Chemicals in the workplace are ubiquitous because they help workers complete tasks. The benefits of chemicals come with drawbacks: some substances are hazardous and can cause injury or illness if not handled correctly. Workers need training that teaches chemical safety at the proper level for their exposure.
Handling Hazardous Chemicals
Hazardous chemicals can damage skin, eyes, or lungs. For example, acids can burn skin, vapors from sprayed products can be inhaled, and splashes can injure eyes.
When a process releases airborne contaminants, consider changing the method (for example, dip parts instead of spraying) to reduce inhalation risk. Use appropriate personal protective equipment such as safety glasses, goggles, or respirators based on the task and the product's Safety Data Sheet (SDS).
Facilities with recurring eye incidents should provide emergency eyewash stations and enforce the use of goggles when handling splashing liquids.
Storage of Hazardous Chemicals
Wes Maertz, CSP, technical safety specialist at Grainger in Lake Forest, IL, remarked recently that “Chemicals have become a part of our lives, but we often forget that they are harmful if not stored properly. Safety experts estimate that about 1,000 new chemicals come to market every year.”
Combined with the many chemicals already in use, this highlights the importance of handling and storing chemicals correctly. Minimizing risk starts with reducing the stock of chemicals kept on site and storing remaining materials by compatibility, not alphabetically.
Risks of improper storage
- Fire
- Formation of toxic gas
- Explosion
Storage and handling instructions are on each product's label and Safety Data Sheet. OSHA regulation 29 CFR 1910.1200 requires that every hazardous product have an SDS, and those documents indicate when a material should be segregated, stored behind a wall, or kept in a separate room.
For more guidance on workplace chemical hazards and SDSs, see Workplace Chemical Hazards, Safety Data Sheets, and Claims.
Not sorting chemicals properly and storing incompatible materials together can lead to serious consequences for employees and nearby communities. If your operation involves transporting or managing hazardous waste, consider appropriate coverages such as Hazardous Material and Hazardous Waste Hauling Insurance Program.
Taking sensible measures to protect employees and to store chemicals properly is good business sense and can provide an exceptional return on investment; if you're unsure how to apply these controls, talk to an agent.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know where to store a chemical?
Check the product label and Safety Data Sheet for storage instructions and compatibility guidance, and store by compatibility groups rather than alphabetically.
What PPE should employees use when handling hazardous chemicals?
PPE depends on the chemical and task; common items include gloves, safety glasses or goggles, face shields, and respirators as indicated by the SDS and a hazard assessment.
When is an eyewash station required?
An eyewash station is recommended in areas where splashes to the eyes are possible or where SDSs specify emergency flushing; local regulations may set specific requirements.
How can we reduce airborne exposure from spray processes?
Consider engineering controls like local exhaust ventilation, process changes such as dipping instead of spraying, and appropriate respiratory protection when controls are insufficient.