CARE AND CUSTODY OF CLEANING SUPPLIES

During the past 12 months I have given WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Service) sessions to most school boards in Manitoba. I believe the sessions have been well received and I would certainly be pleased to assist you again in this area as required. There is one concern that I have heard expressed very strongly over and over again ----keep the students away from the cleaning supplies because someone is going to get hurt! Last week I heard of a student rushed to a hospital because another student sprayed a caustic cleaning chemical into his classmate's face. I am certain that this has happened before and will happen again unless we establish strict policies to prevent this type of accident.

Any policies should include the following recommendations:

1.	All cleaning chemicals be kept in a locked room, cupboard etc. (We keep laboratories locked when not in use)
2.	Cleaning carts are not to be left unattended. If the custodian is called away, the cart is either locked up or placed in an area where students do not usually enter such as the staff room.
3.	The custodian will not be asked to turn over chemicals to students. (Principals and teachers need to cooperate here)
4.	If teachers want students to clean desks then a safe , mild detergent will be made available and the work done under the teacher's supervision. Some schools have small bottles of mixed water-detergent, cleaning clothes, and sponges either available in the staff room or supplied in each class room.

I am sure you can see the potential dangers in permitting easy access to cleaning supply areas and the need to control those areas. It is still possible to work with students if this is your choice, in keeping their areas clean and not present them with any additional hazards. Spray bottles are an allurement and many of the chemicals kept in these containers can lead to blindness or severe burns. One sure way to reduce the risk is to control the risk.

Home | What's New | Contacts