At Jitjatjo, we prioritize the safety and well-being of our employees. As a staffing agency providing part-time W2 employees to hospitality industry clients—especially those working in kitchens—we ensure our workers understand potential workplace hazards, including chemical exposure.
Employer Responsibilities for Hazard Communication
Under OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (HCS), staffing agencies and host employers share responsibility for protecting workers from hazardous chemicals. Our employees in kitchens and food service environments regularly handle cleaning agents, degreasers, and other chemicals used for sanitization and food preparation.
Host Employer Responsibilities
As the entity controlling the worksite, the host employer is primarily responsible for:
Providing site-specific hazard communication training on chemical hazards.
Ensuring all chemical containers are properly labeled.
Providing access to Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) for all hazardous substances.
Supplying necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Ensuring training is delivered in a language and format workers understand.
Staffing Agency Responsibilities
While host employers handle site-specific training, Jitjatjo ensures that:
Workers receive general hazard communication training before assignment.
Host employers provide required site-specific training.
We monitor potential chemical hazards at client sites.
We protect our workers' right to a safe workplace.
Common Chemicals Encountered in Hospitality Work
Our staff—including cooks, dishwashers, bussers, bartenders, and cleaners—regularly work with industrial cleaning agents, sanitizers, and food-related chemicals. Here are the common substances they may encounter:
Cleaning and Sanitizing Agents
Bleach (Sodium Hypochlorite) – For disinfecting surfaces and dishwashing.
Ammonia – For glass and surface cleaning.
Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (Quats) – For food-safe sanitizing.
Chlorine-based cleaners – For dish and surface sanitization.
Hydrogen Peroxide – For sanitizing and stain removal.
Degreasers and Kitchen-Specific Chemicals
Caustic Soda (Sodium Hydroxide) – For oven and grill cleaning.
Enzymatic Cleaners – For grease removal.
Acidic Cleaners (Phosphoric Acid, Hydrochloric Acid) – For descaling equipment.
Dishwashing Detergents – May contain strong surfactants or alkaline agents.
Food Handling and Beverage Service Chemicals
Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) – In soda and beer dispensing systems.
Propylene Glycol – In refrigeration and beverage systems.
Ethanol and Isopropyl Alcohol – In sanitizers and cocktail ingredients.
General Maintenance Chemicals
Pesticides and Rodent Control Chemicals – In kitchen storage areas.
Air Fresheners and Deodorizers – Contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Floor Strippers and Wax – Contain respiratory-irritating solvents.
Emergency Procedures for Chemical Exposure
Skin Contact
Remove contaminated clothing.
Rinse affected area with water for at least 15 minutes.
Seek medical attention if irritation or burns occur.
Eye Contact
Flush eyes with clean, running water for at least 15 minutes.
Do not rub your eyes.
Report the incident to a supervisor and seek medical attention.
Inhalation of Fumes or Vapors
Move to an area with fresh air immediately.
If you feel dizzy, lightheaded, or have difficulty breathing, signal for help (e.g., wave, tap a coworker, or use a phone if possible).
If someone is unresponsive or struggling to breathe, call 911 immediately and inform a supervisor.
Ingestion
Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by medical personnel.
Rinse mouth with water and seek medical help.
Spill Response
Immediately restrict access to the spill area by using signs, barriers, or alerting nearby coworkers to keep a safe distance.
Do not attempt to clean large or hazardous spills yourself—notify a supervisor.
Follow the host employer's spill response plan.
Use appropriate PPE when handling any cleanup.
Workplace Health & Safety Training
To ensure workplace safety awareness, we provide online training through EasyLlama. Complete your required training here:
By staying informed and following proper procedures, we help ensure hospitality workers' safety while delivering excellent service. For workplace safety questions, contact Jitjatjo or your site supervisor.