Best Practices for Handling Cleaning Chemicals in a Food Production Setting
Assuring the safety of workers who come into contact with cleaning chemicals is crucial for manufacturers. That safety begins with the understanding of what constitutes cleaning chemicals as well as their role in food production. Cleaning chemical supplier Bell Chem wants to help shed light on the importance of cleaning chemicals and how workers can safely handle them.
A brief overview of cleaning chemicals
As foods are processed, many surfaces come into contact with the ingredients used to create the end products. Some of these surfaces may be contaminated with more than debris; bacteria or other biological agents may also be present. In order to clear the contaminants, cleaning chemicals must be utilized. The role of cleaners is simple: remove all surface detritus before applying decontaminants.
Generally, cleaners do not have any disinfecting chemicals, since that falls within the category of disinfectants. Surfaces coming into contact with foods and beverages usually necessitate a cleaner to remove baked-on or caked-on debris to ensure the disinfectants are able to properly clear the surfaces of pathogens.
The method used for each surface is indicative of whether it requires a cleaner, a sanitizer, or a disinfectant. While many users might automatically turn to the most heavy-duty product - a disinfectant - it is vital to recognize the importance of using the least hazardous chemical to properly clear the area, especially those in contact with food products.
Handling cleaning chemicals
Although cleaning chemicals are often marketed as less hazardous than disinfectants, they still require care in handling. The best practice is to read the safety data sheets for every cleaning chemical before its use to ensure proper treatment. The data sheets emphasize the proper protective gear to wear while handling chemicals, how to store the chemicals, and what steps to take in case of spills or mishandling along with dozens of other helpful facts and precautions.
Safe working conditions
Employers are obligated to provide their workers with a non-hazardous environment. To that end, workers must be trained in safety protocol, including knowing whether chemicals can be mixed. For instance, an employee might believe mixing a cleaner with a disinfectant would cut the work time in half. However, the chemicals in question may be incompatible and cause extreme irritation to the mucosal membranes of that worker and others in the surrounding area. Knowing how to safely handle every chemical is key.
Another important facet of chemical handling is dilution. Many chemicals arrive in concentrated forms with instructions on dilution. Ensure employees understand the amount to dilute for each task.
Next, all chemicals must be clearly labeled. Never fill a used container with another chemical if the original label is intact. All used containers must be thoroughly cleaned before reuse, then properly labeled and stored.
Fourth, the majority of chemicals used in a closed room require ventilation to ensure sufficient air flow since vapors are almost always invisible and can quickly increase to dangerous levels.
Lastly, every worker needs to be trained in the use of any chemicals they are expected to use regularly, and wash stations and all other safety stations need to be installed to facilitate immediate care in case of emergencies.
Bell Chem has a large library of posts regarding chemicals and their safety free for your use. Bell Chem is a cleaning chemical supplier based in Longwood, FL (just north of Orlando) with hundreds of products stocked in their 50,000+ square-foot warehouse, including a wide range of reliable CSANTM sanitation products. You can expect the highest quality products, expedited shipping options for maximum efficiency, and unrivaled personalized customer service. Let our knowledgeable and friendly customer service representatives and accounting staff personalize all your needs by either calling 407-339-BELL (2355) or by sending us an online message.