In this episode of The Dirt on Clean, Thais Graham and Alex Diaz discuss a serious incident involving chemical safety that led to significant personal injury.
Alex shares his experience of a chemical spill that resulted in second-degree burns, emphasizing the importance of proper safety protocols, personal protective equipment (PPE), and the need for a safety-first culture in the workplace.
The conversation highlights the lessons learned from the incident, including the necessity of thorough inspections, proper training, and the role of facilities managers in ensuring safety when hiring outside crews.
Takeaways:
The incident was a wake-up call about chemical safety.
Proper PPE is essential, even for routine tasks.
Chemical burns can be more severe than acid burns.
Safety culture must prioritize prevention over reaction.
Training should focus on real-life stories to resonate with employees.
Facilities managers should not assume vendors prioritize safety.
Regular inspections of chemical containers are crucial.
Every employee should have a complete backup uniform.
Understanding chemical residues is vital for safety.
Embedding a safety mindset can prevent future incidents.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Safety in Cleaning Operations
02:41 The Incident: A Close Call with Chemicals
05:16 Lessons Learned: Safety Protocols and Changes
06:36 Embedding a Safety Mindset in Teams