Guide to Chemical Safety in the Workplace

Chemical safety control is of the utmost importance in a business that works with industrial chemicals or other hazardous materials. As a supervisor or owner, you operate under strict guidelines for the safety of your employees. State as well as federal regulations seek to keep workers safe from chemical accidents, with most of the workplace standards determined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

Ensure the protection of workers who handle chemicals in the workplace and comply with safety regulations at the same time. The best chemical safety program includes several aspects of safety compliance. Institute policies in your business regarding:

1. Protective clothing, glasses and gloves for workplace chemical safety
2. Emergency sinks and showers for accidental chemical exposure in the workplace
3. Chemical safety training

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Purchase equipment for chemical safety control

The easiest form of chemical safety management is a ready supply of protective gear. Chemical-handling gloves, as well as clothing and eye wear, provide an excellent first line of defense against injury caused by chemicals. Outfit your employees with all necessary equipment to ensure workplace safety and maintain a secure and productive work area.

I recommend: Choose your workplace chemical safety gear from companies such as Northern Safety or All Safety Products Inc. Each one has various products available for chemical work.

Provide a second layer of chemical safety control with special sinks and showers

Even with protective clothing, accidents happen. Double the protection of your employees by installing special chemical sinks and showers in your workplace. These counteract chemicals or chemical solutions and limit the amount of injury in the case of accidental contact. These safety measures can limit serious injury or prevent it altogether.

I recommend: Look at Terra Universal's chemical safety shower and get a quick quote, or choose from various eyewash stations at Guardian Equipment.

Enhance chemical safety in the workplace with specialized training

Chemical safety training is a good way to stop chemical accidents and injuries before they even happen. Procedure and prevention training result in workers being aware of how to avoid mistakes. It's also mandatory; the law requires both employees and supervisors/managers to have at least rudimentary training before they can handle chemicals in the workplace or supervise others who do.

I recommend: Find options for chemical safety training courses at CST or Safety Services Company. You can also subscribe to the CAL/OSHA Compliance Advisor and receive regular chemical and general workplace safety updates as well as information on new regulatory laws.

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• Institute safety inspections and drills beyond those the law requires. Chemical safety in the workplace is far more important than a few dollars or minutes of productivity. Ultimately, an accident will cost more than any preventive measures.

The official source of Chemical Safety in the Workplace is
the Chemical Safety in the Workplace page at Business.com