Combined efforts
Under the project, HCWH-SEA worked with hospitals and other stakeholders to pave the way for safe chemical policies. The list below also illustrated available methods and alternatives of rendering healthcare workplaces safe:
Cleaning products: Replace with non-toxic products, use microfiber mops, refine cleaning processes (often, it is possible to clean rooms better without chemical cleansers by targeting high use sites, like telephone handles and doorknobs)
Equipment sterilizers: Replace or isolate chemicals, improve and enforce industrial hygiene control measures
Acrylic resins (in automate systems, ventilation systems medical polymers): Replace or isolate chemicals, improve and enforce industrial hygiene control measures
Phthalates: Use phthalate-free products
Pharmaceuticals: Install Hoppers, ventilation hoods, personal protective equipment, respirators; institute clinical substitutions if these are equally effective in treating patients; improve and enforce industrial hygiene control measures
Latex gloves: Use non-latex or powder-free latex gloves
Pesticides: Implement non-toxic Integrated Pest Management programs
Perfumes and fragrances in scented cleaners and products: Use fragrance-free products