OSHA doesn't have a "cleaning standard." But they do regulate workplace safety, and cleaning creates specific hazards. Bloodborne pathogens. Chemical exposure. Slip and fall risks. These fall under various OSHA standards.
Quick Answer: OSHA requires employers to ensure cleaning doesn't create hazards. This includes bloodborne pathogen protection when cleaning bodily fluids, chemical safety documentation for all hazardous cleaners, and training for anyone who uses cleaning chemicals. Both employers and cleaning companies share responsibility.
### What Is the Bloodborne Pathogen Standard?
TL;DR: OSHA's bloodborne pathogen standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) requires employers to protect workers from blood and bodily fluids when cleaning. This applies to any workplace, not just medical offices. Training, PPE, and written exposure control plans are required.
What It Covers:
OSHA's bloodborne pathogen standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) protects workers from exposure to blood and other potentially infectious materials. This applies to cleaning.
When It Applies:
Anytime someone cleans blood, bodily fluids, or other potentially infectious materials. This isn't just for medical offices — it applies to any workplace.
What's Required:
- Written exposure control plan
- Training on bloodborne pathogens
- Hepatitis B vaccination offered to at-risk workers
- Personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Proper disposal of contaminated materials
- Procedures for exposure incidents
Practical Application:
If an employee gets a nosebleed and another employee cleans it up, the bloodborne pathogen standard applies. The person cleaning must have training and PPE.
How to Comply:
Train employees on bloodborne pathogen awareness. Have PPE available (gloves, face protection). Have a plan for proper disposal. Document everything.
### What Is the Hazard Communication Standard?
TL;DR: OSHA requires Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all hazardous cleaning chemicals, proper labeling, employee training on chemical hazards, and a written hazard communication program. Every employer must have these accessible.
What It Covers:
OSHA's hazard communication standard (29 CFR 1910.1200) requires employers to inform workers about hazardous chemicals. This includes cleaning chemicals.
What's Required:
- Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all hazardous chemicals
- Labels on all chemical containers
- Employee training on chemical hazards
- Written hazard communication program
SDS Requirements:
Every hazardous chemical must have an SDS. The SDS includes:
- Chemical identification
- Hazard information
- Safe handling procedures
- First aid information
- Storage requirements
- Disposal methods
Practical Application:
If your office uses glass cleaner, floor cleaner, and disinfectant, you need SDS for each. They must be accessible to employees. Digital access is acceptable.
How to Comply:
Request SDS from cleaning product manufacturers. Keep them accessible. Train employees on reading SDS. Maintain a chemical inventory.
### What PPE Is Required for Cleaning?
TL;DR: OSHA requires employers to provide PPE appropriate for cleaning hazards: gloves for chemical handling, eye protection for splash hazards, foot protection for wet floors, and respiratory protection for certain chemicals. Training on proper use is required.
What It Covers:
OSHA's PPE standard (29 CFR 1910.132) requires employers to provide PPE when hazards can't be controlled.
What's Required:
- PPE appropriate for the hazard
- Training on PPE use
- Proper fit
- Maintenance and replacement
For Cleaning:
- Gloves for chemical handling
- Eye protection for splash hazards
- Foot protection for wet floors
- Respiratory protection for certain chemicals
How to Comply:
Assess cleaning tasks for hazards. Provide appropriate PPE. Train employees on use. Replace when worn.
### What Are the Walking-Working Surface Requirements?
TL;DR: OSHA requires keeping walking surfaces clean and dry, prompt spill cleanup, wet floor warning signs, and good housekeeping. Wet floors during cleaning create slip hazards that must be marked and managed.
What It Covers:
OSHA's walking-working surfaces standard (29 CFR 1910.22) covers slip, trip, and fall hazards.
What's Required:
- Keep walking surfaces clean and dry
- Clean up spills promptly
- Use warning signs for wet floors
- Maintain good housekeeping
For Cleaning:
Wet floors during cleaning create slip hazards. "Wet Floor" signs must be used. Spills must be cleaned promptly.
How to Comply:
Use "Wet Floor" signs during cleaning. Clean spills immediately. Train employees on slip prevention. Document procedures.
### Who Is Responsible for OSHA Compliance?
TL;DR: Both employers and cleaning companies share responsibility. Employers must ensure cleaning is done safely. Cleaning companies must train employees and follow OSHA standards. In-house cleaners make the employer fully responsible.
Employer Responsibility:
The employer is responsible for workplace safety. This includes ensuring cleaning is done safely. If in-house employees clean, the employer must train them and provide equipment. If a cleaning company cleans, the employer must ensure the company follows OSHA standards.
Cleaning Company Responsibility:
Cleaning companies must train their employees. They must provide PPE. They must follow OSHA standards. They must maintain documentation.
Shared Responsibility:
Both parties share responsibility. The employer must ensure contractors work safely. The contractor must train employees and follow standards.
### What Documentation Is Required?
TL;DR: Required documentation includes Safety Data Sheets for all chemicals, training records (kept 3 years), exposure incident records (kept 30 years), PPE provision records, and written bloodborne pathogen and hazard communication plans.
What to Document:
- Safety Data Sheets for all chemicals
- Training records (who was trained, when, on what)
- Exposure incidents (if any)
- PPE provision and training
- Written programs (bloodborne pathogen plan, hazard communication plan)
How Long to Keep:
- Training records: 3 years
- Exposure records: 30 years
- SDS: As long as chemical is used
### What Are the Common OSHA Violations?
TL;DR: The most common violations are missing Safety Data Sheets, no training on chemical hazards, no PPE provided, no written safety plans, and improper disposal of contaminated materials.
No SDS
The most common violation. Employers don't have SDS for cleaning chemicals. Keep them accessible.
No Training
Employees use chemicals without understanding hazards. Training is required.
No PPE
Employees handle chemicals without gloves or eye protection. PPE is required for hazardous tasks.
No Written Plan
Bloodborne pathogen and hazard communication programs must be written. Many employers skip this.
Improper Disposal
Contaminated materials (like blood cleanup) require proper disposal. Regular trash isn't acceptable.
### How Do You Stay Compliant with OSHA Standards?
TL;DR: Compliance requires six steps: inventory all chemicals, collect Safety Data Sheets, train employees, provide PPE, write required safety plans, and document everything. Keep records accessible for OSHA inspection.
Step 1: Inventory Chemicals
List all cleaning chemicals used in your workplace. Include products used by cleaning companies.
Step 2: Collect SDS
Request Safety Data Sheets for every chemical. Keep them accessible. Update when products change.
Step 3: Train Employees
Train anyone who might encounter cleaning chemicals or bodily fluids. Document the training.
Step 4: Provide PPE
Make gloves, eye protection, and other PPE available. Train on proper use.
Step 5: Write Plans
Develop written bloodborne pathogen and hazard communication programs. They don't need to be complex.
Step 6: Document Everything
Keep records of training, SDS, and incidents. OSHA can request these during inspection.
### When Does OSHA Apply to Cleaning?
TL;DR: OSHA applies to all private sector employers for in-house cleaning, contracted cleaning (shared responsibility), and temporary workers. Very small businesses (under 10 employees) may be exempt from some record-keeping but not safety requirements.
In-House Cleaning:
OSHA standards apply directly. The employer must comply with all requirements.
Contracted Cleaning:
The cleaning company must comply with OSHA for their employees. The employer must ensure the contractor works safely.
Temporary Employees:
Temporary workers have the same rights as permanent employees. OSHA protections apply.
Small Businesses:
OSHA applies to most private sector employers. Very small businesses (under 10 employees) may be exempt from some record-keeping, but not from safety requirements.
### What Questions Should You Ask Your Cleaning Company About OSHA?
TL;DR: Ask about employee OSHA training, Safety Data Sheets availability, PPE usage, blood and bodily fluid handling procedures, and whether they maintain written safety programs.
Do you train employees on OSHA requirements?
They should describe training on bloodborne pathogens, chemical hazards, and PPE.
Do you have Safety Data Sheets?
They should provide SDS for all chemicals used in your workplace.
What PPE do employees use?
Gloves, eye protection, and other PPE should be standard for chemical handling.
How do you handle blood or bodily fluids?
They should describe procedures aligned with the bloodborne pathogen standard.
Do you have written safety programs?
Professional companies maintain written hazard communication and bloodborne pathogen programs.
Need cleaning that meets OSHA standards? Get a free quote or call 630-349-2862. We train employees on bloodborne pathogens, chemical safety, and proper PPE.