The cleaning industry, both varied and complex, can be dangerous if professionals fail to prepare. Sufficient preparation includes sourcing the correct personal protective equipment (PPE).
Why? Because it plays a crucial role in safeguarding the wellbeing of cleaning professionals, reducing the risk of injury substantially.
From chemical exposure to the risk of slips, trips, and falls, PPE provides an effective barrier between the worker and potential hazards.
Today, the team at Synserv are going to walk you through some of the most common, and important, PPE that cleaners use. Our experience as a leading commercial cleaning supplier has taught us what is needed to perform the job safely, everytime.
Essential PPE for Cleaning Professionals
- Hand Protection
If you examine any cleaning professional’s kit, you will find gloves.
Simple yet effective, they help to protect hands from exposure to harsh chemicals, detergents and other irritants.
Vinyl, latex and nitrile gloves are most commonly used in a wide range of cleaning applications. Specialist gloves may be required for more complex projects with harsher irritants.
- Foot Protection
Footwear is another critical piece of PPE. Cleaners often work in environments that boast a range of challenges, including slips, trips, and falls as well as exposure to hazardous materials.
Proper footwear with slip-resistant soles ensures stability on wet or slippery surfaces.
- Eye and Face Protection
Airborne contaminants, splashes and chemical mists can all cause substantial problems for cleaners if PPE is not worn. Worst, the wrong chemical entering the eye can cause blindness.
As such, safety goggles and face shields are often used when cleaners are handling harsh chemicals.
- Respiratory Protection
Dust masks, respirators and air filtration systems are the preferred choice as they effectively filter out harmful particles. This protects the cleaner’s respiratory system and also ensures compliance.
Selecting the Right PPE
Your specific requirements will vary, depending on the type of workplace, the materials being used and the potential hazards present.
It is important that sufficient communication is observed throughout your organisation, from the top down.
Managers should oversee the distribution of PPE whilst operatives should be trained on PPE selection and compliance. That way, you can come together to make the correct decisions on a job by job basis.
Why Is It Important?
Using the correct PPE is not just a matter of preference, it is an absolute necessity. The laws and regulations that govern our industry are in place to protect workers who operate in complex environments.
Those who do not comply with statutory requirements risk fines and even closure.
It is not just important to supply PPE for the wellbeing of your employees, but it ensures that you retain a positive commercial reputation.
Our Commitment to Safety
As you can see, PPE is of critical importance in the cleaning industry. As such, you should always seek the help of an expert that prioritises PPE and compliance.
At Synserv, we offer the best in commercial cleaning and regulatory compliance. Our teams, experienced and fully accredited to leading standards, deliver unmatched results safely and efficiently.
Contact us today to discuss your commercial cleaning needs and learn more about our safety-focused approach.
