9 Control measures for the use of hazardous chemicals

Control measures for the use of hazardous chemicals tend to set action plans to ensure the safe use of hazardous chemicals.

As the name implies, “Hazardous Chemicals” – These are chemical substances that could pose both physical and health danger to anyone exposed to it and the environment if safety precautions are not put in place. They include: neurotoxins, immune agents, dermatologic agents, carcinogens, reproductive toxins, systemic toxins, asthmagens, pneumoconiotic agents, and sensitizers.

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Here are some control measures for using hazardous chemicals

1. Engineering controls: These are methods that are built into the design of a plant, equipment or process to minimize the hazard. The basic types of engineering controls are:
   • Process control.
   • Enclosure and/or isolation of emission source.
   • Ventilation.
2. Safe work practices / procedures: These are generally written methods outlining how to perform a task with minimum risk to people, equipment, materials, environment, and processes. It contain series of specific steps that guide a worker through a task from start to finish in a chronological order.
3. Training for employees: Here the workers involved in the use of the hazardous chemicals need to be put through a job specific training on the hazards involved with the chemical, it risk, safe handling, first aid measures, etc.
4. Hygiene arrangements: This includes effective cleaning out, disposal and welfare arrangement for the workers using these hazardous chemicals.
5. Storage arrangements: This involves safe storage and labeling of the chemicals. These chemicals must be stored in a designated storage facility.
6. Good housekeeping
7. Disposal of waste: Waste has to be properly disposed of
8. Emergency procedure: Emergency plan must be in place in case of accidental release and spillage.
9. PPE / Safety equipment: Relevant personal protective equipment should be provided to users of these chemicals as recommended in the chemical MSDS.

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