cleaning Chemicals

Many factors influence whether a cleaning chemical will cause health problems. Some important factors to consider include:

• Chemical ingredients of the cleaning product;
• How the cleaning product is being used or stored;
• Ventilation in the area where the cleaning product is used;
• Whether there are splashes and spills;
• Whether the cleaning product comes in contact with the skin; and
• Whether mists, vapors and/or gases are released.

Chemicals in some cleaning products can be irritating to the skin or…