Cleaning, hygiene and chemical management are essential components of safe assistance animal practice. Assistance animal organisations and workplaces must maintain environments that protect:

• people,
• animals,
• equipment,
• facilities,
• the broader community.

However, cleaning activities and chemical use also create environmental impacts through:

• resource consumption,
• chemical production,
• packaging waste,
• transport,
• disposal requirements.

Sustainable cleaning and chemical management involves finding an appropriate balance between:

• effective infection prevention,
• workplace health and safety,
• animal welfare,
• environmental responsibility.

Environmental sustainability does not mean reducing cleaning standards or avoiding necessary products. Instead, it requires using products and processes responsibly by considering:

• whether a product is required,
• whether the correct amount is being used,
• whether safer alternatives are available,
• how products are stored and disposed of,
• how environmental impacts can be reduced.

Within assistance animal practice, poor chemical management can create risks including:

• exposure to hazardous substances,
• animal discomfort or illness,
• environmental contamination,
• unsafe workplace conditions.

Sustainable chemical management ensures that hygiene requirements are met while reducing unnecessary environmental harm.

Understanding Chemicals in Assistance Animal Practice

Assistance animal workplaces may use chemicals for a range of purposes, including:

• cleaning,
• disinfection,
• infection control,
• grooming,
• pest management,
• facility maintenance.

Examples may include:

• disinfectants,
• detergents,
• sanitising products,
• grooming products,
• laundry products,
• surface cleaners.

Each chemical has potential impacts relating to:

• human exposure,
• animal exposure,
• environmental release,
• waste generation.

Responsible management requires understanding how products should be selected, used, stored and disposed of.

The Relationship Between Hygiene and Sustainability

Assistance animal environments must maintain appropriate hygiene standards.

This is particularly important in settings such as:

• training facilities,
• healthcare environments,
• workplaces,
• public access environments,
• animal care areas.

However, sustainability requires consideration of whether cleaning practices are:

• necessary,
• effective,
• appropriately targeted.

Overuse of cleaning products may result in:

• unnecessary chemical exposure,
• increased environmental contamination,
• increased costs,
• unnecessary waste.

Sustainable practice focuses on using the right product, in the right amount, for the right purpose.

Sustainable Chemical Selection

When selecting cleaning and chemical products, organisations should consider:

• effectiveness,
• safety,
• environmental impact,
• animal sensitivity,
• packaging,
• disposal requirements.

Considerations may include:

• biodegradable options where appropriate,
• reduced packaging,
• concentrated products,
• refill systems,
• products with lower environmental impact.

However, environmental considerations must not override safety requirements.

A product must still be suitable for:

• infection prevention,
• workplace requirements,
• animal safety.

Avoiding Unnecessary Chemical Use

Sustainable chemical management includes preventing unnecessary use.

Strategies may include:

• following manufacturer instructions,
• using correct dilution rates,
• avoiding excessive application,
• cleaning only where required,
• maintaining clean environments through preventative practices.

Using more product does not necessarily create better outcomes.

Incorrect use may:

• increase waste,
• increase exposure risks,
• damage surfaces,
• affect animal comfort.

Chemical Storage and Workplace Safety

Chemical management must align with workplace health and safety requirements.

Safe chemical storage includes:

• appropriate containers,
• clear labelling,
• secure storage,
• separation of incompatible substances,
• access controls where required.

Workers should understand:

• hazards associated with products,
• correct handling procedures,
• personal protective equipment requirements,
• emergency responses.

Sustainability and safety are interconnected.

Poor chemical management can create both environmental and workplace risks.

Animal Welfare Considerations

Assistance animals may be exposed to cleaning products through:

• floors,
• surfaces,
• equipment,
• bedding,
• grooming products.

Chemical decisions should consider animal welfare.

Potential concerns include:

• skin irritation,
• respiratory sensitivity,
• ingestion risks,
• discomfort.

Sustainable chemical management includes selecting and applying products in ways that protect animal wellbeing.

Examples include:

• allowing surfaces to dry appropriately,
• preventing unnecessary exposure,
• following safe application instructions.

Sustainable Cleaning Practices

Sustainable cleaning involves improving efficiency while maintaining standards.

Strategies may include:

Appropriate Product Use

Including:

• measuring products correctly,
• following instructions,
• avoiding unnecessary use.

Equipment Maintenance

Including:

• maintaining cleaning tools,
• replacing damaged equipment appropriately,
• extending product lifespan.

Preventative Practices

Including:

• maintaining orderly environments,
• preventing unnecessary contamination,
• addressing problems early.

Reducing Packaging Waste

Chemical products often create packaging waste.

Sustainable approaches may include:

• selecting refillable products,
• purchasing concentrated products where appropriate,
• choosing suppliers with reduced packaging,
• recycling suitable containers.

Packaging decisions should still consider:

• storage requirements,
• safety,
• product stability.

Chemical Disposal Responsibilities

Chemical waste must be managed responsibly.

Incorrect disposal may result in:

• environmental contamination,
• harm to wildlife,
• risks to people and animals.

Organisations should follow:

• workplace procedures,
• manufacturer guidance,
• relevant regulations.

Examples include:

• disposing of expired products appropriately,
• not pouring unsuitable chemicals into waterways,
• managing containers responsibly.

Hazardous Chemicals and Assistance Animal Practice

Some workplace chemicals require additional controls due to their hazards.

Examples may include:

• strong disinfectants,
• concentrated cleaning products,
• pest control products.

Risk management should consider:

• who may be exposed,
• how exposure may occur,
• what controls are required.

Controls may include:

• substitution with safer alternatives where appropriate,
• correct storage,
• worker education,
• protective equipment,
• safe handling procedures.

Sustainable Grooming and Animal Care Products

Animal care products also contribute to environmental impacts.

Examples include:

• shampoos,
• conditioners,
• parasite products,
• grooming supplies.

Sustainable considerations include:

• selecting appropriate products,
• avoiding unnecessary use,
• purchasing suitable quantities,
• reducing packaging waste.

Products should always be selected based on:

• animal health,
• veterinary advice where required,
• safety.

Developing Workplace Procedures

Organisations should establish clear procedures for:

• chemical selection,
• purchasing,
• storage,
• use,
• disposal,
• incident response.

Procedures should ensure workers understand:

• responsibilities,
• safety requirements,
• sustainability expectations.

Effective procedures support consistency across the workplace.

Education and Training

Workers should receive appropriate education regarding:

• chemical hazards,
• safe handling,
• environmental responsibilities,
• waste management,
• emergency procedures.

Training should be:

• accessible,
• practical,
• relevant to the person’s role.

A workplace cannot achieve sustainable chemical management if workers do not understand expectations.

Monitoring Chemical Use

Organisations should monitor chemical practices to identify improvement opportunities.

Monitoring may include reviewing:

• purchasing patterns,
• product usage,
• waste volumes,
• incident reports,
• staff feedback.

Questions may include:

• Are products being used appropriately?
• Are there safer alternatives?
• Are we purchasing more than required?
• Are disposal processes effective?

Continuous Improvement in Chemical Management

Sustainable chemical practices should be regularly reviewed.

Improvements may include:

• updating procedures,
• selecting improved products,
• improving training,
• reducing waste,
• improving storage systems.

Continuous improvement ensures that cleaning and chemical practices remain:

• safe,
• effective,
• environmentally responsible.

Key Practice Principle

Sustainable cleaning and chemical management requires balancing environmental responsibility with essential hygiene and safety requirements.

Assistance animal professionals and organisations should:

• use chemicals responsibly,
• minimise unnecessary consumption,
• protect people and animals,
• manage waste appropriately,
• continuously improve workplace practices.

Effective chemical management supports safer workplaces, healthier animals and a more environmentally sustainable assistance animal industry.