Cleaning Chemicals

Lesson 1: Using Chemicals Safely

Topics

The OSHA Hazard Communication Standard; What Is an MSDS?; What Is a Chemical Hazard?; Exposure Routes; Controlling Chemical Hazards; Detecting Exposure Hazards

Objectives

• Identify the goals of the Hazard Communication Standard and the agency responsible for writing and enforcing the standard.
• Explain the purpose and basic content of an MSDS.
• Give examples of the health hazard information contained in MSDSs and how it is used.
• Give examples of the physical hazard information contained in MSDSs and how it is used.
• Describe typical MSDS instructions on special precautions and procedures.
• Define chemical hazard and name the two categories into which they are divided.
• Name and describe the six kinds of health hazards.
• Name the three basic routes of health hazard exposure.
• Discuss common methods of controlling chemical hazards.
• Explain how to detect exposure hazards and symptoms.

Lesson 2: Introduction to Cleaning Chemicals

Topics

Cleaning Chemicals Defined; Cleaning Agents; Disinfectants; Selecting the Correct Product; Correct Product Use

Objectives

• List the three kinds of cleaning chemicals.
• Explain the advantages and disadvantages of soaps.
• Compare and contrast soaps and detergents.
• Tell what protective equipment is required when working with solvents.
• Explain how solvent and abrasive cleaners work.
• Describe the purpose of a disinfectant.
• List the important factors to consider when selecting a cleaning product.
• Tell where to find information about correct product usage.

Lesson 3: Cleaning Agents

Topics

Why Use Cleaning Agents?; Detergency Processes; Physical Characteristics of Cleaning Agents; Chemical Characteristics of Cleaning Agents; Electrical Charges in Soaps and Detergents; Matching the Product to the Job; General-Purpose Cleaners; Strippers; Degreasers; Shampoos; Other Considerations

Objectives

• Name the chemicals in cleaning agents that dissolve grease and oil.
• Name and describe the four most important detergency processes.
• Define penetration, suspension, and viscosity as characteristics of cleaning agents.
• Tell how cationic soaps and detergents differ from anionic soaps and detergents.
• Name an advantage and a disadvantage of a multi-duty cleaners.
• Tell why wetting agents are used in degreasers.

Lesson 4: Disinfectants

Topics

Disease-Causing Microorganisms; How Microorganisms Live; Controlling the Growth of Germs; Disinfectants; Kinds of Disinfectants; Product Information; Preparing Disinfectants for Use; Cleaning and Disinfecting; Cleaner/Disinfectants

Objectives

• Define the term pathogenic.
• List four kinds of microorganisms capable of causing disease.
• Explain the difference between cleaning and disinfecting.
• List three factors that make killing germs a difficult task.
• Define the terms sanitization, disinfection, and sterilization.
• State an advantage and a disadvantage for each of the main kinds of disinfectant.
• Explain why it is important to follow product dilution information carefully.

Lesson 5: Special-Purpose Cleaning Chemicals

Topics

Acid Bowl Cleaners; Glass Cleaners; Absorbents; Dust Control Chemicals; Furniture Polishes; Metal Polishes; Hand Soaps and Cleaners; Graffiti Remover; Drain Cleaners; Deodorants

Objectives

• Explain why it is necessary to use an acid bowl cleaner on toilets and urinals.
• List the characteristics of a good glass cleaner.
• Explain the purpose of absorbents.
• Explain where and why dust control chemicals are used.
• Give three reasons for using furniture polish on unsealed wood.
• List the properties of a good hand cleaner.
• Describe the necessary precautions to take when using drain cleaners.
• Name the three common forms of room deodorant.