This document provides guidance to housekeeping staff on safety procedures and hazards. It discusses safe practices for using sharp objects, preventing slips and falls, safe lifting techniques, working with chemicals, and operating fire extinguishers. Specific tips include wearing protective gloves and clothing when handling bodily fluids or chemicals, immediately reporting any injuries, being aware of slip and fall hazards, safely lifting objects, never mixing chemicals, and ensuring used fire extinguishers are recharged. The goal is to minimize risks and ensure staff safety in all housekeeping activities.

1. POTENTIAL HAZARDS
Safety Equiptment
IN HOUSEKEEPING

2. 1
Housekeeping Safety

3. • Safety with Sharp Objects
• Preventing Slips, Trips and Falls
• Safe Lifting/Material Handling
• Safety with Chemicals
• Fire Extinguisher Use
Content

4. o Keep scissors sharpened
o Use proper scissors for the job being done
o Do not try to catch falling scissors
o Carry scissors with the blades closed
o Hand scissors to someone with the handle
facing them

5. Cuts
• To stop bleeding if the wound is deep:
→ Apply pressure
→ Raise the wound site above the heart
→ Seek medical attention a.s.a.p.

6. o Always wear Protective gloves when cleaning:
▪ Latex (or non-latex if you are allergic)
▪ Rubber
▪ Nitrile
▪ NOT Leather or Cloth
o “Surgical” Mask – if bodily fluids are wet
o Long Sleeve Shirt/Long Pants – if bodily fluids
are wet

7. PPT-069-01
• Report any on the job injuries to your Supervisor
as soon as possible, and make sure an injury
report is completed a.s.a.p.

8. PPT-069-01 15
• On same level: high
frequency, low severity
• From elevations: low
frequency, high severity

9. Causes
• Wet, slippery, oily floors/stairs
• Loose irregular surfaces such
as rocks
• Insufficient light
• Uneven walkways or sidewalks

10. Causes
PPT-069-01
• Poor housekeeping
• Loose handrails
• Uncovered/unguarded pits/floor openings
• Improper ladder usage
o Shoes with slick soles or raised heels
o Moving too fast
o Carrying items (impair balance, obstruct
vision)

11. Hazard Alert
If unable to fix quickly,
alert people!

12. Material Handling Tips
Check the object before you attempt to lift it.
▪ Test every load before lifting = pushing object
lightly with hands or feet to see how easily it
moves (good indication as to how heavy it is)
▪ Remember, a small size does not always mean
a light load!
Make sure the load you are lifting is packed correctly.
▪ Employees packing boxes should make sure weight
is balanced and packed so it won’t move around
▪ Loose pieces inside a box can cause accidents if

13. Food Service Chemicals
PPT-069-01
● There are often many chemicals in a food
service environment such as:
 Drain Cleaners
 Bleaches
 Surface Cleaners
 De-greasers
 Floor Cleaners
• Chemicals can be harmful to your health and
the environment – always use caution when
working with any chemical!

14. Chemical Safety
• NEVER MIX CHEMICALS TOGETHER! A violent
reaction could occur causing injury/damage
• Store flammable chemicals in cabinets designed
for safe storage
• If chemicals are stored in the kitchen, store on
shelves below foodstuffs so if they leak they will
not contaminate food
• Wear appropriate PPE when using chemicals

15. Types of PPE
EYE PROTECTION SUCH AS SAFETY GOGGLES:
HAND PROTECTION SUCH AS RUBBER GLOVES:
RESPIRATORY PROTECTION:

16. Review
• Never mix chemicals!
• Read warning labels and SDS’s
• Wear appropriate PPE
• Ensure chemicals are properly labeled
• Store chemicals safely
• Clean up spills immediately
• Notify your Supervisor if injured

17. o Fire extinguishers are marked to indicate
the class of fire they can be used on
o Access to fire extinguishers should not be
blocked/obstructed
o After a fire extinguisher is used it must
be recharged, not put back in place
o Most fire extinguishers will make a mess!

18. Used Extinguisher
Never put a fire extinguisher that’s been used
back in place (even if it still feels heavy)
Even a short burst can cause the extinguisher
to leak pressure after use
Putting a used extinguisher back in place can
mean it won’t work in the future
Have used extinguishers checked and recharged
by a reputable dealer

19. THANK YOU