Reports show dangerous substances in 38% of all workplaces in Europe. Young persons, people in temporary work, and migrants are particularly vulnerable. Groups often found in the commercial kitchen industry.
1. Make inventory and document all chemicals.
Do you really know all chemicals that are being handled in the kitchen? Make sure you are aware of and document all of them. Awareness is the very first step towards avoiding accidents.
2. Conduct risk assessment, and switch to less hazardous chemicals when possible.
What are the different chemical characteristics? What are the risks if not handled properly? Read, learn, and consider changing to less hazardous chemicals if possible.
3. Inform and train staff about the chemicals used.
Are you sure that everyone within your staff knows how to handle the chemicals you use? This step is crucial to prevent accidents. Also, make sure everyone knows how to store the chemicals properly.
4. Make use of wall manuals and guides for kitchen equipment.
Not only will wall manuals help to prevent chemical-related accidents, but it will also remind staff about operation and handling, and help prevent machine-related accidents from happening. Ask your supplier or partner about wall manuals if you do not already have them available for your equipment.
5. Protective gear should be available when needed.
Make sure to store proper protective gear and that all staff knows where they are stored, and how to use them when needed.
6. Look for innovations that use fewer chemicals.
Chemicals are most often neither good for your wallet, nor your staff or the environment. There are a lot of environmentally friendly chemicals on the market and great chemical-saving technology. Innovations like No Pre-Washing Concept™ from Granuldisk keep chemical use at a minimum while not compromising with efficient clean results.
7. All staff should know what to do in case of an accident.
In case of an emergency, it is easy to freeze, panic, and not know what to do. So, if a chemical-related accident would occur, make sure everyone knows what to do and in which order.
Chemicals can be really useful but should be used with respect and moderation. Make sure it's not just an easy way out, or old habits - investigating alternatives could really pay off, ad often it's only a quick Google search away.
Since GRANULDISK started in the late '80s our biggest mission has been to help our customers to save water, energy, chemicals, and improve the work environment. Having met millions of customers in the commercial kitchen industry world-wide, week after week, year after year we’ve gathered a lot of knowledge savings in the kitchen and particularly in the pot washing area.
Let us help you with your pot washing and compare your current costs with your potential savings in a business evaluation. All free of charge, of course.
