Do Your Cleaning Solutions Comply with Australian Standards?

When purchasing cleaning solutions you need to keep in mind a variety of issues, such as health and safety and environmental sustainability. One way to check whether you are buying the best chemical solutions is to look for products that comply with the latest Australian standards. These standards are particularly important if you are using the products to maintain public spaces or to cater to the needs of customers and clients.

Depending on your industry, the type of maintenance products needed, and the standards relevant to them will differ significantly. In an industry such as hair dressing, where there is a high potential for germ exchange, equipment and surfaces need to be washed and disinfected with strong cleaning solutions that are capable of killing harmful micro-organisms. At the same time, however, the chemical formulas used must not be too harsh or corrosive, to ensure that clients with sensitive skin and allergies are not irritated by the detergents used.

There are Australian standards to cover every single common cleaning process. One such standard is AS/NZS 3733:1995, which covers carpet cleaning in both residential and commercial applications. This standard gives a guide for the effective execution of a variety of different carpet care methods, such as hot water injection and dry foam methods. The standard also provides information to the consumer regarding the correct labelling of cleaning solution and the difference between deep and thorough methods and superficial processes.

As well as standards developed to allow the consumer to make informed decisions and find the best value products and services, there is also a wide range of Australian standards developed to regulate the safety level of common cleaning solutions. These standards set acceptable percentage content rates of harmful substances such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can cause chronic health problems. These standards ensure that the use of harmful chemicals is kept to an absolute minimum in widely available chemical solutions.

Labelling standards also regulate the claims that can be made by cleaning solutions manufacturers. This covers the effectiveness of the cleaning solution as well as its 'green' credentials. Many of the standards required for environmentally friendly products are still being developed, which has allowed many manufacturers to make slightly questionable claims.

Some standards do exist, however, and these can be helpful if you are searching for a gentler maintenance regime for your home. These standards usually pertain to claims made on the basis of product testing, and specific ways in which the chemical product benefits the community or environment.