Chemical safety: A concern in all workplaces |18 May 2005

 Manufacturing processes, agriculture, industrial operations and public services such as hospitals, private enterprises are some of the key areas identified, where chemicals are used.

Despite their importance, most chemicals can cause injury, diseases even death. The misuse may result in fires or explosions. Therefore, it is imperative that all workers dealing with chemicals know and understand the risks involved as well as methods of avoiding danger.

Safe handling and storage of chemicals.

Before a new chemical product is received, information and instructions concerning its handling and storage practices should be made available. These are known as chemical’s material safety data sheets, (MSDS). Pre planning and consequent maintenance of storage areas are necessary to avoid material losses, accidents and disasters. Good housekeeping is essential and special attention should be paid to location of the product and climatic conditions.

Different classes of chemicals should be stored in appropriate locations away from process areas or occupied buildings and they should not be in proximity of fixed sources of ignition. Consequently standard monitoring and inventory shall be carried out periodically (at least annually) by a competent person. Chemicals with expired shelves lives and deteriorated or leaking containers should be safely disposed of.

All workers required to enter storage areas should be fully trained in appropriate safe work practices.

A fire alarm should be placed in or near the outside of the storage premises.

Chemical Emergency Procedures

Every workplace should have an emergency plan. The plan should cover emergency exits and alarm system from evacuation. It should outline the duties and responsibilities for first aid and fire fighting and every worker/person present in the workplace should be well informed of a detailed emergency plan.

Organising safety.

Safety measure should be part of the procedure from first request for transport up to the delivery of the goods at the end point. All levels of personnel involved should be well informed and share the responsibility. Safety measure should include organizational, personnel and engineering aspects, collaboration between employer and employees is essential.

Contributed by the Employment Department.