Safety Huddle - Chemical Safety

The goal of the Safety Huddle program is to increase every team member’s safety awareness.  There will be a different topic every other month with important safety tips and information.  Managers and supervisors will be responsible for sharing this information with all team member.   

Purpose

Identify chemical hazards and take proper precautions to protect your health and safety whenever you work with or around hazardous chemicals.

OSHA’s Hazard Communication standard says that you have the right to know about chemical hazards in the workplace and how to work safely with hazardous chemicals.

This is also called, Right to Know.  All the Right to Know information OSHA requires is found in the red binder located in your cleaning closet called Hazard Communication Program.  Please refer to this material for safety information.

Safety Data Sheets and Chemical Labels

Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and Chemical Labels contain the pertinent chemical safety information. SDS are located in the red Hazard Communication binder in your supply closet and labels must always be clearly displayed on chemical bottles.

Chemical Exposure

Employees may become exposed to chemicals in the eyes and skin through accidental splashing/spraying or rubbing.  

Chemicals may also be:

·       Inhaled – by breathing chemical vapors, dust, or fumes. 

·       Ingested – by contaminating food or drink or touching your mouth/food with chemical contaminated hands.

·       Entered - into the bloodstream when a team member is cut or punctured by an object contaminated with the chemical.

Signs of Chemical Exposure

·       Skin rash

·       Dry skin

·       Redness

·       Skin/eye irritation

·       Itching

·       Tingling

·       Burning

·       Blistering

·       Nausea

·       Dizziness

·       Lightheadedness

Chemical Protection

The best method in place for protecting team members from becoming unnecessarily exposed to chemicals is through the ready to dispense system.  It is also vital to wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

·       Eye protection

·       Face shields protect you from chemical splashes. 

·       Gloves are required when handling chemicals.  SMO provides vinyl powder free gloves. 

These 3 pieces of PPE should be worn when mixing, pouring and spraying chemicals.

Emergency Response

·       Eye splashes – go to an eyewash station, hold eyelids open and flush with water for 15 minutes.

·       Skin Exposure – immediately wash with soap and water affected area.  Remove soaked clothing.

·       Inhalation – get away from area and seek fresh air.

·       Ingestion – read SDS sheets as different chemicals vary.

·       Under skin – immediately wash area and get medical attention.

Seek medical attention if symptoms persist by calling toll free emergency number on bottle or SDS.  Always call 911 for a medical emergency.