UNISON has been greatly concerned by the health impacts some of our members have experienced as a result of the cleaning product used to clean North East Ambulance Service vehicles. The cleaning product, Chlor Clean, was properly introduced by the Trust in light of Covid-19 because the previous cleaning product was not suitable for tackling the virus. Chlor Clean is a product that has been approved by Public Health England. However, following its introduction we grew increasingly worried at the number of our members reporting varying impacts to their health, including respiratory problems which on two occasions led to hospital admission.
UNISON North East Ambulance Branch have been in ongoing discussions with the North East Ambulance Service to find a replacement for Chlor Clean. In particular the branch has worked closely with the Trust risk department, who have put a significant amount of work into finding a solution.
The Trust have now approved the removal of Chlor clean and the introduction of Steri 7 to decontaminate vehicles. We are awaiting confirmation of timescales.
Joel Byers, UNISON North East Ambulance Branch Secretary said, “As always, the health and safety of our members is our priority, so we are pleased to have made positive progress on this issue”.
Any member who has been affected by Chlor Clean should contact UNISON for advice and support if they have not already done so.