Keeping Your Workplace Safe From Chemicals

According to the United States Department of Energy (DOE), all chemical exposures have the potential for health consequences. Depending on the toxicology and concentration, the effects of chemical exposures can be immediate (such as acid burns) or long term and life-threatening (such as cancer). Chemicals can also cause physical damage to your work place in the form of explosions and fire and can also corrode your equipment. To ensure control of chemical hazards, you should do the following, courtesy of the DOE:

• Cooperate with workers or worker representatives to form chemical safety teams. These teams can discuss all aspects of chemical safety including chemical safety signs in the workplace.
• Substitute less hazardous chemicals when possible.
• Provide ventilation and/or enclosure, as needed.
• Ensure that all chemicals are in appropriate containers with labels and that Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) are readily acceptable.
• Provide exposure monitoring, including medical surveillance. Management should establish procedures for monitoring of workers who handle hazardous materials. If worker exposure exceeds acceptable DOE or OSHA levels, an investigation should be conducted and corrective actions instituted promptly. Based on the toxicology of the chemicals, exposed workers may need to undergo medical surveillance and periodic examinations.
• Conduct regular training programs, and provide workers with information and instruction on the use and storage of chemicals. Let workers know why actions are needed that would otherwise be considered unnecessary or inconvenient.
• Inform personnel of the signs and symptoms of control failures.
• Provide and maintain personal protective equipment based on information contained in MSDSs and recommendations of safety and health professionals.
• Include housekeeping and work practices.