Sunday, 19 March 2023

The Basics of Chemical Safety: Handling, Storage, and Disposal

 

The Basics of Chemical Safety: 

Handling, Storage, and Disposal

The Basics of Chemical Safety: Handling, Storage, and Disposal

Chemicals are widely used in all industries and its integral part of our personal lives also. We use them in everything from cleaning products to food additives. However, with their use comes a great responsibility to ensure that they are handled, stored, and disposed of safely. In this article, we will cover the basics of chemical safety, including the best practices for handling, storing, and disposing of chemicals.

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Handling Chemicals

Every chemical having its unique properties. Handling chemicals requires knowledge of their properties, potential hazards, and appropriate handling techniques. The chemical handlers should read the chemical safety data sheet (SDS) for the detailed information about the chemicals. Some of the best practices for handling chemicals include:

Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, goggles, and lab coats or chemical aprons.

Familiarize yourself with the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for the chemical you are handling. The SDS will provide information on the hazards associated with the chemical, as well as the appropriate handling techniques. The SDS having 16 sections where you will find all the information’s about the chemical.

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Keep chemicals in their original containers and label them clearly with their contents. The label should be eligible enough to read. The chemicals should never be stored in disposable water bottles and without any label.

Never eat, drink, or smoke while handling chemicals.

Always wash your hands thoroughly after handling chemicals.

Storing Chemicals

Proper storage of chemicals is crucial to prevent accidents and ensure the longevity of the chemical. Follow the manufacturer & Safety Data Sheet (SDS) guidelines for storing any chemical. When storing chemicals, it is important to follow these best practices:

Store chemicals in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area.

Store chemicals away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and incompatible materials.

Keep chemicals in their original containers and label them clearly with their contents.

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Ensure the chemical storage area provided with fire fighting arrangements.

Store chemicals on shelves or in cabinets that are sturdy and have secure doors.

Use secondary containment such as spill trays or drip pans to contain spills.

Don’t store any combustible materials in and around the chemical storage areas.

Disposing of Chemicals

The safe disposal of chemicals is important to protect the environment and human health. Improper disposal of chemicals can lead to contamination of water sources and soil. When disposing of chemicals, it is important to follow these best practices:

Check with your local environmental agency to determine the appropriate method of disposal for the chemical.

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The chemical disposal should be done by the authorized agency only.

Never pour chemicals down the drain or dispose of them in the trash unless instructed to do so by the environmental agency.

If the chemical can be recycled, ensure that it is properly labeled and packaged for recycling.

Use appropriate personal protective equipment when handling chemicals for disposal.

Consider using safer alternatives to hazardous chemicals to reduce the need for disposal.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, the safe handling, storage, and disposal of chemicals are crucial to protect the environment and human health. By following best practices for handling, storing, and disposing of chemicals, we can minimize the risk of accidents and contamination. Always remember to wear appropriate personal protective equipment, keep chemicals in their original containers and label them clearly with their contents, and never dispose of chemicals inappropriately. With these practices in mind, we can ensure that chemicals are used responsibly and safely.

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