How to Handle Hazardous Substances
Hazardous substances are known for not only being a threat to human health when handled incorrectly, but also a risk to the environment. That said, it is still a wonder why there are a lot of people and businesses that continue to manage these substances carelessly. Despite the danger that these substances pose, some individuals still don’t know how to protect the health of their employees, their families, and the environment.
Among the common errors that are repeatedly being committed would include storing hazardous substances in unlabeled containers, storing of incompatible substances together and the absence of safety data sheets. The number of guidelines to adhere to when handling these hazardous chemicals can easily overwhelm anyone who doesn’t have strong knowledge about these substances. The reason behind having these procedures in place is to simply mitigate the risk they pose to people and the environment.
The religious updating of the processes and keeping everything in check will make it easier for the business to manage all these guidelines.
To help manage all these safety measures in handling hazardous substances, it would be easier to use an SDS app. The app can be downloaded on the phone and the safety data sheet (SDS) app can be easily accessed by anyone to keep track of the inventory of chemical. This data sheet will also hold important information related to the substances being stored. Updating the sheet is considered of utmost importance for all businesses that handle these hazardous chemicals. In some countries, the government would require the updating of the sheet at least once every five years.
A safety data sheet should be made available to everyone who has access to the chemicals. If not through an app, it should be conspicuously displayed so anyone can refer to it when they handle the chemical. There is also a need to always make use of containers that are properly labeled when storing these chemicals.
For businesses that make use of confined spaces for their work, it is important to obtain confined space permits to remain compliant to government-mandated health and safety guidelines. It is a government mandate to have these areas audited and inspected to safeguard the welfare of all the employees who will be working in the area. Ventilation and proper exits are two of the things that will be checked in the area for safety purposes. Working in confined spaces safely is a must to prevent instances of suffocation or being trapped in the event of fire caused by the chemicals.
To protect the health and safety of everyone and the environment, consider taking these pointers to heart. When these procedures are in place, productivity is increased and any untoward incidents can be prevented.
