The Fundamentals of Chemical Safety

STT — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 17:00:43 +0000

When you think of chemical safety, you probably conjure up images in your head of guys in protective suits and gas masks in nuclear plants or scientists in a chemistry lab. While it’s true that some jobs may involve regular, even daily exposure to potentially hazardous chemicals, chemical safety awareness is important for everyone, wherever they work or live. In fact, more chemical accidents happen in the household than in the workplace, simply because people who don’t work regularly with chemicals are less aware of the hazards that they pose, and may be unfamiliar with proper storage, handling, and disposal methods.

Unless you have small children at home, you may not have spent much time thinking about the best way to store chemicals, particularly caustic (capable of causing burns or eating away skin or other surfaces it may come into contact with). You may not have paid much attention to the recommended manner in which a particular chemical should be handled. After all, you may have reasoned, if they sell it over the counter it must be fairly safe. However, it is vital to take the time to read the labels on each and every chemical you buy, including household cleaners, fuels (such as kerosene, propane, gasoline), and other non-food liquids you use at home.

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The Fundamentals of Chemical Safety