Working in an industrial field often means exposing personnel to dangerous conditions. Some facilities regularly work with hazardous chemicals that could cause harm if the staff doesn’t handle them correctly. Whether you’re an employee or in leadership, staying safe around hazardous workplace chemicals is a must. Here are some helpful tips to protect everyone on the jobsite.
Wear Protective Gear
When dealing with toxic materials, staff should always have access to personal protective equipment. Protective gear creates a barrier between the worker and the chemical, making the chemical safer to handle without worrying about contamination. Common pieces of protective gear include gloves, goggles, boots, and face masks. Other essential pieces of safety equipment might be:
- Safety showers
- Ventilation hoods
- Eyewash stations
Safely Store Materials
Chemicals can be volatile, creating chaos if someone mixes them incorrectly or exposes them to the wrong substance. Proper storage is essential for staying safe around hazardous workplace chemicals. Professionals should store substances within compatible containers with clear labels that signify their contents and warnings. Storage areas should also have plenty of ventilation and follow all federal and state guidelines.
Implement Safety Training
Protective gear and safe storage mean nothing if staff members don’t know how to deal with hazardous chemicals. Training programs are vital to the health of employees and the safety conditions of the worksite as a whole. Make sure everyone on site knows proper handling and storing techniques, as well as potential dangers. It’s also wise to offer first aid training in case something goes wrong.
Use Disposal Services
Industrial fields like manufacturing and construction generate a ton of hazardous waste. Consider using a waste cleanup company to dispose of any toxic chemicals. These businesses specialize in waste removal and will follow any and all state and federal regulations. Some of these companies even offer training programs and storage materials so that facilities can better manage their dangerous substances.
When it comes to protecting staff from unsafe chemicals, you can’t skip any steps. Nobody wants to work in a hazardous environment, so risk management is crucial. Staying on top of safety procedures will ensure that chemicals pose no risk to anyone on the job.
