| A chemical manufacturer will often list guidelines | | | | breaks, wear safety equipment, and follow |
| for safety on chemicals that they create but do | | | | manufacturer guidelines. |
| you follow safety guidelines each and every time | | | | Mixing |
| you come into contact with dangerous | | | | Did you know that mixing vinegar and bleach can |
| substances? It's important that you handle them | | | | be very toxic? You also should not add bleach to |
| safely for the sake of your health, the health of | | | | any acidic toilet bowl cleaner. When working with |
| those around you, and for protection of the | | | | any cleaners, solvents, adhesives or anything else |
| environment as well. | | | | that is formulated by;a chemist or sold as a |
| Workplace safety and DIY safety for people | | | | chemical, don't mix items in the same container |
| using chemicals at home are sometimes (even | | | | unless you know they are safe. It's also not wise |
| often) ignored. A large portion of chemical-related | | | | to use any substance with heavy fumes in the |
| accidents result when the person using them did | | | | presence of another substance with strong |
| not follow chemical manufacturer guidelines | | | | odours. |
| carefully. Just because you've used something in | | | | Storage |
| the past without gloves or worked with | | | | Some products can be safely stored within |
| something in an air-tight space and felt fine | | | | particular temperature restrictions. It is always |
| doesn't mean that it's acceptable to continue to | | | | advisable to understand the manufacturer listed |
| work in that manner. Accidents could happen or | | | | guidelines for shelf life. Some products can pose |
| long-term health damage could happen as a result. | | | | risk of container explosion, environmental hazards, |
| Here are some practical tips to remember when | | | | or reduced efficacy of the product. |
| dealing with any type of chemical: | | | | Disposal |
| - Protect your skin | | | | Not all containers can be safely put in a rubbish |
| - Follow ventilation guidelines | | | | bin. Certain toxic substances need to be disposed |
| - If you're not sure, don't mix it. | | | | of via a careful method, such as thrice rinsed and |
| - Carefully store the chemical | | | | wrapped individually. Other items can't be thrown |
| - Carefully dispose of the chemical container | | | | out with regular household garbage. You may |
| Protecting Your Skin | | | | need to take the item to a special disposal service |
| Some products are highly corrosive. Safety | | | | or it might be necessary to hire an industrial |
| gloves should always be used when mixing or | | | | waste management company to help you, |
| applying chemicals. Even household cleaners can | | | | depending on the scenario. |
| cause chemical burns if used without gloves. | | | | Being as knowledgeable as possible regarding |
| Ventilation | | | | anything potentially dangerous that you work with |
| Having fresh air is imperative when you are | | | | or use at home will help you minimise safety risks |
| working with chemicals. Those working in air tight | | | | when using harsh or toxic substances. When in |
| spaces could become dizzy, light-headed, or ill | | | | doubt, consult the chemical manufacturer for |
| from inhaling fumes. If a space is tight or opening | | | | advice regarding their product by calling them or |
| a window isn't an option, be sure to take several | | | | visiting their website. |