Safe Handling of Chemicals in the Workplace

All employees have the right to protectEmployees must know how and when to use
themselves from hazardous chemicals in theirPersonal Protective Equipment(PPE).
workplace. The law requires that employers must- Gloves
inform all workers about the health hazards of- Rubber Apron or Protective Clothing
any chemical that they use.- Safety Glasses with side shields
An Employee should- Splash Goggles
- Be informed if there are any hazardous- Face Shield
chemicals in the work area- Nonslip safety shoes
- Know the location of any plan dealing with theseQualified personnel should be the only ones to
chemicals, including Material Safety Data Sheetsclean up chemical spills. There should be a spill kit
(MSDS)designed specifically for the work place and the
- Know and understand any labeling system,chemicals in use there. Spill kits may include:
including the MSDS system and how to use the- Materials to absorb liquids such as a chemical spill
appropriate hazard informationpowder
- Know how to detect the presence or release of- An absorbent Material such as a chemical spill
hazardous chemicalspad
Employers must communicate with all employees- A neutralizing agent
in terms or a language that they can understand- Waste Containers
to ensure that:- A brush and scoop
- Employees are able to recognize and understand- Personal protective Equipment (PPE)
the meaning of words such as 'Hazardous' or- Any other products necessary specific to
'Danger'neutralizing on site chemicals
- Employees understand the term 'Material SafetyIn addition, to reduce the chances of exposure to
Data Sheet'hazardous chemicals, further steps may be taken
- They need to know that this containsby:
information on health hazards, the characteristics- Providing a dispensing station that automatically
of chemicals they may encounter in thedilutes and mixes the correct amount of
workplace, protective measures and precautionschemicals for the job.
for the safe handling, use, and storage of each- Avoiding the use of aerosol spray products to
chemical.reduce airborne contaminants whenever possible
Employees must know how chemicals enter and- Using less toxic materials such as green seal
affect the body. Each chemical has a certain waycertified products or environmentally safe
of entering the body through the:products which have a reduced amount of
- Noseharmful solvents
- Mouth- Educate all employees on the importance of
- Skin Contactgood handwashing techniques before eating,
- Eye Contactdrinking, or smoking to reduce the chance of
Employees must be trained in ways to protectchemical contamination.
themselves from hazardous chemicals that they- Storage of food and beverages in an area
work with. Their training must include:where there is no chemical storage.
- Appropriate work practices in the safe handling- Prohibition of eating in an area where there could
and use of chemicalsbe chemical contamination.
- Prevention of injury from mixing incompatibleThere are strict regulations which apply to the
chemicals such as mixing bleach with an ammoniause of chemicals in the workplace. Compliance
cleaning productwith these rules as well as an ongoing safety
- Proper dilution of concentrated chemicalstraining program is essential in reducing the risks
- Appropriate labeling and safe storage ofof exposure and protecting the health and well
chemicalsbeing of the employees.