Chemical Safety

1. Copyright Progressive Business Publications
Safe Chemical Handling
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2. Copyright Progressive Business Publications
Hazardous Chemicals Can Cause
 Headaches, rashes and burns
 Respiratory problems
 Lung and liver damage
 Reproductive damage
 Cancer
 Death

3. Copyright Progressive Business Publications
Physical Hazards You May Face
 Flammable liquids or solids
 Combustible liquids
 Compressed gases
 Explosive materials
 Unstable materials
 Water reactive
materials

4. Copyright Progressive Business Publications
Ways Chemicals Enter Your Body
 Breathe them in through your nose or mouth
 Make contact with your skin or eyes
 Swallow chemicals when eating or drinking

5. Copyright Progressive Business Publications
Protect Yourself
 Follow all steps
 Read all labels
 Read the Material Safety Data Sheets
 Wear the proper Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE)

6. Copyright Progressive Business Publications
Labels
 Check labels prior to use for hazard warnings
 Treat unlabeled containers as dangerous
 Do not remove labels
 Look for NFPA labels:
– Blue is toxic
– Red is flammable
– Yellow is reactive
– Numbers 3 and 4 are
very hazardous

7. Copyright Progressive Business Publications
Material Safety Data Sheets
(MSDS)
Use MSDS to get information about:
– Chemical name
– Physical characteristics
– Fire and explosion data
– Dangerous properties
– Precautions for safe handling
– Reactivity data

8. Copyright Progressive Business Publications
Personal Protective Equipment
(PPE)
 Safety glasses, goggles and face shields
 Gloves
 Respirators and dust masks
 Head protection
 Foot protection
 Aprons or full body suits

9. Copyright Progressive Business Publications
Other Ways to Protect Yourself
 NEVER
– Eat, drink or smoke when working with
hazardous chemicals
– Wash or store your PPE with family clothing
 ALWAYS
– Wash hands, arms and face with soap and
water after use
– Check your PPE for damage
– Perform self examinations

10. Copyright Progressive Business Publications
Signs You are Being Exposed to
Hazardous Chemicals
 Foul odor
 Metallic taste
 Foreign particles in nose
 Rashes, burns, watery eyes, irritated throat,
headache or dizziness

11. Copyright Progressive Business Publications
If Exposure Occurs
 Inhalation – move to fresh air
 Eye or skin contact – flush with water for at
least 15 minutes
 Swallowed hazardous chemicals – seek
immediate medical assistance

12. Copyright Progressive Business Publications
If There is a Spill or Leak
 Warn others
 Turn off machines and evacuate
 Stay upwind
 Don’t attempt to rescue unless trained

13. Copyright Progressive Business Publications
Summary
 Risks of working with chemicals
 Ways chemicals enter your body
 Read all labels
 Read all Material Safety Data Sheets
 Wear the proper personal protective equipment
 Be prepared to respond to chemical exposures