03 Aug Chemical Safety

Chemical Safety

Chemicals are used throughout construction and industrial workplaces and may be present as liquids, gases, vapors, mists, fumes, or dusts. Depending on the chemical and how it is used, exposure can cause burns, irritation, poisoning, respiratory problems, fires, explosions, or other serious injuries and illnesses.

Employees must understand the hazards of the chemicals they work with and follow established procedures for handling, storing, using, and disposing of them safely.

Guide for Discussion

Know the Chemical Before You Use It

Before working with a chemical:

• Know what the chemical is and the hazards it presents.
• Read the container label and Safety Data Sheet (SDS).
• Understand how exposure could occur, including inhalation, skin or eye contact, and ingestion.
• Know the required engineering controls, work practices, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Never use chemicals from an unlabeled or improperly labeled container.
• Do not mix chemicals unless the procedure specifically permits it and you understand the potential reaction.
• Know where emergency equipment and spill-response supplies are located.

If you do not understand the hazards or precautions, ask your supervisor before beginning work.

Use Appropriate PPE

Wear PPE appropriate for the chemical and task. Depending on the hazard, this may include:

• Safety glasses or chemical splash goggles.
• Face shields.
• Chemical-resistant gloves.
• Protective clothing or aprons.
• Chemical-resistant footwear.
• Respiratory protection when required.

Select gloves and other chemical-resistant PPE based on the specific chemical involved. Not every glove material protects against every chemical.

Inspect PPE before use and replace damaged or contaminated equipment as necessary.

Prevent Chemical Exposure

Good work practices can significantly reduce chemical exposure.

• Keep chemical containers closed when not in use.
• Use adequate ventilation when required.
• Avoid breathing chemical vapors, fumes, mists, gases, or dust.
• Do not eat, drink, smoke, or store food in areas where hazardous chemicals are used or stored.
• Wash your hands thoroughly before eating, drinking, smoking, or leaving the work area.
• Avoid touching your face or eyes with contaminated gloves or hands.
• Keep work areas clean and prevent unnecessary chemical contamination.

Handle Contaminated Clothing Properly

If clothing becomes contaminated:

• Remove contaminated clothing promptly when it can be done safely.
• Flush or wash exposed skin as required for the chemical involved.
• Use emergency showers or eyewash facilities immediately when required.
• Follow established procedures for decontaminating or disposing of contaminated clothing and PPE.
• Do not take contaminated clothing home when doing so could expose family members or others.

Report significant chemical exposures to your supervisor immediately.

Spills and Leaks

Do not attempt to clean up a chemical spill unless you are trained, authorized, and equipped to do so.

If a spill or leak occurs:

• Warn others and keep unauthorized personnel away.
• Identify the chemical when it can be done safely.
• Follow the SDS and established spill-response procedures.
• Use appropriate PPE and spill-control materials.
• Prevent the material from spreading when trained and authorized to do so.
• Dispose of contaminated absorbents and other cleanup materials properly.
• Never use compressed air to clean hazardous chemical contamination unless specifically permitted by an established safe procedure.

Large, highly toxic, flammable, reactive, or otherwise uncontrolled releases may require evacuation and emergency response.

Know What to Do in an Emergency

Before beginning work, know:

• How to report a chemical emergency.
• Where eyewash stations and emergency showers are located.
• Where spill kits and emergency equipment are kept.
• The appropriate first-aid measures for the chemicals being used.
• The location of the SDS.
• The evacuation procedures and emergency contact methods.

Never enter a contaminated area to rescue another worker unless you are properly trained and equipped for the hazard.

Remember

You cannot protect yourself from a chemical hazard you do not understand. Read labels and SDSs, use required controls and PPE, maintain good hygiene, properly handle contaminated materials, and know what to do if a spill or exposure occurs.