Store cleaning products in a locked closet or cabinet,
away from food, and not accessible to kids.
Store products in their original containers and never remove the product
labels.
Product instructions, precautions and first aid instructions vary
according to their ingredients. It can be dangerous to use a product
incorrectly or to follow the wrong emergency treatment guidelines.
Schedule routine cleaning of surfaces and dishwashing when there is a
lull in activities,
such as nap time, or when children are not in
the room.
Put the product away immediately
after removing the amount needed
for the cleaning job at hand.
Rinse measuring cups
after each use to avoid accidentally mixing
products
Be aware that some cleaning products -- like oven or drain cleaners --
present a significant potential hazard.
Usually they are packaged in child-resistant packaging as required by
law, but accidents can still occur if the container cap is not properly
closed and if the product is not stored out of reach. Use these products
with great care.
Train staff
(in child care settings) in proper handling, use,
storage and
safety procedures. Appoint a staff member to function as a safety officer.
Dispose of empty cleaning containers carefully.
Use up all of the product.
Follow label instructions for disposal of
disinfectants. Replace the cap to protect children, pets and garbage
handlers. Discard containers in a trash can (or recycling bin, if
applicable) that has a secured lid.
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Mix cleaning products.
Products which are safe when used alone can
sometimes become dangerous if mixed with other products.
Ever mix chlorine bleach or any product containing chlorine
bleach
(some tub and tile cleaners, mildew removers, all-purpose cleaners,
automatic dishwashing detergents) with:
ammonia, or products which include ammonia or ammonia-containing
compounds (e.g., some hand dishwashing detergents or window cleaners) or
acidic products (e.g., toilet bowl cleaners, rust removers).
Dangerous gases can be released.
Allow distractions or interruptions
when an adult is cleaning.
Leave cleaning buckets containing even small amounts of liquid
unattended.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission warns
that young
children can drown in very small amounts of liquid. Toddlers are "top
heavy," and if they topple into a bucket, it may not tip over and they
could drown. Five-gallon industrial containers, such as those used to
package lawn care or home maintenance products, are especially dangerous.
These containers are often brought home for use in household chores. They
are very sturdy and do not tip over easily.
- Be sure to empty buckets after each use. Do not leave even a few
inches
of liquid in the bucket. And never allow unattended toddlers around
buckets when in use.
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If using cloth diapers, do not leave them soaking in buckets in an area
where toddlers are present. If you are using a diaper pail, rinse the
diapers in the toilet, then put them in the pail without adding water.
Use a deodorizing tablet to help minimize odors. Launder as soon as possible.
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Also watch for these potential drowning hazards: toilet bowls, bathtubs,
containers with drinking water for animals, water with detergent for
soaking clothes, or wall paper stripper with water.
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DO
DON'T