Conclusion

Every visitor, guest and employee are entitled to a safe environment where everything possible is done to prevent the transmission of infection.

Depending on the nature of an illness, a worker may need to remain off work for a period of time (usually for the period that they are most likely to transmit infection) or may require post-exposure follow-up and treatment such as blood testing and medication.

Good hand hygiene and cough etiquette is essential to limit the spread of pathogens. Viruses such as influenza and SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19 can be spread by droplet transmission (from our noses and mouths when we cough or sneeze), therefore covering your mouth with a tissue, or raising your arm up to your face to cough or sneeze into your sleeve/elbow is appropriate. If you use a tissue, dispose of it as soon as possible and wash your hands immediately.

We all use cleaning chemicals in various forms in our home and at work without worrying about safety risks to ourselves and others. Although we all are aware of the effect of prolonged contact with cleaning products on our hands, we don’t appreciate the risks if this is repeated day in day out.

Cleaning chemicals are handled and used many times a day, and every day. That work can put your health and other people’s health in the surrounding environment at risk, it may not make itself apparent straight away – it can take months and years to develop chronic health problems.

Ensure you follow these guidelines:

• Always refer to the Safety Data Sheets
• Always use the right cleaning product for the right surface.
• Always use the correct dilution ratio
• Always store the cleaning product containers in an upright position with the caps fastened properly
• Never mix cleaning products
• Always use the right PPE for the cleaning product, including when diluting the product
• Never use undiluted cleaning products, unless specifically indicated
• Spray bottles are NOT recommended due to inhaling product, flip top lid containers are preferred. If you must use a spray bottle, always direct the spray away from people to avoid breathing in the spray.