When working with hazardous chemicals, a range of issues can arise if these substances are mishandled; staff could end up with burns, skin irritations, to life-long illnesses. Keeping employees safe around chemicals is a priority and a responsibility. These safety tips will help keep workers safe when working with hazardous chemicals.
Train Workers To Safely Handle Chemicals
Before allowing employees to be near or handle chemicals or hazardous materials, employers must train workers in a language they understand. Staff should understand how to spot dangerous materials and who to contact when there’s an issue. Personal protection should be in place, along with all the information they need.
Store Materials Properly
Do you need tips for proper chemical storage? Separate all incompatible substances and store them in a well-ventilated, cool, and dry area. Never leave lids open because you could end up with leaks. Keep the hazardous materials away from places where slips, spills, trips, and falls. The storage area should be free of rodents and other pests.
Avoid Eating and Drinking Near the Chemicals
Keep your food and drinks away from hazardous materials. You could contaminate the chemicals, or vice versa. Ensure you wash your hands before and after handling, using, and transporting the materials.
Always Have an Emergency Plan
Accidents happen even with the most careful staff. Ensure you have emergency plans and arrangements in place for situations that arise from exposure or spills. Discuss the plans with the employees, so they know exactly what to do if the circumstances call for it. Go over the evacuation and cleanup procedures, including who to call in case of an emergency.
Have shower and eye-wash stations available while routinely cleaning and testing them. All staff should know first aid and understand the proper response when other employees become injured or exposed to chemical burns.
Use Proper PPE
Remove and replace any damaged or old PPE. Inspect the PPE between and before each use. There should be no area where hazardous materials could enter the personal protection equipment.
Handling chemicals can be dangerous, but the safety tips above will help keep staff safe. Return to this blog in case you forget.
