Housekeeping involves strong chemicals, heavy loads, wet floors and hidden sharp objects. You stay safe with the right PPE (personal protective equipment), safety data sheets and good manual handling: lifting, pushing and carrying correctly.
Why it matters
Back strain, slips and chemical splashes are everyday risks, and one careless moment can keep you off work for weeks.
Key ideas
Never mix chemicals
Bleach mixed with an acid toilet cleaner or with ammonia releases toxic gas. Use one product at a time and rinse between products.
Safety data sheets
Each chemical's SDS explains its hazards, the PPE needed and first aid. Know where they are kept.
Safe lifting
Bend your knees, keep your back straight and hold loads close. Push trolleys rather than pull them, and get help with mattresses.
Step by step
- 1
Wear gloves, plus goggles or an apron when the SDS requires them.
- 2
Check that every bottle is labelled before use.
- 3
Use one chemical at a time, with good ventilation.
- 4
Put out wet-floor signs and wipe spills at once.
- 5
Wash your hands after removing gloves, and report any injury or near miss.
Do
- Wear closed, non-slip shoes on every shift.
- Leave a needle where it is and call your supervisor.
- Rinse splashes with plenty of clean water, then follow the SDS.
Common mistakes
- Don't pour chemicals into unlabelled or drinks bottles.
- Don't turn a mattress on your own.
- Don't press rubbish down with your hands; it may hide sharp objects.
The situation
A toilet is badly stained, and a colleague suggests adding bleach to the acid toilet cleaner you have just applied.
What a professional does
You refuse, because together they can release toxic chlorine gas. You flush and continue with one product, reporting the stain if it will not shift.
Useful phrases
“Please don't mix those. They can give off toxic gas.”
“There's a needle in the bin in 410. Can someone deal with it?”
Pro tip
If you notice a sharp, choking smell, leave the room, get fresh air and tell your supervisor.
Quick check
Where do you find a chemical's hazards and first aid?
Think about it, then show the answer
On its label and its safety data sheet (SDS).