Health and safety at work: bleach being used to clean cups...?

Question

Can anyone give me some advice which type of regulations are breached by my employer, when he allows the cleaning personnel to use bleach to clean cups and the inside of the microwave? I am aware that bleach is classified as a corrosive substance in the COSHH regulations, however I am not working with the substance, it is only used in my work place. I have adressed this issue to the office manager twice, he in turn has spoken to the cleaners, as have I; to no avail.
So I guess so me kind of legal procedure would be appropriate at this stage, like an inspection or something like that. Any useful advice on what the next step should be? ( I should add that my college is suffering from digestive problems and she suspects the b leach in the microwave might be the cause. thanks a lot

Unfortunately the microwave is not allowed to air which results in fumes rising in the morning and the bleach is used not just to remove stains, but instead of a washing up liquid on large quantities of cups ( my floor has about 50 of staff), so concerns rise about residue from not rinsing. I have addressed the issue to my office manager who is also the health and safety representative, my line manager knows a bout i guess (I haven't made formal complaint though).
p.s.I am prevented by my contract to join a union.
p.s.2 i live in the uk

Answer 1

Some of the most recent regulations have been passed under the Health and Safety at work Act 1974 detail duties and responsibilities on specific topics. They include:
 The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
 The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992
 The Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981
 The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002, amended 2004)
Every work place should feel obliged to produce a policy document, which contains a statement of intent with respect to health and safety at work and the organisation and arrangement for complying with it. The document should be clearly understood by all staff, which will be made aware of the organisations health and safety policy during their initial induction training. A copy of this document is then made available for inspection by members of staff at a reasonable time.
From what you are say the company is putting you at risk and using bleach to clean cups is very much a no no
contact your local council or talk to your union rep you can find your council phone on the web.
Further more i would not drink from the cups and make a formal complaint to your line manager
good luck

Answer 2

Bleach Health And Safety

Answer 3

There is nothing wrong with using bleach, as long as it is used correctly. And with adequate protective equipment. In fact, I would rather have that than some of the drug-resistant germs that are being passed around.

There is a problem when one tries to mix bleach with ammonia or Lysol, for instance. That's when you get some very nasty fumes.

If the cleaners aren't attending to the problem with the bleach fumes- and yes, I know they can be strong- then you may need to go over their heads. You shouldn't be suffering any ill effects from their cleaning.

Answer 4

bleach is legal to use as a cleaning agent on surfaces in the work place, and is especially effective in the areas where there is food preparation. As long as the cleaning crew allows the microwave to air out after cleaning by leaving the door open, there is no residual to worry about, it evaporates with the water it is mixed in. Same issue with any drinking cups, bleach in water is the best solution to keep them contaminant free and as long as they are allowed to air, they will be quite safely useable in the morning. Call OSHA, they will tell you the same thing.

Answer 5

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Answer 6

There should be no problem with cleaning with bleach as long as its properly diluted and rinsed. I often bleach the cups at work to get rid of stains. I don't need to do it at home as I've got a dishwasher.

Answer 7

I use a diluted bleach to clean stains from my cups too.Provided they're rinsed well after, there's no harm done, and bleach is a great germ killer too. How many germs are passed from cup to cup when not washed properly?

Answer 8

1

Answer 9

Have a word with your company Health & Safety representative.

Answer 10

If you are in the US contact your State Labor Dept. There should be a 1-800 # and they should be able to point you the right direction.