Here are 10 ways to stay safe in the chemical industry
Avoid the devastating consequences of a chemical accident. Planning can save lives and reduce work hours. These 10 safety tips are for the chemical industry. To see if your chemical hygiene plan needs to be updated or added, click here.
1. Provide training and resources. Do not assume that employees are familiar with how to respond to chemical spillages. All incoming employees should be trained on the standard operating procedures (SOPs) that cover a wide range of chemicals. To supplement the SOPs, post information in areas containing chemicals. This is useful in cases where the chemicals need specific handling instructions.
It is unrealistic to expect chemical companies like Bisley Australia that they will be able to avoid all accidents and emergencies. Chemical hygiene plans must also include information about responding to emergencies. If an accident does happen, this two-layered process can help reduce the problems and potential consequences. Do not delay in updating the safety plan for your company. It could save lives.
2. Make sure to label everything clearly properly labelling chemical containers can save lives. Even experts can often see chemical similarities, so labelling all containers is a good idea. Make sure you check the labelling of your containers.
Material safety data sheets (MSDSs) should be easily located and clearly labelled. Before working with any chemical, workers should refer to the MSDS. These MSDS sheets provide information about hazards and safety procedures to ensure safe handling.
3. Location, Location, Location. It is important to regularly assess the chemical’s location. Make sure that chemicals are not placed near any other chemicals they might react with. In the event of a container breaking, ensure adequate ventilation and drainage.
4. Safety Equipment Check. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidelines, emergency equipment must be available and working in all buildings that store or deal with chemicals. Employees who have chemicals in their eyes could be blinded by emergency eyewash.
5. Safety is second only to cleanliness. To prevent accidents, keep workstations clean. Wet floors promote falls. Unorganized work areas can encourage accidental spills and mix. Keep excess chemicals in the original containers and keep them there until they are needed to reduce clutter. To safely dispose of old chemicals, give workers a place to dispose of them.
6. Keep safety gear insight. Safety gear must be worn to protect employees from chemical exposure. All employees should be taught where to find goggles, respirators, gloves. Workers should use the equipment whenever they enter a workplace.
7. Designate a place for food and drink. To prevent employees from inhaling harmful chemicals, it is important to prohibit eating and drinking near the work area.
8. A chain of responsibility should be established. To respond to an emergency, have a clearly defined chain of command. Each shift should be worked by employees at all levels of responsibility. Each worker should be taught who they should report to in the event of an accident.
9. Offer a language course to all new employees. The jargon that employees use when discussing chemicals can seem foreign to potential hires and transfers. When workers are unable to understand one another, confusion and mistakes can occur.
10. Practice, Practice, Practice. Safety procedures should be practiced in emergencies. Training employees in fire drills and chemical-spill drills will help them keep their skills sharp. Employees will be able to identify their roles and perform their duties to minimize damage to the building and themselves in an emergency.
