Estonia: Limiting exposure to dangerous substances in the cleaning sector

In this example of good practice, a cleaning company in Estonia introduced measures to reduce the risk of exposure to dangerous chemicals in cleaning agents.

Through revisions to its procurement system, the company limited the cleaning products it used on a daily basis to three main products: one contains two hazardous ingredients in low concentrations; one is not considered hazardous under EU legislation; and the third is purified water, containing no chemical ingredients at all.

Extensive training, simplified safety and health guidelines, and provision of personal protective equipment contributed to the effectiveness of the new approach.