There is hardly a work place anywhere that doesn’t use at least one, but more than likely, uses quite a few potentially hazardous chemicals. Some chemicals are harmless, but others are very toxic, even in small amounts. As an employee in industry using solvents, lubricants, reagents, and cleaners, you may be exposed to harmful levels of chemical vapors or come in with contact with dangerous dusts, granules, or even cryogenic (hyper cold) or radioactive materials in a new job you are starting.
Chemical process engineers and occupational safety and health professionals in your chemical processing or manufacturing facility should have identified the chemicals you must work with as well as the activities in which the potentially hazardous exposures could occur. If you have been working in a different facility on a similar process, the following guide will help you get acquainted with how to become familiar with different chemical process.
During your training on the new process, request computer access to Material Safety Data Sheets or obtain hard copies of MSDS’s of the chemical you could receive exposures to. These fact sheets identify the characteristics of individual chemicals that could create the most hazardous conditions, how to prevent or control exposures, how to respond to emergency situations, and how to safely handle, pour, transport, move, store and dispose of hazardous chemicals.
Check the MSDS to make sure you understand how potentially hazardous chemicals are controlled, including any Personal Protective Equipment you must be fitted for and trained to use correctly, and engineering controls you must work with.
Identify from the MSDS the composition of specific chemicals you must handle, pour, store, move and dispose of in doing your job. Learn the reactivity of the chemicals you must work with, and whether those chemicals react with others found in the work place. Ask your supervisor any question you may have concerning the use and methods of protection from harmful affects of all potentially hazardous chemicals you must work with. Check emergency numbers of the chemical manufacturers provided in the MSDS.