Stainless Steel Oil is dangerous. We just need to pay attention to the MSDS to see is inside of it to understand. Let's name a few hazardous reasons why not to use it: It can be fatal if swallowed or enters the airways, may cause drowsiness or dizziness, specific target organ toxicity (single exposure) – category 3, Aspiration Hazard – Category 1, use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area and lastly, take off contaminated clothing and wash it before reuse.
Now that we have laid out a few hazards that we may be familiar with, we are also going to explain how it also effects the environment and air quality. The purpose of this article is to highlight the potential hazardous effects with the use of a very commonly used chemical, which is Stainless Steel oil. Although it may not be an issue when being used outdoors or in a well ventilated area, Stainless Steel oil is commonly used inside elevators and elevator doors. One of the, if not most used areas in a building that you’re subjecting your tenants to.
As the reader, if you manage a team of cleaners or oversee soft services you have a duty of care to all people where you conduct your business. If you are open to change for the better and a focus on safety, quality and environmental aspects do read on.
#1 - More risks than expected
We have always explained – ‘if you focus on safety, quality is always assured’. This statement is always true and especially true when it comes to Stainless Steel and Stainless-Steel oil. Allow us to explain, As mentioned the effects of Stainless Steel are vharmful.
val of this petroleum-based hydrocarbon can a will result in beautifully presentable stainless steel. It is in fact why they have used stainless steel. Because of its durability and aesthetics. Let’s go through an example in which we touch on safety and add another 14+ common issues we face with clients:
#2 - What are the risks?
Safety:
Stainless steel oil can potentially cause harmful effects to the human body. Think about how many times you touched a lift door, leant on a lift door or seen baby hand prints on a lift door. Most importantly where you travel to and touch the next surface.
Environmental:
Stainless steel oil generally come in plastic containers. It generally isn’t recyclable because it contains hazardous substances, so it goes to landfill.
Petroleum based oil cannot be disposed of in water or the surrounding environment
All hydrocarbons are High in VOC’s which are always classified as dangerous
"If you focus on safety, quality is always assured." – Technical Director, Elie Wehbe
Quality:
Stainless Steel oil must be used daily to upkeep the shininess of the Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel oil attracts dust, dirt and debris and must be used consistently to either cover up or remove the oil, dust and debris
In high moisture environments, Stainless Steel oil will look streaky and mirky due to its reaction with moisture particles
Stainless Steel oil traps water and moisture and can accelerate rust and tea staining. Just like any other oil
Stainless Steel affects building KPI’s and quality standards
If the Stainless Steel has been previously coated (anti-fingerprint etc) and begins to deteriorate, it is costly to remove and remediate
Costs:
Stainless Steel oil is not a cheap product to purchase. Especially when used on a day-to-day basis covering a lot of sqms. Costs range from $50 for a 5L through to $600 for a 25L drum
It costs to dispose of if it, if it is not going into landfill
Daily maintenance costs to upkeep the appearance of a ‘somewhat’ clean Stainless-Steel lift. Not including full wipe downs of the Stainless Steel or detail clean
Costs of managing complaints when Stainless Steel is not looking ‘new’ anymore
Costs of PPE to use the Stainless-Steel oil correctly
Legality and liability:
Sicknesses that can be traced back to the use of oil can become a legal issue
If the Stainless Steel oil has caused or accelerated rust it can void product warranty from the installers (lift companies, fabricators, kitchen suppliers and installers etc.) therefore, cannot be used legally if there is an issue
As a PCBU (A Persons Conducting a Business or Undertaking), you have a duty of care for the people who are in contact with the works you do and their safety
#3 - Removal of the hazard, leads to Safety, Quaity, Environmental and other liability improvement and/or removal
As you can begin to notice in the above example, just the removal of the Stainless-Steel oil can remove the above liabilities that range from a safety aspect through to quality, costs and legalities. You will literally remove 42 + Potentially lethal, legal, legislative with the removal of Stainless Steel oil.
#4 - Where to from here?
Imagine the flip side of this situation in which you no longer have these liabilities and costs, but you have consistently beautifully looking Stainless Steel, that only requires a clean when it is soiled? At Steel Renew, we specialise in Stainless Steel asset management and ensuring you reduce your maintenance costs and increase your asset value all the while you keep your contract cleaning provide but you deliver greater and better results.
Our Stainless-Steel maintenance program helps you to achieve just that. So, if you are a Well Certified Consultant, Commercial Building Portfolio Manager, Hotel manager, or manage Stainless Steel assets we would love to hear and connect witH you to see how we can help and support your goals.
Please note, we can only service 10 new buildings a month but we do have a waitlist for all new clients wishing to improve their operations. Click here to join the waitlist and one of our specialists will be in contact with you.
Want to know more in the meantime about how you can decrease your budget for the new financial year? Click the hyperlinks below to learn more.