Why should you learn about Chemical Safety?
- They can seriously affect your health and the health or your workmates, cause damage to the environment, or risk fire and explosion.
- Know the different types of chemical hazard and how to read chemical hazard labels
- Understand how chemicals can get into your body and how this might affect you
- Learn about the precautions you can take to protect yourself including PPE
- Employees have a legal duty to co-operate with company safety procedures. Tetrosyl provides information and training on chemical safety but it is YOUR responsibility to follow approved procedures at all times.
How can chemicals get into you body?
INHALATION
Some chemicals can be breathed into the lungs where they can affect lung performance or be absorbed into the bloodstream to affect other organs such as brain, heart, liver and kidneys.
Inhaled chemicals can be in the form of: Gas; Vapour; Dust; Mist; Fumes; and Fibres. Sometimes we are unaware that we are breathing chemicals because they have little smell or particles are so small they cannot be seen. But this doesn’t mean that they are safe!
ABSORBTION
Many chemicals can be absorbed into your body if they are splashed onto your skin or eyes. They may affect the organs in your body. Some chemicals can cause burning and other damage to skin and eyes.
INGESTION
If chemicals are swallowed these may be taken into the body through the digestive system. This may affect your metabolism and damage your organs. Good housekeeping and hygiene is necessary to stop contamination of work surfaces, clothing and hands. Eating and drinking is not allowed in work areas.
REMEMBER – CARE IS IMPORTANT. DON’T TAKE RISKS WITH YOUR HEALTH!
EVEN SMALL AMOUNTS OF SOME CHEMICALS CAN BE HARMFUL
How do I know if my chemical is hazardous?
You can find information in the following places:
- Chemical hazard information and symbols must be shown on package or container label for hazards
- Transport hazard symbols may be shown on case labels or package or container label
- Safety Data Sheet
- COSHH Assessment
- Ask your supervisor or team leader
Package and Container Labels
Label displayed on bottles, aerosols, cans, bags, sacks, drums, boxes, IBCs, etc. will show the following:
- – Chemical name
- – Chemical Hazard symbols
- – Description of Chemical Hazards and possible health effects
- – Safety precautions for storage, handling, use and disposal
- – Instructions for method of use
- – Emergency information and contact numbers
Transport Hazard Labels
These are displayed on boxes, pallets, road vehicles containing multiple packages and directly on some chemical container packages. Many health hazards do not have a transport hazard – always checks the label on the chemical container.
Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
These give more detailed information about a chemical including: hazard categories; composition of ingredients; first aid measures; how to deal with spills; fire-fighting measures; handling and storage; exposure limits and control methods; physical and chemical properties; more detailed information on health and environmental effects; emergency contact information.
Safety Data Sheets exist for all hazardous chemicals including raw materials and product mixtures. Many can be obtained through the entropy computer system. Ask your supervisor or team leader if you think you need to see any particular Safety Data Sheet.
COSHH Assessments
All chemicals are assessed to check if they are safe to use and to identify the hazards and identify controls and safety precautions necessary to protect the health of the people working with the chemicals. Suitable controls may include: finding less hazardous chemicals; safe handling methods; use of extractions fans and local ventilation; segregation / enclosure of chemicals; use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
COSHH assessments are available to workers using those chemicals. Ask you supervisor or team leader if you need to see any particular COSHH Assessment.
REMEMBER – NEVER REMOVE LABELS FROM CONTAINERS.
IF YOU CAN’T FIND OR READ THE LABEL TELL YOUR SUPERVISOR OR MANAGER
KNOW YOUR CHEMICAL HAZARD SYMBOLS
Personal Protective Equipment
PPE is often essential when working with chemicals. You MUST use the PPE specified for the job.
You could seriously damage your health if you do not use PPE properly and may face disciplinary action.
Use what is needed for the job – consult the COSHH Assessment
- Safety glasses, goggles or a full-face visor
- Chemicals gloves or gauntlets
- Respiratory equipment such as dust mask; half-mask or air-fed unit
- Disposable coverall or body-apron
- Safety boots or shoes
You will be supplied with the PPE that you need for the job. Make sure you have been trained and know how to use it properly. Do not begin the job until you are wearing all the necessary PPE.
Inspect your PPE
Check your PPE before and after use to make sure that it is in good condition. Check for dirt, tears and scratches. Ask for a replacement if you need one. Gloves, masks and coveralls must be changed regularly.
Look after your PPE
Follow instructions on how to clean and care for your equipment. Store it in a designated clean, dry place.
REMEMBER – PPE CAN’T HELP YOU IF YOU DON’T WEAR IT
DO NOT USE FAULTY OR BADLY WORN PPE
Follow Safe Working Practices
Know what you are handling – always read the package/container label, consult SDS for detailed information
Dispense hazardous materials carefully – use suitable equipment for dispensing and handling chemicals use drip cans or trays if needed.
Don’t sniff or taste or touch chemicals – this is very dangerous! Wear PPE supplied.
Take extra care when mixing chemicals – only do this if you are trained and authorised to do so.
Know your first-aiders and first-aid equipment – make sure you know who are trained first-aiders and the location of eyewash stations, emergency shower and first-aid equipment.
Use suitable containers for chemicals – only use approved containers for storing or moving chemicals. Make sure they are labelled correctly. All previous labels must be removed.
Store chemicals safely – chemicals should always be put away immediately after use. Store them in correct, approved place away from heat, moisture and sunlight. Check whether it is safe to store specific chemicals next to each other. Highly flammable liquids should not be stored indoors except in small amounts or in fireproof cabinets.
Keep containers closed when you are not using them – always replace the cap or lid.
Follow control measures carefully – only use chemicals in the way that they are meant to be used for the materials and processes you are working with.
Put the container in a safe place – make sure you put containers on safe surfaces while you are using them so that it won’t fall or tip over. Don’t block ventilation pipes/ducts, walkways or exits with containers.
Dispose of chemicals safely – follow the proper procedures for getting rid of any chemicals.
REMEMBER – IF YOU ARE NOT SURE, ASK YOUR SUPERVISOR
Know your Emergency Procedures for Chemical Exposure
If you are exposed to chemicals
- Get first aid immediately
- Report the incident to a supervisor or manager
- Use water to rinse skin affected by chemical splash
- Use eyewash to rinse eyes affected by chemical splash
- Move person to fresh air if they are affected by breathing in chemicals
- Take the safety data sheets for the chemical and show to the medical staff
- Do the same for people who have been exposed but can’t help themselves
REMEMBER – GET FIRST-AID HELP.
GET MEDICAL HELP IMMEDIATELY FOR ALL EMERGENCIES.
Personal Good Practice & Hygiene
Always wash your hands properly
- After handling any chemicals
- After using PPE
- Before leaving work
- Before eating and drinking or preparing food
- Use soap and water not chemical solvents
Practice good personal hygiene
- Remove contaminated clothing (gloves and overalls) before eating and drinking or using the toilet
- Only eat, drink and wash in designated areas
Practice good housekeeping
- Keep your work area clean and tidy
- Follow proper procedures for cleaning up chemical spills in your work area
REMEMBER – FOLLOWING THESE INSTRUCTIONS CAN HELP PREVENT
INJURY AND ILLNESS FROM CHEMICAL HAZARDS
DD slash MM slash YYYY
