| When working with any kind of hazardous | | | | |
| chemicals, acids, corrosives, flammables and | | | | 1. Dispose of hazardous chemicals as hazardous |
| combustibles, it is important to maintain equipment | | | | waste, according to manufacturer's directions and |
| and practice good housekeeping. Here are some | | | | facility protocol. |
| things anyone working with these materials can | | | | 2. Never pour any corrosives or other chemicals |
| do to keep the workplace safer for everyone. | | | | down the drain. This can contaminate the storm |
| Good Housekeeping Practices | | | | water system. |
| | | | 3. Hazardous Waste containers must be clearly |
| 1. Maintain order and neatness in the workplace at | | | | identified. |
| all times. | | | | Know How To Handle An Emergency |
| 2. Clean up spills promptly. | | | | |
| 3. Clean up any chemical residues promptly. | | | | 1. Know emergency first aid procedures, such as |
| 4. Dispose of contaminated or unlabeled chemicals | | | | using the eye wash station or full deluge shower. |
| as hazardous waste, following protocols. | | | | 2. Is first aid equipment available? What is their |
| 5. Remove all empty containers from work area | | | | location? |
| promptly. | | | | 3. Are emergency numbers readily available or |
| 6. Empty containers may have chemical residue. | | | | posted? |
| Do not re-use them even if they appear totally | | | | 4. Become familiar with spill cleanup procedures |
| clean. Treat these containers as hazardous waste. | | | | and location of spill kits. |
| Check Your Work Area For Safety | | | | 5. Know location of fire extinguishers and how to |
| | | | use them. |
| 1. Ensure that all chemical containers are | | | | 6. Review the Emergency Evacuation plan in case |
| completely labeled and lids are tightly closed. | | | | of a fire or other incident. |
| 2. Maintain a MSDS for all chemicals on site. This | | | | Maintaining Your Safety |
| must be readily available to all personnel. | | | | |
| 3. Check to see that 'Warning' signs are on | | | | 1. Use the appropriate personal protective |
| chemical storage areas and 'Acids/Corrosives', 'No | | | | equipment (PPE) when needed. |
| Open Flames', 'Flammable' warnings are properly | | | | 2. Do not smoke, drink, eat anywhere near |
| posted. | | | | chemicals or work area. |
| 4. Are bulk storage areas properly identified? | | | | 3. Do not touch your face or body during or after |
| 5. Are 'No Smoking' areas well identified? | | | | working with chemicals until you have thoroughly |
| 6. Is access to hazardous chemicals controlled? | | | | washed your hands. |
| 7. Flammable storage cabinets should NOT be | | | | 4. Wash your hands; remove any contaminated |
| located near exit doorways, stairways, or any | | | | clothing before leaving work site. |
| areas that would delay exit. | | | | Maintenance Personnel Safety |
| 8. Do not mount any storage cabinet on the wall | | | | |
| unless it has been specifically designed for this | | | | 1. Be sure maintenance personnel know the |
| purpose and has the appropriate mounting | | | | hazards of the chemicals in the worksite. |
| accessories. | | | | 2. Be sure the maintenance personnel know any |
| 9. Do not locate any flammable cabinet near a | | | | special precautions and procedures that are |
| direct heat source, open flame or in direct sunlight. | | | | needed before they begin to work. |
| 10. Flammable and corrosive/acid cabinets must | | | | 3. Be sure that these personnel know how to use |
| be anchored seismically to prevent any spillage of | | | | PPE. |
| contents. | | | | 4. Monitor to see that PPE is being used |
| 11. Are safety storage cabinets maintained and | | | | appropriately and when necessary. |
| containers checked frequently for leaks, etc.? | | | | A safe work environment is a necessity and it |
| 12. Are chemicals stored appropriately in regard to | | | | requires that everyone knows the rules for and |
| their incompatibilities? | | | | works together. |
| Chemical Disposal Methods | | | | |