Everything You Need To Know About Chemical Handling Safety

Any chemical that can potentially cause harm is hazardous. These chemicals exist in a variety of forms and enter the body in the following ways:

• Inhalation: Breathing in contaminated air is the most common way chemicals enter the body.
• Skin contact: Some substances are absorbed into the body through the skin.
• Ingestion: Workplace chemicals can be accidentally swallowed if food or hands are exposed.
• Injection: Sharp objects can inject harmful chemicals into the bloodstream.

The effects of chemical-related accidents are devastating for workers, their families, and coworkers. Here are a few things that can happen if employees are exposed to hazardous chemicals:

• Immediate symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, skin irritation, and respiratory problems
• Long-term health effects such as cancer, organ damage, and neurological disorders
• Increased risk of accidents and injuries due to impaired physical and mental function
• Potential harm to the environment, including pollution of air, water, and soil
• Increased risk of fires or explosions due to the flammability or reactive properties of certain chemicals
• Damage to equipment or property due to corrosive or destructive properties of certain chemicals
• Increased risk of liability and legal action if proper safety protocols and regulations are not followed
• Decreased employee morale, productivity, and attendance due to fear or illness caused by exposure to hazardous chemicals
• Negative impact on the company’s reputation and ability to attract and retain employees if safety concerns are not addressed.

Proper storage and handling techniques are key to keeping workers safe from harm, so employers must provide clear guidance on safely storing and handling hazardous chemicals in the workplace. Here are practical preventive measures for chemical handling safety:

Train all incoming employees on standard operating procedures when handling dangerous chemicals. Teaching employees areas where hazardous chemicals are present helps prevent accidents. Remind them of the following:

• Exhaust from fuel-powered equipment
• Toxic gases from decomposing materials
• Hazardous liquids from spraying, grinding, or welding processes

Chemical containers often look identical, and properly labeling them minimizes the risk of critical mix-ups or improper disposal. Also, remember to place chemical safety data sheets in easily accessible areas; they provide information on chemical hazards, and employees should consult them before working.

Safely storing all containers ensures that chemicals don’t sit near other chemicals, potentially allowing an adverse reaction. Placing containers in well-ventilated areas helps provide good air quality in the event of a spill.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires companies to have functioning emergency equipment available in buildings that store hazardous chemicals. Recommended emergency equipment includes:

• Emergency eyewash station
• Fire extinguisher
• Local water source

Encourage employees to keep their workstations clean at all times. Cluttered work areas increase the chances of accidental spills. Providing workers with designated disposal areas helps them clean their workspaces and safely remove chemicals.

Using damaged chemical decanting equipment is just as dangerous as using the wrong chemicals. Even a hairline crack in glassware increases the risk of spillage. Checking glassware and equipment before each shift and providing containment trays helps prevent chemical accidents.

OSHA requires that all employees wear chemical safety PPE gear. Chances of chemical exposure increase when workers ignore rules, and keeping safety gear easily accessed places helps promote use.

Eating and drinking around hazardous work areas increases the risk of accidental ingestion of chemicals and shouldn’t be allowed. Designate specific locations for eating, drinking, and breaks safely away from chemical storage areas and worksites. Installing handwashing stations near break areas helps employees wash chemical residue from their hands, preventing unwanted chemical ingestion.

Preparing for an accident is one of the most important chemical safety tips. Have a clearly defined chain of command to respond to emergencies in case there’s an accident. Also, make sure every employee knows the location of the following items:

• Telephones
• Emergency guides
• First-aid kits

You should also practice safety procedures with spill drills, so employees know what to do in case of an emergency.