Working environment & ergonomics
Ergonomics and protective equipment in cleaning
Spare your body — and protect skin and eyes from chemicals
Cleaning is physical work and involves both chemicals and wet work. The guide brings together the key measures: correct working height and technique that prevent musculoskeletal disorders, and the protective equipment that protects skin and eyes — based on the recommendations of Arbejdstilsynet and BFA.
Adjust the length of the handle
Adjust the telescopic handle on the mop and tools to your own height, so that you work with a straight back and without bending unnecessarily. A suitable working height prevents musculoskeletal disorders — choose equipment according to BFA's ergonomics guidance and the individual employee.
Adjust the handle to YOU — not the other way round.
Change working position often
Alternate working postures and movements during the task so the same muscles are not loaded one-sidedly. BFA's industry guidelines specifically recommend alternating postures and appropriate technique to prevent wear and tear.
Push rather than lift and twist
Push the cleaning trolley rather than carrying, and avoid twisting your back with weight in your hands. Use your legs, not your back, when you lift buckets, and keep the load close to your body.
Always wear gloves for wet work
Arbejdstilsynet always recommends gloves for wet work, because water dries out the skin and increases the risk of eczema. Wet work is a real working environment strain — not just a matter of comfort.
Wet work = gloves. Every time.
Choose the glove type according to SDS section 8
With corrosive or allergenic agents, the gloves must be impermeable to that particular substance — a thin general-purpose glove is not enough. Check SDS section 8 (exposure controls/personal protection) and choose the material (e.g. nitrile) accordingly. Add safety glasses and, if needed, respiratory protection for strong chemicals.
Glove selectionSDS section 8Make sure the protective equipment fits
Personal protective equipment is regulated by the Danish Working Environment Authority's executive order no. 612/2026 on the use of personal protective equipment. It must not cause unnecessary discomfort and must be chosen with ergonomics in mind — uncomfortable protective equipment does not get used.
Build it into the workplace assessment (APV) and chemical risk assessment
An APV and a chemical risk assessment must identify risks and determine the need for protective equipment. The separate workplace instruction sheet was abolished back in 2019, but the requirement for a risk assessment and instruction of employees remains (BEK no. 581/2026).
Source
Based on Arbejdstilsynet (gloves for wet work, personal protective equipment, chemical risk assessment) and BFA Service (ergonomics/working postures) via Discebo's working environment article.