Is it absolutely necessary to follow the chemical manufacturer's recommendations?
First, let's look at the various documents related to a washing product. Please note: This article is not a substitute for training on WHMIS 2015.
The safety data sheet
It is important to know that washing products are tested on several points by manufacturers. They must then produce a safety data sheet who will give the 16 Important Data Points to know for your safety. The products are tested by the manufacturer according to several criteria such as:
- Its effectiveness on different surfaces and for different uses
- There may be different dosages for the same product depending on the desired use.
- Safe use of the product for the environment
- Safe use for the user
- Its physicochemical priorities
It should also be noted that all persons using chemical products must have been trained on the standard. WHMIS 2015 since February 1, 2018.
The technical sheet
The manufacturer can also provide you with the product data sheet. There are no regulations for this type of document. is not obligatory. But most recognized suppliers do. It is an explanatory document of the technical qualities of the washing product. So it will generally contain the following information (without being mandatory)
- The name of the product
- Recommended use
- Surfaces on which the product should be used and those on which it is not recommended to use this product.
- The recommended dosage(s) for the applications you wish to make
- If the product is organic, ecological, we will take the opportunity to emphasize this positive information.
- The pH is often indicated there.
- It is a sales document that highlights the strengths of the product.
- The information in this document is neither verified nor objective. However, it is still a good guide for the user.
The supplier's label
L'supplier label is a document regulated by the CNESST. You will therefore find the following information:
- Warning notice : The following words will indicate a risk to you
- Hazard statement : Phrase which will indicate the nature of the danger presented by a dangerous product.
- Pictograms : The pictograms represent a hazard symbol in black on a white background surrounded by a red border in the shape of a square standing on a point.
- Safety advice : Recommended measures to minimize or prevent harmful effects from exposure to a hazardous product during storage, handling, or use.
- Product identifier : This is the brand, chemical name or common, commercial or generic name of a hazardous product. This must be identical to that indicated on the safety data sheet.
- Initial Supplier Identifier : The name, address and telephone number of the manufacturer or importer of the hazardous product who operates in Canada.
Workplace Etiquette
L'workplace etiquette is used when the label has been torn, for example. It must be replaced immediately. Or, when you want to transfer the product into a smaller container.
3 elements are mandatory to be displayed on this document:
- THE product name (identical to the safety data sheet;
- General safety advice and those concerning prevention, intervention, storage, warehousing and disposal.
- A statement that the safety data sheet of the dangerous product can be consulted if available.
Why respect dilution?
Following the manufacturer's recommended dilutions and conditions ensures optimal results. However, we don't always have ideal conditions. For example, if a detergent requires hot water, and we don't have access to hot water, it will be necessary to assess the situation with the manufacturer. The solution will likely be to change the product.
If, on the other hand, the water pH in your plant or building isn't optimal, the manufacturer can certainly help you with this problem. They can adjust the product dosage based on the alkalinity of your water.
If you use more product than recommended, you can seriously damage a surface. definitely. In addition to wasting unnecessarily. (Overdose)
If you use less product than recommended, you may have to work much harder to achieve the desired result, in addition to wasting time unnecessarily. (Underdosage)
How to ideally dose washing products?
There are several possible dosage types. The place to find out how to properly use a product is to look on the supplier's label, which should be on the product container.
- Some products are ready to use. This is very often the case with scouring creams;
- Manual dosing using a measuring cup;
- Using a wall-mounted dispenser: Simply turn on the water and press a button. The recommended dosage will be automatically determined. Most reputable detergent suppliers will be able to provide this type of equipment;
- A dispenser that attaches directly to the gallon to which you connect the water. Then, turn on the water and press the button for the dosage to be done automatically.
- And then there are the product bottles that already have a measuring cup built into them. These are generally 500 ml to 1 liter containers.
Other guidelines for the correct use of washing products
- If the dosage is done manually, the product is always added After having put water in it.
