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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Hygiene arrangements: This includes effective cleaning out, disposal and welfare arrangement for the workers using these hazardous chemicals.
- Storage arrangements: This involves safe storage and labeling of the chemicals. These chemicals must be stored in a designated storage facility.
- Good housekeeping
- Disposal of waste: Waste has to be properly disposed of
- Emergency procedure: Emergency plan must be in place in case of accidental release and spillage.
- 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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