Chemical Safety: Read the Label and Never Mix Products

Special Services Days and Nights

Just because a product is used for cleaning doesn’t mean it’s harmless. Using the wrong chemical or mixing products can cause toxic gases, burns, breathing problems, and damaged surfaces.

Key reminders for everyone:

• Read the label every time. Never use a chemical if you don’t know what it is.

• NEVER mix chemicals. Mixing bleach with ammonia, acids, or other products can create highly toxic vapors.

• No label, no use. Never use chemicals from an unlabeled bottle, bucket, or container.

• More is not better. Follow the label for dilution, contact time, and ventilation.

• Know where the SDS is (Safety Data Sheet) before you start. If you can’t find it, ask your supervisor.

• Wear your required PPE and replace anything damaged or contaminated.

Days (Construction Cleaning):

• Don’t use, move, or throw away another contractor’s chemicals unless authorized.

• Never assume an unmarked container is just water.

Nights (Floor Care, Carpet, Disinfecting, Power Washing):

• Never pour unused chemicals back into the original container.

• Check compatibility before applying a product over another product’s residue.

• When power washing, keep runoff away from other chemicals and unauthorized drains.

If you have a reaction: If you feel burning eyes, coughing, dizziness, or trouble breathing, or notice a strong unusual odor, stop working, leave the area, warn others, and notify your supervisor immediately.

Remember: If you find an unlabeled bottle, don’t smell, touch, or use it. Tell your supervisor. “Probably” is not enough when it comes to chemicals.