On February 22, the Day of the General Services Assistant is celebrated, a professional responsible for cleaning, maintenance and hygiene of the most diverse types of indoor and outdoor environments. It is also able to detect conservation problems and find solutions, with periodic inspections and monitoring of repairs.
It is an indispensable function in any public or private organization, and presents a high degree of health risk, because it is these professionals who collect all kinds of waste, clean bathrooms and other spaces with a high rate of contaminants.
Risks:
Because it is directly linked to cleaning, professionals in the area of general services are exposed to various types of viruses, bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms harmful to health, in addition to contact with cleaning products. Therefore, they are subject to the development of diseases such as contact dermatitis, burns and various types of allergic reactions.
If the professional ends up having direct contact with garbage, for example, he can acquire diseases such as:
- Tetanus, when there is contact with rusty parts. It is caused by the toxin released by the bacterium Clostridium tetani, which by infecting injuries leading up to a respiratory arrest by contracting the diaphragm;
- Hepatitis A, acquired through an oral-fecal virus, by ingestion of contaminated water or food. In the case of general service professionals, it is possible to be contracted through the contact of infected hands after cleaning toilets, for example, with the face and mouth.
- Cholera, caused by a bacterium that causes diarrhea. It can be transmitted to professionals in the same way as hepatitis A.
- Trachea, a species of conjunctivitis that stimulates the formation of scars in the cornea and conjunctiva, with the risk of causing blindness. It can be acquired by contact of contaminated hands with eyes.
- Leptospirosis, caused by contact with urine of animals that hide in garbage storage places, such as urban rats.
The use of Personal Protective Equipment, PPE’s are extremely important for the protection of the professional who works in the area of general services. Rubber boots and gloves are essential, and act as a barrier that neutralizes the harmful agents to human health present in both waste and cleaning products.
Nihilic Gloves, for example, are much more resistant than those made from other types of disposables. They suffer much less wear and tear during their use, being indicated for the handling of corrosive chemicals such as chlorinated solvents, alcohols, petroleum derivatives, different types of oils and also some acids.
They are produced in synthetic rubber, and are quite resistant to tearing and perforation. Considered an antiallergic glove, the nihilic glove is very versatile, and an effective substitute for those allergic to natural latex.
In addition to general services professionals, they are recommended for professionals in the medical, agro-industrial, food, chemical/pharmaceutical, aesthetic, among others.
Learn more about the nihilic gloves here
Stock is key!
If the use of gloves is indispensable for the area of General Services, why do many professionals do not make use of this PPE?
The answer lies in the availability of the material. Many companies and public and private organizations neglect the importance of this equipment for the daily activities of general service professionals, and the gloves end up being missing in stock, harming the work of that employee.
Maintaining an organized and stocked stock is critical to preserving the health integrity and quality of the work of General Service Assistants.
Check out tips on how to organize inventory effectively here
In addition, choosing suppliers well is essential to the success of the job. When choosing your supplier, the main item to take into consideration is whether it is responsible with the deadlines, documentation and quality of the products you are purchasing.
Never let the price be the main guide because, often, the cheapest can present several problems such as delays in delivery, problems with documentation, questionable quality, among others. In the end, this could bring much more spending and headaches to your management.
Kevenoll products have all the legal certifications and documentation that guarantee our customers products with quality and efficiency.