Cleaning wipes: Selection matters

MANY SAY that cleanliness is a sign of perfect standards in the workplace and in particular, on the factory floor or workshop. Industrial plants are often greasy environments with oils and coolants dripping onto surfaces and floors; which in turn makes for further issues as workers tread in the spillage and spread the liquid into other areas. Keeping such areas clean, safe and compliant can be a challenge.

Health, safety and compliance

Every year thousands of accidents and cases of ill health are reported from activities at industrial and commercial facilities. Health and Safety Executive (HSE) figures show that around one sixth of these accidents arise from slips, trips or falls. Another significant source of ill health in industrial and manufacturing settings can arise from exposure to hazardous materials such as metalworking fluids, oils, solvents and degreasers, as well as additives and contaminants such as metal fines. Common occupational diseases associated with hazardous materials include dermatitis and asthma.

Employers are typically required to ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of all employees which is mandated by the Health and Safety at Work Act. Companies must assess any potential risks to the health and safety of employees and others and take appropriate action to put effective control measures in place.

Companies which fail to prioritise workplace safety could face significant reputational and commercial risks. The HSE is responsible for regulatory enforcement that can see substantial fines, and in extreme cases prison, levied on companies and their directors.

Measures required under the Act include taking steps to control slip and trip risks as well as exposure to hazardous materials. One such recommendation by HSE is cleaning up spills promptly to minimise the risk of exposure to hazardous chemicals and to reduce the risk of slips and trips.

Recommendations also include keeping absorbent materials to hand where there is a risk of a spillage, but, this can potentially generate additional challenges. Manufacturing companies typically use blue paper roll or single use rags to absorb and mop up spilled liquids or clean machine parts. However, any blue roll or rags which are used for this application then potentially become classed as hazardous waste which requires suitable management and disposal.

To ensure compliance with legal regulations, businesses producing hazardous waste in the UK – including contaminated wipes – have a specific ‘duty of care’ concerning that waste, and must classify, separate and store any waste safely before it is disposed of by an authorised hazardous wastes contractor.

Storing contaminated wipes

Contaminated wipes may emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or pose a fire risk, depending on the fluid they have been used to wipe up. To minimise risk to worker health and safety, they should be stored in a tightly closable container made of resistant material such as metal or special plastic (high-molecular, low-pressure polyethylene) before disposal.

Alternatives

With companies facing increased pressure to attain high standards of health and safety, the practice of an alternative strategy to disposable paper towels and rags has emerged.

Today, full-service contract third-party suppliers are delivering high quality reusable absorbent industrial wipes to customers, along with robust storage containers that keep contaminated wipes secure until collection. The wipes are delivered on a pre-agreed rotation, so are always to hand. Spills may be rapidly addressed to reduce the risks of exposure to chemicals and slipping causing injury. The reusable service system also removes the significant burden of hazardous waste disposal from the company, reducing overall costs as well as mitigating potential health and safety fines.

Even small changes to a typical maintenance regime in plant and manufacturing facilities can yield considerable benefits, helping protect employee health and well-being, and aiding regulation compliance.

Günes Yenen is country manager, MEWA UK

www.mewa.co.uk