Maintenance/Janitorial

Stored chemical supplies are often in concentrated form. Because of this, leaks from containers that are incompatible or reactive may cause a release of hazardous gas or fumes (such as hydrogen chloride or ammonia) or generate enough heat to cause combustible materials to catch fire.

Chemical storage container breaches, leaks, and spills caused during the transportation to and from jobsites and loading and unloading could create cleanup liability or run-off that can cause ground and water contamination.

Wastewater recovered and stored in holding tanks or containers from wet solution cleaning procedures can contain contaminants such as silts, detergents, oil, grease, solvents, pathogens, biohazards, molds and mold spores, bacteria, flame retardants, and other toxic chemicals. Releases to a stormwater drain inlet, ditch, or spills during loading and unloading operations or transportation may damage a private septic system, drinking water wells, soil, or groundwater. Releases to a stormwater system can lead to natural resource damage.

Improperly stored, handled, or disposed of medical waste could expose third parties to biohazards and infectious contaminants. Regulated medical waste must be bagged appropriately, sterilized, and taken to an approved and licensed disposal facility.

Collected waste must be properly characterized and segregated based on its type and associated hazards. Wastes collected can contain hazardous materials or materials that require special handling and disposal procedures, and improperly segregated and disposed of wastes can result in regulatory fines or lead to cleanup and environmental tort liability. Wastes can include fluorescent light fixture ballasts, fluorescent light tubes and bulbs, neon bulbs, and e-waste such as computer monitors, printers, microwave ovens, and communication equipment, which may contain heavy metals such as lead, mercury, chromium, and cadmium.

Maintenance or repair work may inadvertently disturb existing asbestos within the structure. Asbestos can be found in many commercial and industrial applications, including ceiling and floor tiles, inside wall cavities, heating duct installation, and roofing materials. Disturbance could release inhalable asbestos fibers that can infiltrate the air and expose third parties to serious health hazards or fatal diseases such as asbestosis, mesothelioma, or lung cancer.

Older structures may have lead-based paint. This paint may be dislodged and release lead particulates into the surrounding environment during the removal, repair, or cleaning of painted building materials. Lead exposure can cause significant bodily injury, including brain damage, nervous system problems, learning disabilities, reproductive issues (including miscarriage or stillbirth), digestive issues, and muscle and joint pain, with children being especially susceptible.

Failure to adequately clean and maintain buildings or remove wastes can attract pests, such as rodents and insects, that deposit allergenic material (dander) or carry disease-causing pathogens in droppings or saliva.