Starbucks Baristas: The daily grind
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A question about your experience with red sanitizer (self.starbucksbaristas)
submitted by cinnamonmarigold
As far as I understand it, the red sanitizer from above the sink is what all Starbucks locations use to clean steam wands and general surfaces, right? At least, that’s what my store does, and it’s what the Barnes & Noble cafe I used to work at used, too.
Back when I was at B&N, the stuff messed my hands up so badly. I have sensitive skin as it is, but my fingernails were bleeding and I couldn’t use my thumbprint scanner on my phone for weeks after leaving that job. I was so sad to see Starbucks uses the same sanitizer, but was overjoyed when my training material (06/2020) said that all Starbucks partners have the right to refuse the use of any chemical they do not feel comfortable with.
(I’ve never used the sanitizer in my new store. I use soap or just hot water if I’m wiping up a syrup spill or something since sugar is water soluble.)
But here’s the thing there irked me since my B&N days: the warning labels on that read sanitizer specifically! I typed out some of them below, but I just don’t get it. The instructions are clear that this is not something that should be handled with our bare hands, period. And I can’t imagine the trace amounts in people’s drinks is great either? I’m really so confused.
I understand it’s important to sanitize for allergies, but I just don’t understand how this is a safe and accepted solution.
What do you think? Does the intensity of this sanitizer bother you or not so much? Have there been discussions about this in the past?
“DANGER. Corrosive. Causes irreversible eye damage and skin burns. Do not get in eyes, on skin, or on clothing. Harmful if swallowed, inhaled or absorbed through the skin. Wear protective eyewear (goggles, face shield or safety glasses), protective clothing and protective gloves (rubber, chemical resistant) when handling. Avoid breathing spray mist. Wash thoroughly with soap and warm water after handling and before eating, drinking, chewing gum, using tobacco, or using the toilet. Remove and wash contaminated clothing before reuse.
FIRST AID
If on skin or clothing: take off contaminated clothing. Rinse skin immediately with plenty of water for 15-20 minutes.”
TLDR: the sanitizer we use at work seems toxic af and I cannot believe we use it with bare hands and put it in people’s beverages
Back when I was at B&N, the stuff messed my hands up so badly. I have sensitive skin as it is, but my fingernails were bleeding and I couldn’t use my thumbprint scanner on my phone for weeks after leaving that job. I was so sad to see Starbucks uses the same sanitizer, but was overjoyed when my training material (06/2020) said that all Starbucks partners have the right to refuse the use of any chemical they do not feel comfortable with.
(I’ve never used the sanitizer in my new store. I use soap or just hot water if I’m wiping up a syrup spill or something since sugar is water soluble.)
But here’s the thing there irked me since my B&N days: the warning labels on that read sanitizer specifically! I typed out some of them below, but I just don’t get it. The instructions are clear that this is not something that should be handled with our bare hands, period. And I can’t imagine the trace amounts in people’s drinks is great either? I’m really so confused.
I understand it’s important to sanitize for allergies, but I just don’t understand how this is a safe and accepted solution.
What do you think? Does the intensity of this sanitizer bother you or not so much? Have there been discussions about this in the past?
“DANGER. Corrosive. Causes irreversible eye damage and skin burns. Do not get in eyes, on skin, or on clothing. Harmful if swallowed, inhaled or absorbed through the skin. Wear protective eyewear (goggles, face shield or safety glasses), protective clothing and protective gloves (rubber, chemical resistant) when handling. Avoid breathing spray mist. Wash thoroughly with soap and warm water after handling and before eating, drinking, chewing gum, using tobacco, or using the toilet. Remove and wash contaminated clothing before reuse.
FIRST AID
If on skin or clothing: take off contaminated clothing. Rinse skin immediately with plenty of water for 15-20 minutes.”
TLDR: the sanitizer we use at work seems toxic af and I cannot believe we use it with bare hands and put it in people’s beverages
readingbarista 21 points 2y ago
So this is for the solution itself. It is mixed with water as it comes out. So it isn’t as potent which is why we can use it on dishes and for steam wands and it be health and safety approved! Hope this helps you
desairologist 8 points 2y ago
It’s standard sanitizer across the board, and if you work anywhere with food you’re gonna end up touching it. It sucks and my hands are cracked/peeling/bleeding most days, but everyplace I’ve worked uses it. Ecolab is used pretty much everywhere commercial, and you can’t refuse to touch the sanitizer if you’re gonna work at Starbucks. Every position is subjected to touching the sanitizer unless you choose to wear gloves when using it (which you’re fully able to do if you wish) but that’s a bit of a hassle. However, that red sani isn’t going anywhere.
My favorite part? When I fill the sink up with it and it makes my lungs burn so bad I cough until I almost throw up!
My favorite part? When I fill the sink up with it and it makes my lungs burn so bad I cough until I almost throw up!
Thompson12345678910 2 points 2y ago
It makes my knuckles dry and cracked! It hurts so bad
Tacenda20 2 points 2y ago
About a month and a half ago we had an "incident" where when we pulled the sanitizer it wasn't cutting it properly so the solution was too strong and the partners were not testing the pH level. We had one partner complain about her hands hurting which is when my shift realized what was going on (she was unaware of the malfunction with the sanitizer) so she brought it to everyone's attention.
Going to the danger of the sanitizer itself I imagine it can course serious damage if left in contact with skin. That being said, I believe that solution is fine to use as long as it is being diluted properly. I would make sure you test the pH level of it before using it. If I stick my hands in the sanitizer like the sink or bucket my hands will get a little dry but nothing severe. I also used to be a busser and I had to dip my hands in sanitizer all the time and they were fine (granted I don't think it was the same solution).
It's always a risk using chemicals but I think if you take the proper precautions like letting it dry and diluting the solution it's fine.
Going to the danger of the sanitizer itself I imagine it can course serious damage if left in contact with skin. That being said, I believe that solution is fine to use as long as it is being diluted properly. I would make sure you test the pH level of it before using it. If I stick my hands in the sanitizer like the sink or bucket my hands will get a little dry but nothing severe. I also used to be a busser and I had to dip my hands in sanitizer all the time and they were fine (granted I don't think it was the same solution).
It's always a risk using chemicals but I think if you take the proper precautions like letting it dry and diluting the solution it's fine.
sandry_fa_toren 1 points 2y ago
I used to have problems with it too! I tried a whole bunch of different lotions, and what worked in the end was Goldbond Radience Renewal. After a few days my hands were back to normal.
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