Occupations at greatest risk for chemical accidents or injuries include but are not limited to chemical engineers, chemical plant workers, pharmaceutical workers, healthcare workers and custodial workers. Chemicals in a gaseous, solid or liquid form can all pose potential hazards to those who work with or around them so they should always be treated as hazardous materials.
Chemical safety training is essential for the safety of all employees who work with chemicals. When selecting or creating a chemical safety training program, choose a program that will enable employees to understand the risks associated with chemicals, basic rules and proper procedures for working with chemicals and what to do if exposed to hazardous materials.
1. Develop safe habits, such as avoiding unnecessary exposure to chemicals, not smelling or tasting chemicals and using proper ventilation when working with chemicals.
2. Inspect all gloves and other protective gear for holes or tears and replace any objects when their integrity may have been compromised.
3. Avoid eating, smoking, chewing gum or drinking in areas where chemicals are used or stored.
4. Wear proper protective clothing, avoid loose fitting clothing and confine hair and jewelry.
5. Be alert for hazardous situations or dangerous materials.
6. Do not participate in horseplay or other careless behavior when working around chemicals.
7. Memorize an action plan for safety, including nearest emergency exits and emergency phone numbers.
8. Whenever possible, avoid working alone when dealing with chemicals.
9. Do not work with chemicals without completing mandatory safety training.
1. Contact a supervisor immediately.
2. Evacuate the premises in the event of large scale chemical spills or other situations when the air could be contaminated with gaseous chemicals.
3. Thoroughly wash skin, hair and/or eyes if contact with chemicals occurs.
4. Follow company-specific emergency guidelines for chemical contact.
To learn more about SafetyArc.com’s online Chemical Safety training course, click here.