Safety Rules for Chemical Use

  1. Never mix chemicals.
  2. Always wear gloves.
  3. Always wear protective eye wear or glasses when pouring chemicals or working overhead.
  4. Always wash your hands after chemical use and before eating.
  5. If a potentially harmful chemical comes in contact with your skin or eyes, flush with water immediately and call your supervisor.
  6. If n doubt about proper use, always ask your lead, supervisor or manager.
  7. Chemicals should always be dispensed in the safest manner possible from a flip top cap. The only exceptions are glass cleaners and deodorizers, which can be dispensed by trigger sprayers.
  8. Any chemical on a cleaning cart or in a storage closet must be labeled with the correct name of the contents in the bottle, the specific hazard warnings, and the target organs affected by exposure to the chemical. In other words, a pre-printed label. Don’t just write the name on a bottle.
  9. For any question concerning makeup or compounds, please refer to the MSDS or your hazard communication manual.

With over 27 years in Healthcare Environmental Services (ES), I lead with a belief that attitude drives outcomes. As a Regional Director at MultiCare Health System, I oversee multi-site ES operations with a focus on people-first leadership, infection control, and operational excellence. I champion a Positive Mental Attitude (PMA) not as a slogan, but as a leadership principle. I believe positivity is contagious, and as a leader, I set the tone. Through consistent, uplifting communication, I create environments where ES teams feel empowered to be helpful, proactive, and proud of their impact. For me, development is a choice, and I invest in training, huddles, and coaching that energize teams, helping them thrive in their current roles and grow toward what’s next. My approach to high standards isn't theoretical, it's practical. Just like we notice when a hotel room is clean and fresh, patients and families immediately sense a space that’s been cared for. Through standardized protocols, team accountability, and a shared mission, I help create clean, safe, and healing environments that directly enhance patient experience and staff well-being. It's a privilege to lead teams that play such a vital role in the patient journey, and to help elevate the perception and performance of ES professionals across our system.

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