Skin and eyes
Repeated contact with detergents and water causes dermatitis on the hands and forearms (itching, cracks, redness). Splashes of bleach, hydrochloric acid or ammonia can cause serious eye injuries (BASEQUIM 022).
Protective equipment
- Chemical protection gloves chosen according to the products and contact time; ordinary rubber gloves may let some substances through.
- Full-frame goggles if the label shows H314, H318 or H319, or asks for eye protection (P280); a face shield if there are splashes.
- If product gets inside a glove: wash your hands and change gloves.
- Mild soap and moisturiser; no eating or drinking in the work area.
Your employer and you
Your employer must give you the equipment and training on the products you use, free and during working hours (Act 31/1995, articles 17 and 19). You must use them properly and report immediately any risk: an unlabelled container, an allergy on your hands, a product that stings your throat (article 29).
Source: INSST, BASEQUIM 022: Limpieza de edificios y locales (chemical agents in cleaning, in Spanish), health effects, personal hygiene measures and personal protection · Ley 31/1995, de Prevención de Riesgos Laborales (Occupational Risk Prevention Act, in Spanish), articles 17, 19 and 29