3.3 Chemicals and Personal Protective Equipment

Tracy Rieger

3.3 Chemicals and Personal Protective Equipment

Chemicals

The following section provides an overview of common disinfectant chemicals that may be used by the housekeeping and custodial staff.

Isopropanol Alcohol

Isopropanol alcohol or rubbing alcohol requires water to act as a catalyst to allow the alcohol to permeate the bacteria cells. Contact time, the amount of time that surfaces are exposed to the disinfectant, is 3 to 12 hours. Adhering to the correct contact time increases the effectiveness of the product. Allowing isopropanol alcohol to evaporate (dry in open air) creates a protective layer on the surface. The most effective mixture is a concentration of 50 to 70%. A mixture below 50% isopropanol alcohol is not effective as a disinfectant. Isopropanol alcohol is considered a disinfectant, not a sterilization agent, because it does not destroy spore bacteria or hydrophilic viruses. Sterilization agents eliminate all microorganisms and bacteria, whereas disinfectants reduce the number of microbes.

Chlorines

Chlorines or bleach disinfect by means of an oxidizing agent that works by adding or removing electrons from other molecules. Bleach was a very common disinfectant for facilities up until the introduction of quaternary ammonium compounds (QUATS), which are far safer to use than chlorine.

Phenolic

Phenolics work by disabling enzymes means that the cell cannot reproduce – killing off the organism. Phenolics are mixed with water and applied to a surface. A phenolic can be used as a disinfectant agent or, by increasing the concentration level of phenolics, a sterilization agent.

Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (QUATS)

Quaternary ammonium compounds are considered to be the safest choice of disinfectant when used in a diluted solution. Prepare the diluted solution following the manufacturer’s directions and then spray, allowing a minimum of 30 seconds of contact time to be effective. The strength and effectiveness of the mixture can be tested using a quaternary ammonium test strip.

Iodophors

Iodophors or iodine are not always the first choice in kitchens because they require a long contact time of two minutes for effectiveness, and water temperature is important. The mixture requires dilution in cool water. They also leave an orange-brown residue on the surface.

Hydrogen Peroxides

Mix 50% hydrogen peroxide with 50% water. Spray the mixture on surfaces and allow a contact time of five minutes. Hydrogen peroxide is an economical, cost effective disinfectant which is also eco-friendly. Being knowledgeable about different chemical disinfectants allows managers to compare the positives and negatives of each one, enabling them to make the best choice for their team.

Disinfectant	Expectations
Alcohols – 60-90% ethyl or isopropyl alcohol	Lengthy contact time
Chlorines – most common bleach	Harmful in terms of human exposure
Phenolics	Can also be used as a sterilization agent
Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (QUATS)	Safe choice in terms of human exposure/short contact time
Iodophors: Iodine, detergent, and water	Water temperature sensitive. Leaves an orange/brown residue
Accelerated hydrogen peroxides	Cost-effective, environmentally friendly

What is Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)?

PPE is equipment worn or used by a worker to minimize exposure to specific hazards. Examples of PPE include respirators, gloves, aprons, fall protection, and full body suits, as well as head, eye, and foot protection. Using PPE is only one element in a complete hazard control program that would use a variety of strategies to maintain a safe and healthy environment. PPE does not reduce the hazard itself, nor does it guarantee permanent or total protection.

When Should Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) be Used?

PPE is used to reduce or minimize the exposure or contact to harmful physical, chemical, ergonomic, or biological agents. Remember, a hazard is not “gone” when PPE is used, but the risk of injury may be reduced. For example, wearing hearing protection reduces the likelihood of hearing damage when the earplugs or muffs are appropriate for the kind of noise exposure and when the PPE is used properly. However, using hearing protection does not eliminate the noise.

PPE should only be used:

as an interim (short-term) measure before more effective controls are implemented;
where other controls are not available or adequate;
during activities such as maintenance, clean up, and repair, where more effective controls are not feasible or adequate;
during emergency situations.

Designing an Effective PPE Program, https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/prevention/ppe/designin.html, OSH Answers, Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), January 21, 2025. Reproduced with the permission of CCOHS, 2025.

A custodial worker adorned in Personal Protective Equipment. — Image by voltamax, Pixabay License.

In housekeeping and laundry departments, PPE often consists of gloves, aprons, eyewear, and masks.

View a Personal Protective Equipment PDF from the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety.

For information on safe chemical handling and proper PPE use, consult the resources offered by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety.

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Facilities Management for Foodservice Managers Copyright © 2025 by Tracy Rieger is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.

Chemicals

What is Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)?

When Should Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) be Used?

License

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