What You Can Do to Maintain a Safe Environment When Working With Hazardous Chemicals

When working with any kind of hazardous chemicals, acids, corrosives, flammables and combustibles, it is important to maintain equipment and practice good housekeeping. Here are some things anyone working with these materials can do to keep the workplace safer for everyone.

Good Housekeeping Practices

"Jl Industries Fire Extinguisher Cabinets"

1. Maintain order and neatness in the workplace at all times.
2. Clean up spills promptly.
3. Clean up any chemical residues promptly.
4. Dispose of contaminated or unlabeled chemicals as hazardous waste, following protocols.
5. Remove all empty containers from work area promptly.
6. Empty containers may have chemical residue. Do not re-use them even if they appear totally clean. Treat these containers as hazardous waste.

Check Your Work Area For Safety

1. Ensure that all chemical containers are completely labeled and lids are tightly closed.
2. Maintain a MSDS for all chemicals on site. This must be readily available to all personnel.
3. Check to see that 'Warning' signs are on chemical storage areas and 'Acids/Corrosives', 'No Open Flames', 'Flammable' warnings are properly posted.
4. Are bulk storage areas properly identified?
5. Are 'No Smoking' areas well identified?
6. Is access to hazardous chemicals controlled?
7. Flammable storage cabinets should NOT be located near exit doorways, stairways, or any areas that would delay exit.
8. Do not mount any storage cabinet on the wall unless it has been specifically designed for this purpose and has the appropriate mounting accessories.
9. Do not locate any flammable cabinet near a direct heat source, open flame or in direct sunlight.
10. Flammable and corrosive/acid cabinets must be anchored seismically to prevent any spillage of contents.
11. Are safety storage cabinets maintained and containers checked frequently for leaks, etc.?
12. Are chemicals stored appropriately in regard to their incompatibilities?

Chemical Disposal Methods

1. Dispose of hazardous chemicals as hazardous waste, according to manufacturer's directions and facility protocol.
2. Never pour any corrosives or other chemicals down the drain. This can contaminate the storm water system.
3. Hazardous Waste containers must be clearly identified.

Know How To Handle An Emergency

1. Know emergency first aid procedures, such as using the eye wash station or full deluge shower.
2. Is first aid equipment available? What is their location?
3. Are emergency numbers readily available or posted?
4. Become familiar with spill cleanup procedures and location of spill kits.
5. Know location of fire extinguishers and how to use them.
6. Review the Emergency Evacuation plan in case of a fire or other incident.

Maintaining Your Safety

1. Use the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when needed.
2. Do not smoke, drink, eat anywhere near chemicals or work area.
3. Do not touch your face or body during or after working with chemicals until you have thoroughly washed your hands.
4. Wash your hands; remove any contaminated clothing before leaving work site.

Maintenance Personnel Safety

1. Be sure maintenance personnel know the hazards of the chemicals in the worksite.
2. Be sure the maintenance personnel know any special precautions and procedures that are needed before they begin to work.
3. Be sure that these personnel know how to use PPE.
4. Monitor to see that PPE is being used appropriately and when necessary.

A safe work environment is a necessity and it requires that everyone knows the rules for and works together.

What You Can Do to Maintain a Safe Environment When Working With Hazardous Chemicals

Visit Spill911.com to learn more about industrial safety from spill containment pallets to spill kits.