Safety Hazard Analysis of Custodial Jobs

Custodial workers are exposed to many safety hazards. These hazards can potentially cause short-term or long-term illnesses that are not always obvious at the time of exposure.

Biological Hazards

• Some biological hazards include: toxic mold, fungi, bacteria, and infectious viruses. Biological hazards can contribute to infections, poisoning, and allergies.

Toxic Chemicals

• Custodial workers use a variety of cleaning agents that may be contaminated with toxic chemicals. Some examples may include: toxic liquid or solid cleaning products, the releasing of fumes from the use of powered industrial equipment, and dust particles containing small amounts of toxic elements that has been released into the air.

Poor Air Quality

• Good ventilation is important for better in-door air quality.

  Custodians typically work alone and indoors. Proper ventilation is crucial for better air quality. Inadequate air ventilation can be part of the cause of indoor toxic air pollutants, and mold.

Other Hazards

• Other safety hazards include: falls due to slippery floors, breathing chemical fumes, electrocution, cuts from material such as broken glass left in the trash receptacle, lung problems from getting rid of mold, chemical burns, needle sticks (mainly in a hospital setting), and chemical inhalation (some cleaners can form dangerous chemicals when combined).

Work Place Inspections

• Not all safety hazards may be detected on a routine visit. They don't always reveal these types of hazards. Moreover, it takes a skilled professional to recognize and evaluate them to ensure a safe and healthy workplace environment.