| You have probably heard that chemicals can be very | | | | With this, experts deem it more for people to know |
| dangerous if handled incorrectly. Of course, by nature, | | | | how to handle certain dangerous substances to avoid |
| chemicals are dangerous because of their | | | | injuries and even death. |
| components. Still, chemicals are chemicals and people | | | | 1. Leave it to the expert |
| cannot simply do without it. We need it every single | | | | If you work in a laboratory of chemicals, and you are |
| day, at work, in restaurants or retail stores, and most | | | | not yet trained to handle dangerous substances, it is |
| especially in homes. | | | | best if you leave this job to the experts. Some people |
| The main purpose of using chemicals is cleaning. | | | | are specially trained to handle chemicals such as |
| Hence, most households use chemicals to clean their | | | | corrosive substances and they know exactly what to |
| bathroom tiles, clothes, and other materials that are | | | | do. These people are known as approved handlers. |
| tainted with stubborn dirt. | | | | They have proper training and knowledge of these |
| However, chemical handling can be very dangerous if | | | | chemicals and have sought certification making them |
| not properly done. Certain chemicals such as corrosive | | | | highly qualified to do this job. Certifications are not |
| substances are dangerous enough to kill a person or | | | | issued to people who have not passed the |
| put him in a coma. | | | | requirements as mandated by the Hazardous |
| By definition, a corrosive substance triggers the | | | | Substances and New Organisms (Personnel |
| corrosion or permanently damages another matter as | | | | Qualifications) Regulations 2001. |
| soon as a contact is established. Normally, corrosive | | | | 2. Implement risk assessments |
| substances when made contact with metals generate | | | | It pays to have a thorough check of the safety |
| rust, but when this substance gets in contact with the | | | | materials used in handling these dangerous substances |
| human skin tissue, there is a higher possibility that the | | | | from time to time, maintain a safe working environment |
| tissues will undergo visible necrosis or the permanent | | | | to prevent slides due to uneven floorings, and for the |
| damage of the skin tissues. | | | | workers to undergo a comprehensive check up every |
| Examples of corrosive substances that can directly | | | | now and then. In this way, you are hitting two birds with |
| apply damage to the skin tissues are strong acids and | | | | one stone, which is to prevent accidents before they |
| bases. These substances cause hydration in the skin | | | | happen and to protect health at all times. |
| or the removal of water from the skin tissue. Certain | | | | 3. Go easy with the moving of chemicals |
| chemicals such as sulfuric acid can directly inflict | | | | At work, it is impossible not to move these chemicals |
| thermal burns aside from the usual chemical burns. | | | | from one place to another. Of course, you need to |
| Approximately 65,000 different substances can cause | | | | deliver them as well to your clients or customers once |
| contact irritant dermatitis, with the rash usually | | | | orders have been placed. The act of carrying the |
| occurring after repeated exposures. But there is one | | | | chemicals themselves can be very dangerous if not |
| category of irritants called solvents that cause most | | | | done properly. Hence, it is important to implement or |
| cases of dermatitis or direct irritation in the skin. | | | | train workers on appropriate posture when lifting and |
| Solvents include soapy solutions of any kind, plus | | | | carrying boxes that contain these chemicals or use |
| alcohol, acetone, varnish, thinners, gasoline, and | | | | lifters to aid them in transporting the boxes from one |
| kerosene. | | | | area to another. |
| Unfortunately, some substances appear harmless as | | | | Getting these tips applied at the laboratories will |
| they do not inflict pain on first contact but can severely | | | | definitely lessen cases of injuries or casualties. |
| damage the bone after they have penetrated the skin. | | | | Workers should simply know what to do and how to |
| These types of substances create fluoride ions which | | | | protect themselves so as to avoid problems resulting |
| can greatly damage the bones. | | | | to physical injury or even death. |