Cleaning Chemicals - Understand the Risks

Please note, this page is the personal opinion of Julian Poulter, a director of Cosy Cleaners. I am not a risk assessment expert or knowledgeable about chemicals. I have lived to the age of 60+ with all my body parts intact! I have collated this information to understand the risks of the chemicals we use for our clients and staff. We aim to use use and eco-friendly chemicals, wherever possible.

Are there risks in cleaning or having your house cleaned. Yes, but they are very low and whilst you should be aware of a few things, it is nothing to be concerned about.

Most of the risks come from chemicals and these are the same or equivalent of those that everybody uses daily in their houses. In industrial applications, then sure, there are much more risky chemicals and processes. But in the domestic and office environment, the risks are very low.

Link to chemicals page. which shows all the chemicals we use along with their associated safety data sheets where applicable, so you know exactly what we are using in your house.

Risk Assessment

We do risk assessments at two distinct times.

First, when we visit your property for an estimate. We make an assessment of the risks and will note any issues down on our estimating form.

Second, each time we visit, before cleaning starts we will walk around the property to asses the job, any issues beyond those we expected, and any risks.

Most of the time, these risks, such as a cable across a floor, can be reduced or avoided by simple means or just awareness. If more remedial actions maybe required, we will do this in conjunction with you, the client.

In exceptional cases, it's possible the session may need to be cancelled. This has never happened to us so far, but it could be if you had ongoing building work in part of your house, for instance or had just suffered flood damage?

he risk assessment looks at the following items:- Anything that could fall or where access has become restricted.

- Valuable items that could be damaged without special care or removal.Trip hazards.- Any chemicals present, not provided by us, that could dangerous.- Loose or uncontrolled pets.

COSHH

COSHH stands for the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health. There is a web site run by the Health and Safety Executive that explains this
here.

The section below is an extract from the COSHH website - COSHH Basics.

We stay compatible with the advice this gives to protect you our client and our staff. Our chemicals come under this legislation. However, in a household environment we are not using what would be considered dangerous chemicals. For instance, all of the chemicals we use can be used in domestic environments and discarded down the sink.

In January 2025 we are introduced certification for all of our cleaning staff to ensure they are aware of the legislation and the dangers and and care required when using chemicals.

COSHH Basics

What COSHH is

The law requires you to adequately control exposure to materials in the workplace that cause ill health. This is the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH).

Harmful substances

Many materials or substances used or created at work could harm your health. These substances could be dusts, gases or fumes that you breathe in, or liquids, gels or powders that come into contact with your eyes or skin. There could also be

harmful micro-organisms present that can cause infection, an allergic reaction or are toxic.

Harmful substances can be present in anything from paints and cleaners to flour dust, solder fume, blood or waste. Ill health caused by these substances used at work is preventable. Many substances can harm health but, used properly, they almost never do.

Substances not covered by COSHH

COSHH does not cover the following substances as they have their own specific regulations:

lead

asbestos

radioactive substances

The hazards

Some substances can cause asthma or other diseases, including cancer. Many can damage the skin, and some can cause serious long-term damage to the lungs.

The effect can be immediate, such as dizziness or stinging eyes, or can take many years to develop, such as lung disease. Many of the long-term or chronic effects cannot be cured once they develop.