We use chemicals daily in our office and home and there are some dangerous category chemicals in them. Some chemicals are used for daily cleaning, insecticides in the fields and gardens, termites and other parasites in the house.
In such a situation, we should know how to use and store these chemicals safely. If not careful, a big accident could have happened.
If we follow basic chemical handling rules for this, we can avoid accidents.
Chemical Safety
- Do not store chemicals at home, buy only as much as you need.
- Always buy quality chemicals and buy from authorized vendors only.
- Avoid using hazardous chemicals as far as possible. Use of chemicals should be the last option.
- Hazardous chemicals can be replaced with less hazardous chemicals that serve your purpose. This reduces the chances of accident.
- Check the chemicals approved by the government and local authorities and use only approved chemicals.
- Store chemicals only in the original or labeled container and close them properly after use.
- Use PPE, dilution information and storage instructions as recommended by the manufacturer.
- Read the directions, hazardous substances, safety precautions, and first aid procedures before using chemicals.
- Provide training on handling chemicals in the office.
- Supervision would be great if you’re handling dangerous chemicals.
- Prepare SOP, risk document, do’s and don’ts checklist, permit system in the office for use of hazardous chemicals.
- Hire an expert or approved agency for handling hazardous chemicals, they have good experience in dealing with such things.
- Some chemicals require a license for commercial and office use, check if necessary.
- The chemical store should have good ventilation, spill kit, secondary container, measuring jar and eye wash facility.
- Replace manual chemical dilution with automated dosing system and dilution.
- Put SOP, SDS and handling procedure in chemical store.
