Safety and Handling of Chemicals

General Overview
Training
Operating Procedures
Emergency Planning & Response

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General Overview

Be aware that all chemicals are hazardous to some degree and protect yourself from accidental skin, eye and respiratory contact. Know the hazards of the materials you are working with. If you are using an unfamiliar procedure or chemical, conduct a literature search for reports of known or suspected hazards. Material safety data sheets (MSDSs) are an important primary source of information on physical properties, health hazards, reactivity and spill cleanup procedures.

Training

Training employees that will be exposed to hazardous chemicals on how to properly handle hazardous chemicals is very important. The following should be covered when training employees:

• Physical and health hazards of chemicals.
• How chemicals enter the body.
• Chemical labels and MSDSs.
• How to use all equipment properly.
• What to do in a chemical emergency.

Operating Procedures

• Use only chemicals required for a particular process. Do not substitute.
• Identify chemical before use.
• Review and understand hazards before using chemical (MSDS).
• Wear proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Follow proper workplace procedures.
• Maintain and use required safety equipment.
• Food, beverage and tobacco are not to be brought into chemical use areas.
• Maintain and use adequate personal decontamination equipment.
• Keep workplace clean and orderly.
• Develop an attitude of safety awareness.

Emergency Planning & Response

The employer is responsible for developing an emergency response plan for emergencies which address the following:

• Pre-emergency planning and coordination with outside parties.
• Personnel roles, lines of authority, training, and communication.
• Emergency recognition and prevention.
• Safe distances and places of refuge.
• Site security and control.
• Evacuation routes and procedures.
• Decontamination.
• Emergency medical treatment and first aid.
• Emergency alerting and response procedures.
• Critique of response and follow-up.
• PPE and emergency equipment.