What “Cleaning Companies” need to know about MSDSs “Material Safety Data Sheets”?
In order for a “Cleaning Company” to do its job, chemical products must always be involved.
However, no matter how many or how few chemicals you use, it is important that you have the MSDS for each cleaning product. One should note that an MSDS is not only important to have on hand for safety reasons but it is also a WHMIS “Workplace Hazardous Material Information System” requirement. These sheets must be available to employees; in fact, an employee can refuse to Work with a product if not shown the product’s MSDS.
If you are not sure where to get an MSDS it can be obtained from the manufacturer or supplier of that specific product. If your supplies come from a janitorial supplies distributor they will either have the MSDS or be able to get if from a janitorial suppliers distributor, or the main manufacturer. If you buy supplies from a big box store or over the Internet, the supplier might not have the MSDS for the product. In this case, you will have to get it from the manufacturer or you may be able to search for it on the Internet.
Employers should carefully read over the product’s MSDS before using it and share the information with employees. Invest some time into learning product properties, as it can protect your employees, and keep your cleaning company out of trouble in case of a spill or accident.
These are the main details you should look out for and pay close attention to while reading an MSDS:
1.Hazards Identification
2.Composition/Information on Ingredients
3.Fire Fighting Measures
4.Accidental Release Measures
5.Handling and Storage
6.Exposure Controls/Personal Protection
7.Physical and Chemical Properties
8.Stability and Reactivity
9.Toxicology Information
10.Ecological Information
11.Disposal Considerations
All of the above listed points are the most important facts a “Cleaning Company” needs to look out for in order to keep its employees, company, and the environment safe and secure.
