If you work with chemicals at your job, think about these precautions:
- Know the hazards of the chemicals you use, and how to deal with them. If you have questions, contact Susan Davey, Lab Safety Specialist at EH&S at extension 58162.
- Label all chemicals, solutions, wastes, and dispose of them properly.
- Always wear proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as lab coats, gloves, and safety glasses when handling hazardous chemicals.
- Use a fume hood for all work with volatiles and hazardous chemicals.
- Store flammables in safety cabinets. Remove only the quantity required for the current procedures.
- Do not work with hazardous chemicals at night, or weekends – especially when you are alone in the laboratory.
- Maintain clear access to exits, showers, and eyewashes. Be aware of all emergency procedures including building evacuation plans.
- Keep all work areas, especially hoods, free of clutter. Floors must be free of trip hazards.
- Wash promptly when a chemical has contacted skin, and upon leaving the laboratory. Use emergency eyewash or/and shower whenever necessary.
- While at the lab bench, do not eat, drink, smoke, chew gum, apply cosmetics, or pipette by mouth.
- Keep workplace neat.
- Develop an attitude of safety awareness.
Good chemical safety means less accidents!
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This article originally posted in Environmental Health & Safety's Speaking of Safety Blog. Environmental Health & Safety is a division of Risk Management. Visit the Speaking of Safety Blog here.