1.
Clearly Labeling Containers
One of the most important aspects of storing cleaning chemicals is making sure they are clearly labeled. It
is so easy for cleaning chemicals to be mixed up and confused with other items.
Bulk and permanent containers
Cleaning chemicals usually arrive from your supplier in bulk containers or great big drums. These usually
act as the permanent storage containers and must be clearly marked with …
Name of the chemical
Hazard class and category
Pictogram code
Signal word
Hazard Statement
You can get this information from the Safety Data Sheets (SDS) which should ideally be located alongside
the containers.
Portable containers
Many cleaning agents are dispensed into portable containers (like a spray bottle) so they can be put to
work. It is essential that these smaller containers are also clearly labeled so they are not confused with
other substances (remember the little kid who was served a poisoned vanilla milkshake).
When labeling portable containers you need to name the chemical (along with it’s hazards) on the bottle or
beaker. You also need to make sure:-
the label is legible and easy to read
the label is permanent and cannot be defaced or washed off
Safety Data Sheet (SDS) are still accessible
staff are trained to use the chemical and know the location of the SDS in the event of an
emergency.
REMEMBER: just putting labels on a container of chemicals does not extinguish your WHS responsibilities.
You must manage the risk associated with each hazardous chemical at your worksite.
2. Obtain the Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is a legal document that specifies the hazards associated with a chemical and
gives handling, first aid and emergency information. In a workplace an SDS should be obtained for each
and every chemical and stored near the containers (as well as in a master hazardous chemical register).
Of course it’s not practical to have an SDS stuck to every portable cleaning container so make sure staff
who use and access the chemicals know exactly where they are (and what to do in an emergency).
3. Secure Cleaning Chemicals
Like all dangerous goods, cleaning chemicals need to stored in a secure area according to their hazard
class. Oxidisers, flammable and combustible substances need to be stored away from ignition sources like
flames, heat, sunlight, static electricity or any work operations that could cause a spark.
Many corrosives need to be separated from other incompatible substances to prevent toxic reactions and
explosions.
Securing cleaning chemicals in a safety cabinet away from food preparation and service areas is a great
way to reduce the risk of harm. This prevents unauthorised staff (who are not trained) from accessing
chemicals and using them incorrectly.
When storing cleaning chemicals in a cabinet make
sure that …
chemical containers are appropriate to the hazard class (refer to the SDS for each chemical).
the storage area is well ventilated
portable containers are be returned to the safety cabinet when not being used
the cabinet is labeled with the correct Dangerous Goods signage
SDS are accessible and stored with each chemical
REMEMBER: portable containers of cleaning products need to be secure at all times — train staff not to
leave them lying around (don’t forget the employee who mistook a corrosive substance lye for sugar).
4. Train Staff
Training staff to use and store cleaning chemicals correctly is of critical importance. Many cleaning agents
are flammable and corrosive and pose a risk to the person using them. Don’t let staff mistakenly believe
that cleaning chemicals are low risk and relatively harmless.
When staff know the risks associated with each chemical and how to use them correctly, they are less
likely to loan them out to staff in other departments or leave them lying around.
Your cleaning staff should be trained to ..
use the chemical correctly and what to do in an emergency (poisoning, exposure, toxic reaction,
explosion, fire)
wear suitable safety clothing and PPE when dispensing and using cleaning chemicals
dispense chemicals into portable containers in a well ventilated area
label portable containers clearly and correctly
not allow untrained staff access to chemicals
keep portable containers secure when not being used (on a trolley, clipped to a belt, in a carry
basket, put away in the safety cabinet)
know the location of the MSDS
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