Janitorial and Housekeeping
Examples of safety hazards that can harm janitorial and housekeeping workers include:
- Bloodborne pathogens due to contact with used needles, lancets, and other contaminated waste
- Heavy or awkward lifting, overexertion, repetitive motions, and other physical stressors
- Hantavirus found in rodent feces
- Hazardous cleaning chemicals
- Noise
- Slips, trips and falls
- Workplace violence (e.g., assaults)
Rules
- Core Rules (Chapter 296-800, WAC)
- Bloodborne Pathogens (Chapter 296-823, WAC)
- Chemical Hazard Communication (Chapter 296-901, WAC)
Videos
- Bloodborne Pathogens for Custodians (English/Spanish)
- Housekeeper Training: Hospitality Series
- Housekeeping: It Ain't Like the Movies (English/Spanish)
- Housekeeping on the Jobsite: A Plan for Success
Training Materials
Self-paced
- Janitor/Custodian Safety & Health – Module 1 – Safe Use of Chemical Cleaning Products
- Janitor/Custodian Safety & Health - Module 2 – Biohazards: Bloodborne Pathogens, Viruses and Molds
- Janitor/Custodian Safety & Health - Module 3 – Physical Hazards
- Hazard Communication/GHS Rules Update eLesson
For Groups
Publications, Handouts, Checklists
Chemicals
General Information
- Cleaning and Custodial Services and Your Safety (CDC)
- What’s Wrong With This Photo? (WorkSafeBC)
- Workplace Housekeeping - Basic Guide (CCOHS)
Biological Hazards
- Hantavirus (OSHA)
- Preventing Mold-Related Problems in the Indoor Workplace: A Guide for Building Owners, Managers and Occupants (OSHA)
Research
- Keeping Janitors Safe (L&I SHARP)
- Safety and Health among Hotel Cleaners (CDC/NIOSH)
Workplace Violence
- Questions and Answers: Panic Buttons: Guidance for Employers in the Hospitality Industry (F417-287-000) Available in English & Spanish