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NYCHA Now
National Poison Prevention Week
Health & Safety March 2023 

It’s National Poison Prevention Week

Michael Corwin

Chemicals are an important part of the workplace, from specialized industrial chemicals to everyday cleaning products. However, for everyone’s safety, they must be handled properly. In recognition of National Poison Prevention Week, which is March 19 to 25, NYCHA’s Environmental Health and Safety Department would like to share the following guidance on properly handling and storing chemicals.

Be Prepared for a Poison Emergency

  • Call the Poison Control Center at 800-222-1222 right away if you think an employee was exposed to a chemical, even if you are not completely sure.
  • Save this number in your phone so you will have it when you need it.
  • Safety Data Sheets (SDS) provide valuable information that explain the hazards associated with handling chemicals; learn how to find them here: SafeNYCHA Finding Safety Data Sheets (SDS).

Be Mindful of the Product’s Required Instructions Prior to Use

  • Read and follow product label directions and the SDS.
  • Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) per the product label.
  • Request assistance from your supervisor if you are unsure on product use.
  • Do not bypass any product safeties such as the floor stripper dilution systems.
  • Do not mix different cleaning chemicals as this can release dangerous gases.
  • Do not use cleaning chemicals to wash your hands.
  • Be sure to properly wash your hands with soap and water after working with a cleaning chemical, especially before eating, drinking, or smoking.
  • Please refer to the SafeNYCHA Advisory on secondary containers: http://connect/SAFE/SafeNYCHA%20Advisories/Secondary%20Containers.pdf.

Be Aware of Illegal Pesticides

  • The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued an alert regarding the illegal use of pesticides containing dichlorvos, also known as DDVP, in apartment buildings. These are illegal, unregistered pesticides that can be dangerous to you, your family, and your neighbors. These products are being brought into the country and illegally sold or distributed for use against insects and other pests. Please refer to the chemical advisories at SafeNYCHA SafeNYCHA Advisories.

Banned pesticides

  • If you see a NYCHA vendor using one of these products at NYCHA properties, stop the work! Advise the vendor that the use of this product is harmful and illegal, and its use is prohibited on NYCHA properties. Immediately report the vendor to the Compliance Department by emailing compliance.matters@nycha.nyc.gov.

If you have questions about this or any environmental, health, or safety matter, contact ehs@nycha.nyc.gov.

Poison Control Hotline

For more information about poison prevention, please visit:

Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): NIOSH Directory of Personal Protective Equipment | NIOSH | CDC

SAFE NYCHA: http://connect/SAFE/SafeNYCHA%20Advisories/SafeNYCHA%20Advisory%20-%20Prohibited%20Pesticides.pdf