chemical safety

Workers suffer more than 190,000 illnesses and 50,000 deaths annually related to chemical exposures, according to "Green Chemistry in California: A Framework for Leadership in Chemicals Policy and Innovation" In the US, workers use tens of thousands of chemicals every day. While many of these chemicals are suspected of being harmful, only a small number are regulated in the workplace. Workplace chemical exposures have been linked to cancers, and other lung, kidney, skin, heart, stomach, brain, nerve, and reproductive diseases. Employers should both introduce employees to the "Right-To-Know" regulations and provide training on the various types of chemicals found in work environments. Topics covered should include: Chemical hazard concepts. The Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). Types of hazardous chemicals. Characteristics and effects of various types of chemicals. Safe handling practices. Container labeling. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Spills and cleanup. and more. Get a Quote for a Class: Right-To-Know for Industrial Facilities Live Instruction Training Courses at YOUR Location Responsible Employers need to establish a chemical management system that goes beyond simply complying with OSHA standards and strives to reduce or eliminate chemical hazards at the source through informed substitution best protects workers. Transitioning to safer alternatives can be a complex undertaking, but a variety of existing resources make it easier. OSHA has developed this step-by-step toolkit to provide employers and workers with information, methods, tools, and guidance on using informed substitution in the workplace. Some Employer resources for Safety Training Materials, DVDs, Poster and Plans: DOT HAZMAT General Awareness DOT HAZMAT Safety Training DOT HAZMAT Security Awareness DOT In-Depth HAZMAT Security Training Materials Handling Safety Monitoring Procedures & Equipment MSDS - Material Safety Data Sheet OSHA Formaldehyde Standard OSHA Laboratory Standard OSHA Lead Standards Planning for Laboratory Emergencies Preventing Contamination Respiratory Protection and Safety Right-To-Know Why Transition to Safer Alternatives? It is widely recognized that the most effective method to eliminate or reduce adverse health and safety outcomes in the workplace is to eliminate hazards at the source, before applying other, less effective forms of protection. This industrial hygiene principle, known as the hierarchy of controls, has been well-studied, widely accepted and prominently incorporated into practice by businesses and industrial hygiene professionals throughout the world. Continue reading →

Here’s a quiz for anyone whose company is at risk for spills of hazardous materials or other regulated substances at facilities or on the road. Can you answer these frequently asked questions related to environmental spills correctly? Does insurance cover fines and penalties for late spill reports? If my driver wasn’t at fault in an accident, am I still liable...