Recommendations when working with hazardous substances

To use hazardous materials and substances safely, follow the guidelines below.

Replace the hazardous substance with a safe one whenever possible.

Many hazardous substances have safe or safer alternatives. An example of such a pair of substances are solvents: acetone and turpentine. Both solvents have similar properties. However, acetone is highly irritating to the upper respiratory tract and can cause chemical burns to the sinuses, bronchi, or lungs. Turpentine, on the other hand, increases the risk of explosion because turpentine vapors are flammable, but when used as recommended, it only causes headaches. This is much easier to treat and less harmful to humans than bronchial burns.
 

Before opening the package, read the information on it carefully.

We know that “real tough guys” usually read the instructions at the end, but when it comes to hazardous materials, there’s no room for jokes. This is about your safety, health, and even your life. Before opening the package, read all the information on it and follow the preventive measures and personal protective equipment recommended by the manufacturer of the hazardous substance. Read the product data sheet. Follow the recommendations marked with P and H. If the phrases are in a language you do not understand, check their meaning on Wikipedia or the WHO website. Do not open the package until you understand and can follow the instructions on the product data sheet.

If possible, change the physical state.

Hazardous substances can enter the human body in many ways. – You can find the description here. Try to select the physical state of the hazardous substance so as to eliminate as many potential routes of entry into the body as possible. Example: if you work with a substance in powder form, this substance can enter your body through any of the exposure routes listed. If it is possible to perform the work with the same substance, but in liquid form, for example, do so. This will eliminate the possibility of inhalation and significantly hinder the substance from entering the digestive system.

Work only with good ventilation.

The best ventilation is working outdoors. Particles of hazardous substances disperse most quickly in the air, which means that their concentration in your environment decreases. This makes them less dangerous to us. The second best option is a special room for working with chemicals. These rooms are usually equipped with exhaust fans, filters, and forced air circulation. You may also come across the term „smoke chamber”. In third place is a simple draft. You open windows and doors wide to get ventilation, which can be called„spatial ventilation”. And lastly, there is the use of personal protective equipment such as gas masks, independent breathing apparatus, or air hoods. Personal protective equipment in this case can hinder work, reduce comfort and ease of work, which is why it is listed last.

Always store hazardous substances in their original packaging.

Never transfer substances to so-called substitute packaging. Let’s be honest – you won’t repaint all the labels and rewrite all the instructions on the substitute packaging. As a result, only you will know what is in that package. Imagine a situation where you put a bottle of water containing a solvent in the canteen – on the bottom shelf, so that you know it is a solvent. Another employee comes in, grabs the bottle, unscrews it, and takes a big gulp. This situation could have serious health consequences. Never do this! Hazardous substances must remain in their original packaging until they are used! After using a hazardous substance, store the so-called used beakers in a special container intended for disposal. Once the container is full, hand it over for disposal.

Never eat, drink, smoke, or apply makeup while working with hazardous substances or in their immediate vicinity..

This will prevent the accidental ingestion of hazardous substances.

Protect your colleagues and bystanders.

Do not work with hazardous substances near other people. The most dangerous thing for humans is accidental exposure to a substance they know nothing about.It is very difficult to identify such substances, which can lead to death. Remember to inform your colleagues about the use of hazardous substances, designate the area where you will be working, and ensure that no unauthorized persons are present in the immediate vicinity. Store hazardous substances in a special locked room or container and control who has access to it.

Protect the environment.

Never pour leftover substances onto the ground, grass, into drains or sewers. Turpentine, used oil and many other chemicals poured into drains will cause contamination to such an extent that all life in the contaminated area will die. Think about it! After use, return the beakers for disposal. By doing so, you are protecting the lives of people, animals, and plants.