Cleaning businesses, whether servicing commercial offices, industrial sites, or residential properties, rely on a wide range of powerful cleaning agents to maintain hygiene standards. However, improper handling, storage, and disposal of chemicals can lead to serious health hazards, environmental damage, and legal consequences.
Many professional cleaners work with hazardous substances daily, often without realising the risks. If chemicals are misused or mixed incorrectly, they can cause toxic fume inhalation, chemical burns, fires, and long-term health issues. Even something as simple as storing incompatible chemicals together can have dangerous consequences. For cleaning business owners, ensuring safe chemicals management is more than meeting legal safety requirements—it’s about protecting employees, clients, and the business itself.
Understanding Safe Chemical Handling
A comprehensive chemical management strategy starts with awareness and training. Every cleaning business must keep a detailed inventory of all chemicals used, ensuring that employees understand the hazards associated with each product. The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002 mandate that cleaning companies assess and control risks related to hazardous chemicals. Compliance with these regulations means that businesses must conduct regular COSHH risk assessments, ensure proper labelling, and provide employees with up-to-date safety data sheets (SDS) for each chemical.
Employees must also be trained to handle chemicals safely, following the correct dilution ratios and application methods. One of the most common but dangerous mistakes in the cleaning industry is mixing incompatible substances, such as bleach and ammonia, which produces toxic chlorine gas. To avoid this, employees should always follow clear safety protocols and never rely on unverified cleaning hacks or social media advice.
Proper storage of chemicals is equally important. Cleaning agents should be stored in a designated, well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Flammable substances must be kept separately from corrosive materials to prevent dangerous chemical reactions. Storage areas should also be securely locked to prevent unauthorised access, particularly in environments where multiple teams handle cleaning supplies.
Protecting Employees with the Right Safety Measures
Even with the best training and storage protocols in place, accidents can still happen. Employers must ensure that workers have the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, eye protection, and face masks where needed. Many cleaning products contain strong irritants and corrosive substances that can cause skin damage, respiratory issues, or eye injuries if not handled properly.
Workers should also be taught to identify early warning signs of chemical exposure, such as breathing difficulties, dizziness, or skin irritation. Employers must provide clear first-aid procedures in case of accidental exposure, including having emergency eye wash stations and spill kits readily available.
Another key aspect of safe chemicals management is proper disposal. Dumping cleaning chemicals down the drain or into general waste can lead to contaminated water supplies, environmental harm, and hefty fines. Instead, businesses should follow local hazardous waste disposal guidelines and, where possible, switch to eco-friendly cleaning products that are safer for both employees and the environment.
The Risks of Poor Chemicals Management
Failing to manage chemicals responsibly puts cleaning businesses at serious risk. Employees who suffer chemical burns, lung damage, or long-term health effects from exposure may take legal action, leading to expensive compensation claims. Non-compliance with COSHH regulations can result in significant fines, business shutdowns, and reputational damage. In addition, repeated safety violations can lead to increased insurance premiums, making it more costly to operate over time.
Ignoring safe storage and disposal practices can also have wider environmental implications. Many cleaning agents contain pollutants that can contaminate water supplies, harming ecosystems and wildlife. With growing concerns about sustainability, many companies are shifting towards greener cleaning solutions that are safer for employees and better for the planet.
How to Build a Safer Cleaning Business
A proactive approach to chemical safety involves a lot more than just meeting legal requirements. It implores you to create a workplace culture where safety comes first. Regular training, proper storage and disposal practices, and investing in safer alternatives will help prevent accidents and ensure long-term compliance. Cleaning businesses that prioritise safety not only protect their employees but also enhance their reputation as responsible service providers.
At H & S Compliance Solutions, we help cleaning businesses develop safe, compliant chemical management systems tailored to their needs. From COSHH assessments to employee training, we provide the support needed to keep your business legally compliant and your workforce safe.
Let’s discuss how we can help your cleaning business with health and safety compliance. Call us today at 01865 60 21 51 or fill in our contact form.