BASIC CHEMICAL SAFETY

Chemical safety depends on control. Even the most dangerous chemicals can be handled safely if employers and employees are aware of the hazards and how to protect themselves against harmful exposures. The following rules have been developed to protect employees and prevent accidents.   

• All containers must be labeled and dated.  
• Store chemicals by hazard class not alphabetically.  
• No eating, smoking or drinking in areas where chemicals are used or stored.  
• Respect all signs and labels regarding chemical safety, such as "Flammable", "Acid", "Base", "Poison", "Corrosive", "Explosive", "Oxidizer", "Peroxide", "Combustible", or "Caustic".  
• Read and know the safety requirements on the label and MSDS before using any chemical.  
• If personal protective equipment is required, know how to use and maintain the equipment. (Use the MSDS as a guide.)  
• Use the chemical only for the manufacturer's intended purpose. For example, do not use wax stripper as a window cleaner. 
• Follow the instructions on the label.  
• Do not store chemicals near sources of heat, extreme sunlight, electrical service boxes, in hallways or in front of exits. 
• Read storage restrictions on labels and MSDS.  
• Know the chemical warning properties: Odor or lack of odor | Irritation | Sound (escaping gas or liquid)  
• Wash hands and clean up after using materials or chemicals.   
• Realize that an old chemical or a chemical with damaged package may become more hazardous.

Chemical manufacturers, distributors, or importers will categorize chemicals into the appropriate hazard class which will be listed on the label or MSDS.    

• Examples of physical hazards are combustible, compressed gas, explosive, organic peroxides, oxidizer, pyrophoric, reactive, flammable.   
• Examples of health hazards are carcinogen, corrosive, highly toxic, irritant, toxic, blood toxin, lung toxin, reproductive toxin, skin hazard, and eye hazard.

There are five common types of labels. Normally, they are the first indication of the contents and hazards of the container.   American National Standards Institute, ANSI-Z129.1-1982, details the requirements for labeling, but since compliance to the subpart is voluntary, there is no universal system of labeling. Some labels provide more information than others. While a label is not a MSDS, ANSI recommends it should contain the following basic information.  

• The manufacturer's name and address. 
• The name of the chemical or its trade name. 
• A signal word to indicate the degree of hazard: Danger, Warning or Caution. 
• A listing of hazards, with the most serious listed first. 
• Precautionary measures to be taken to avoid injury or illness.
• Instructions in case of chemical contact and immediate actions to be taken (first aid measures).