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Workplace Safety: Chemical Hazard Use

CHEMICAL HAZARD COMMUNICATION


Many workers are unaware of chemicals that create potential hazards in their work environment, making them more vulnerable to exposure and injury. 

Potential Hazards

  • Skin Irritations – Can be caused by allergies associated with soaps and chemicals.
  • Infections – Broken skin can become infected or burned from chemicals.
  • Burns – Caustic chemicals found in oven and drain cleaners, if misused, can cause burns to the face and eyes.
  • Respiratory Harm – Chlorine and ammonia can cause respiratory, skin and eye irritations and even death if mixed together.
  • Latex Allergies – Latex gloves, often worn to protect the skin, can cause an allergic reaction in some workers.
  • Carbon Dioxide (CO2) – Used to put “fizz” into fountain drinks, is a colorless and odorless gas that can cause death, if inhaled.  Early warning signs include headache, confusion and lethargy.

Protect Yourself

  • Read all labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDS) on the chemicals you are using for proper handling information.
  • Use personal protective equipment (PPE), such as goggles, gloves, and splash aprons to protect your body from splashes and spills.
  • Dilute chemicals to recommended concentrations.
  • Label all cleaning bottles to avoid risk of inadvertently combining chemicals.
  • Store non-compatible chemicals separately.
  • Use lower shelves to store chemicals to avoid the risk of spills/splashes to the eyes.
  • Report any damage of carbon dioxide (CO2) tanks to your Supervisor.

Contact the RPS Regency loss control team for more information:

Nathan Tipton | Risk Control Consultant | 517.664.2743 o | 248.579.9784 c | nathan_tipton@rpsins.com