Chemical Safety in the Workplace

The use of chemicals in any organisation requires safe handling and effective health and safety training. The culture of awareness needs to be instilled into all employees and contractors that handle such chemicals.

Why Chemical Safety Matters

In certain industries where chemicals play an important role in product development and site maintenance, the risks become higher for all colleagues on site. With varying degrees of risks from skin burns, long-term diseases, and explosions being amongst some of the serious effects from misinformed employees and contractors, the impact can be devastating.

Recently in Northern Ireland, a suspected chemical spill hospitalised 17 people, including 2 firefighters. While this is still under investigation, it remains critical when dealing with chemicals in terms of workforces that all measures pertaining to chemical safety should be thorough and effective. Unexpected events can occur, so preparedness is the key to mitigating their impact.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

The use of PPE is a crucial part of ensuring safe working practices are adhered to when working with or near chemicals. The necessary PPE for the chemicals, that should be to the proper standards to be effective, should be provided.

• Eye Protection: Safety glasses, goggles, or face shields prevent splashes, mists, and vapours.
• Hand Protection: Gloves, made from materials resistant to specific chemicals, prevent skin absorption, burns, and irritation.
• Body Protection: Chemical-resistant aprons, suits, or coveralls protect your clothing and skin from spills.
• Respiratory Protection: Respirators or masks, when necessary, protect lungs from inhaling hazardous fumes, dusts, or mists.
• Foot Protection: Chemical-resistant safety footwear protects your feet from spills and impacts.

Regular training, like that offered by EazySAFE, ensures you know how to select, inspect, don, doff, and care for your PPE.

Understanding Chemical Labels

Reading and understanding every part of a chemical label before use is a crucial safety practice. It informs your choice of PPE, handling procedures, and emergency response. The information on the label directly impacts your choice of PPE, how you handle the chemical, and how you respond in an emergency. Our training breaks down chemical labelling in clear, practical terms, to help recognise different label types, interpret hazard warnings, and apply this knowledge to a safer working environment.

How EazySAFE can help

EazySAFE provides online training with chemical awareness courses. These courses offer in-depth guidance on the role of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and understanding of labelling chemicals specific to your site. Courses are customisable to meet your health and safety needs. The use of proper protocols outlined in our courses can reduce the risk of accidents on-site and save lives.

At EazySAFE, we provide online training solutions for individuals and organisations to help achieve the highest health and safety standards. Our user-friendly platform offers tailored courses with certificates on completion, including chemical safety, ensuring you and your colleagues are equipped with the knowledge and skills to handle chemicals safely and comply with workplace regulations. Plus, our comprehensive reports help you demonstrate your company’s adherence to HSA directives.