When companies have to tighten their belts in tough financial times cleaning crews are often the first to go. In smaller offices employees agree to pitch in and help keep things tidy but good intentions are now substitute for commercial cleaning expertise and training.

The cleaning methodologies used in a residential home differ greatly than those employed in commercial facilities. Commercial cleaning solvents and solutions can be dangerous if spilt, or mishandled and are potentially fatal if mixed improperly.

Recently, a San Jose, California office learned the hard way how an innocent mistake cleaning up can create a serious health hazard.

An office worker cleaning a fridge full of rotten food created a smell so noxious that it sent seven co-workers to the hospital and made many others ill.

Firefighters had to evacuate the AT&T building in downtown San Jose on Tuesday, after the flagrant fumes prompted someone to call 911. A hazmat team was called in.

What they found was an unplugged refrigerator that had been crammed with moldy food.

Authorities say an enterprising office worker had decided to clean it out, placing the food in a conference room while using two cleaning chemicals to scrub down the mess. The mixture of old lunches and disinfectant caused 28 people to need treatment for vomiting and nausea.

Authorities say the worker who cleaned the fridge didn’t need treatment — she can’t smell because of allergies.

Chicago Tribune