Health and Safety on the Job

a cleaning SOLUTION

a cleaning compound, a mixture Don't mix cleaning solutions if you don't read the instructions. We shouldn't mix some cleaning solutions, like ammonia and bleach.

a CHRONIC health problem

a continuing health problem If you don't sweep and mop the right way, you can have CHRONIC pain in your shoulders or back.

cancer

a disease that grows in your body Asbestos and other chemicals can cause CANCER. Smoking can cause lung CANCER.

rash

a lot of small red spots on the skin Some chemicals can cause a RASH.

an ACUTE health problem

a one-time health problem If you get a rash because you spilled a chemical on your skin, that is an ACUTE health problem.

absorption

One of the four ways toxic substances can get into your body. (skin, touch) Sometimes toxic chemicals can enter your body through your skin. Gloves can protect you.

inhalation

One of the four ways toxic substances or diseases can get into your body. (breathing air with your mouth or nose) Always read the SDS for cleaning chemicals so you don't breathe poisonous gasses.

ingestion

One of the four ways toxic substances or diseases can get into your body. (eating, swallowing, drinking) You can also ingest toxic chemicals if you use cleaning chemicals and don't wash your hands before eating.

injection

One of the four ways toxic substances or diseases can get into your body. (needle, cut) Be very careful when cleaning areas with needles or sharp objects.

hazardous

dangerous HAZARDOUS chemicals can cause cancer.

PPE

personal protective equipment Gloves, masks and goggles are some of the most common types of PPE. If you need to work with hazardous chemicals, use your PPE!

toxic

poisonous; dangerous Many cleaning chemicals are TOXIC. Be careful when using TOXIC chemicals!

odor

smell Some hazardous chemicals have no ODOR.

hypodermic needle

used for medicine and drugs Sharing NEEDLES can spread diseases like Hepatitis or AIDS. People should throw away HYPODERMIC NEEDLES in the "sharps container".