Whether you are using just a couple of chemicals in your business or you deal with a lot of different ones, they can pose a serious risk. Chemical vapours can be dangerous to inhale, they can be flammable or present other hazards to people and equipment. Handling chemicals safely and being prepared for any danger that they may pose can minimise risks while working with them.
Safety Products
- PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)
The easiest way to protect your employees and any visitors is to make sure everyone is wearing the right protective equipment. Proper workplace gloves, masks, lab coats and disposable equipment should be on hand to minimise chemical-related injuries. In addition to PPE, you can add eyewash stations, drench showers and first aid kits around the premises. This will ensure that in case of an accident people can lessen the effects of the chemicals they have been in contact with.
Note: Anyone who has been in a chemical accident should be seen by a professional medical examiner immediately.
- Equipment Maintenance
Make regular checks of the equipment used to store and mix chemicals. Any damaged containers and glassware should be disposed of correctly. Even a hairline fracture can easily crack and create a chemical spill.
Containment trays can help control spills. It is recommended to have them as a precaution. However, it is better to avoid any such accident by keeping your equipment up to date and replacing any cracked or broken equipment.
- Spill Control
There are a couple of ways to deal with spills. Here are a few options:
- Bunded Pallets – help contain spills from containers holding hazardous chemicals. Bunded spill-control pallets create a safer environment for your employees as spills can be cleaned safer and faster without impacting productivity too much. Contact with hazardous chemicals for your employees or the environment is minimised or eliminated. They can also help you to meet any health and safety and environmental regulations.
- Spill Kits – there are three types of spill kits you can use in your business. Before buying one make sure you have done your research to be sure which spill kit will suit your business the best.
Oil Spill Kit – in this kit you will find white pads and socks. This kit is perfect for use outside or when oil is contaminated with water. The white pads and socks absorb the oil and repel the water. The pads and socks change colour when absorbing oil so it is easy to see when they are full and need to be replaced. They are perfect to clean oil from ponds, streams, water tanks and pools without becoming soggy from the water.
Universal Spill Kit – has grey pads and socks. This kit can be used for non-hazardous substances apart from oil as it can absorb water, coolants, drinks, paint and other liquids. It can be used for oil when it is not contaminated with water.
Chemical Spill Kit – designed to soak up chemicals, acids and alkalis making it ideal for Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) compliant workplaces.
- Training
Employee training is essential to ensure they know how to handle and dispose of hazardous chemicals and how to use the safety and protection equipment provided.
