Never mix these — the chemical combinations that injure or kill
Lesson 2 of 6 in Cleaning Products, Chemistry & WHMIS · 22 minutes
Every year, Canadian cleaners are hospitalized — and occasionally killed — from mixing chemicals that produce toxic gases. Most accidents happen with bleach. This lesson is the list of combinations to memorize, the symptoms to recognize, and what to do if you've already mixed.
What you'll learn
- Memorize the four most dangerous mixing combinations
- Identify the gases each combination produces and their symptoms
- Apply 'never combine bottles' as a workplace rule
- Respond correctly if you or a coworker has been exposed
From the lesson
This is the most important lesson in this course. Mixing the wrong cleaning products can release toxic gases that seriously injure — and sometimes kill — workers, particularly cleaners. Most of these incidents happen because someone wanted to 'clean better' by combining two strong cleaners. The chemistry doesn't care about your intentions. Memorize this list. The few minutes you spend now could save your life or someone else's.
The cardinal rule
Never mix two cleaning products together unless the label says you can.
This is simpler than memorizing every dangerous pair. If a product comes premixed by the manufacturer, it's safe. If you're combining bottles yourself, you're taking a risk you…