More than 600,000 new businesses are formed in the United States each year. Unfortunately, not all of these have staying power in their industries. One of the most important responsibilities that entrepreneurs have is maintaining workplace safety.
This is particularly true when it comes to working with chemicals.
Chemical safety in the workplace is essential for establishing a healthy and safe environment.
Taking the right steps to protect yourself, your coworkers, and your customers can help prevent accidents and injuries due to chemical exposure. Listed below are key tips for ensuring safe practices when working with chemicals.
1. Wear Appropriate Protective Equipment (PPE)
As you might guess, PPE is essential when it comes to chemical safety.
This includes items such as protective eyewear, gloves, and other garments that are designed to protect you from the chemicals you’re dealing with. Make sure to always have the right gear on hand and make sure everyone in your workplace wears their PPE so they can stay safe.
You should also regularly inspect the quality of your protective gear. There won’t be much utility if there are tears, cracks, etc.
All it takes is a slight defect to create a catastrophic situation.
2. Read Labels Carefully
Each chemical should have a label with clear and detailed instructions on how to handle it safely.
Before using any chemicals, read the label carefully and follow all safety precautions. Otherwise, you might be putting yourself and others at risk.
For example, a label may list all the materials needed to safely handle a chemical, such as protective gear or ventilation.
3. Store Chemicals in the Correct Containers
The container in which a chemical is stored can help prevent any spills or leaks.
Make sure that all chemicals are properly labeled and stored in the appropriate containers for their type of content. Never mix different types of chemicals, as this can create an unsafe situation.
You should also avoid storing certain chemicals adjacent to each other, as this could cause a chemical reaction.
4. Dispose of Hazardous Materials Properly
Once you are finished using any hazardous materials, make sure to dispose of them properly. Some chemicals will require special disposal or treatment. In the event that you are unsure how to dispose of a particular chemical, contact your local hazardous waste disposal agency for instructions.
You can also contact the chemical manufacturer for more clarity.
5. Deal With Accidents Immediately
Accidents happen, but this doesn’t mean that you should take your time when responding. In the event of a chemical spill or exposure, take the necessary steps to contain the situation and evacuate personnel who might have been exposed. Be sure to also inform the appropriate party of the accident, such as your supervisor or local emergency services.
6. Have Resources Available
You can’t expect everyone at your facility to remember all the safety regulations.
It is important to have resources available for your staff, such as safety guides or checklists that can help ensure safe practices when working with chemicals. These should be located in a visible and accessible area for everyone to use. To clarify, these resources shouldn’t be on a password-protected hard drive or in a locked room.
7. Keep Inventory of All Chemicals Used
It’s crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of what chemicals are being used and stored in your workplace.
This can be tracked through an organized inventory system, which should include information such as the chemical name, quantity, and storage location. Other information to consider is any safety data sheets for the chemicals and a list of people who have been trained in handling them. You can check out this article to learn more.
8. Keep an Eye on Expiration Dates
Chemicals have a shelf life and should be disposed of after that time has passed.
This is especially true for volatile chemicals; if these are allowed to expire, they could become unstable and cause accidents or injuries. Make sure to keep track of the expiration dates for all chemicals used in your workplace and dispose of them properly.
9. Train Your Team Appropriately
Finally, it is important to remember that chemical safety is everyone’s responsibility. Make sure to emphasize the importance of following proper procedures when dealing with hazardous materials and ensure that everyone in your workplace is up-to-date on the latest safety regulations.
With the right precautions in place, you can avoid obstacles you may have otherwise encountered.
10. Work With a Professional
This can go a long way in keeping your workplace safe. If you are unsure about how to properly handle or dispose of certain chemicals, consider working with a professional safety consultant who can provide expert advice on the most appropriate solutions for your workplace.
This will not only help keep everyone safe but also save time and money in the long run. So, consider it an investment in the safety and longevity of your business.
When searching for someone to work with, be sure to consider their past reputation. This will provide valuable insight into the type of results you can expect to get from them. It will also go a long way toward helping you avoid problems in the future.
Chemical Safety Doesn’t Have to Be Difficult
Although it might seem complicated at first, implementing chemical safety at your business is much easier than it seems. As long as you keep the above information in mind, you’ll be sure to meet your needs.
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