Whether you are new to a job or have worked at one location for years, it’s important to know what hazardous chemicals are in your workplace and how to handle them. Otherwise, a dangerous chemical spill could be right around the corner.
How can you avoid chemical hazards at your workplace?
To keep workplace safety up to standard, you should be aware of any hazardous materials at your workplace and know how to handle them. Here’s what you need to know.
Common Hazardous Materials at Job Sites
You may not even realize that there are hazardous chemicals in your workplace. In order to comply with workplace safety, you should ask your employer about any potentially dangerous substances at your worksite. Some common chemical hazards in the workplace you may interact with include, but are not limited to:
- Acids
- Glues
- Heavy metals, such as lead, mercury, and aluminum
- Disinfectants
- Pesticides
- Paint
- Solvents
Many products you work with could contain a variety of dangerous substances. Make sure you read warning labels properly. If you are ever in doubt about whether something contains hazardous chemicals, ask your direct supervisor before handling the substance in question. Any workplace is required to have some form of hazardous materials inventory available with hazmat software or a similar system.
How to Handle Chemicals Safely
Once you have identified dangerous substances in your workplace, you’ll need to handle them with care. There are many serious health problems that can come from exposure to dangerous chemicals. These side effects include, but are not limited to:
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Rashes, hives, and other serious skin conditions
- Chemical burns
- Nervous system disorders
- Damage to the lungs, kidneys, and liver
In order to prevent injury, ask about any personal protective equipment available to you. This includes gloves, masks, protective eyewear, and more. These will keep you safe while handling any dangerous chemicals.
Limit your exposure to dangerous chemicals as much as possible in the workplace. If you must interact with them, ensure that you are wearing all necessary safety equipment. This will mitigate your risks of injury.
How to Handle Chemical Spills and Other Chemical Hazards
Chemical hazards at work are a serious issue that needs to be dealt with as soon as possible. The moment a chemical is spilled or someone is exposed to hazardous chemicals, it’s time to act.
Mark off the area with a chemical spill right away to avoid exposure. The last thing you want is someone entering the area without knowing there is a chemical hazard. Tell your colleagues and direct supervisor about the incident so that they can help section off the area.
You should never handle a chemical spill on your own. Instead, contact your local hazardous chemical cleanup crew for assistance right away.
Take Care of Hazardous Chemicals in Your Workplace
Now that you know how to handle chemical hazards at your workplace, you can keep yourself and your coworkers safe on the job. Remember, if you ever experience a chemical spill at your workplace, contact a cleanup crew for help right away.
Do you know someone who works with dangerous chemicals at work?
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