Chemical Handling

Table of Contents

Handling chemicals safely will reduce the risks of accidents involving chemical hazards. Personnel supervisors of chemicals must be familiar with regulations on how to handle chemicals properly.
The proper Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE) is needed for handling chemicals. Also in control of the chemical spills, such as gloves and masks, must always be available in a facility.
Personnel should also be trained on how to use PPE during chemical handling.
Safety Data Sheets (SDS) or Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) must be readily available for all chemicals on a work site/chemical area. Detail about Control of chemical spillage.

Before helping a victim make sure that you or anyone else will not be in danger.
Wear appropriate PPEs before helping the victim of chemicals.
If the victim has fallen into the chemical, he may have to be moved to a safe place before he can perform first aid.
If appropriate PPE gear is not available. Then take limited risks about first aid for the victim. Call emergency services immediately and wait for them.

Check the victim for a response before starting first aid and call for help.
Open the victim’s mouth and check for blockages. Roll the victim onto the side to clear any blockages. Tilt the head back to open the airway.
- Listen: Place your ear near the victim’s face and listen to the breathing.
- Feel: feel the moving air on your cheek from the victim’s nose and mouth.
- See: Movement of victim’s chest.
Place your hand on the victim’s stomach and check for movement, which indicates the victim’s breathing. If the victim is not breathing start doing (CPR) Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and call for a defibrillator.

When dealing with eye contamination the aim is to disperse and dilute the chemical to clear eye.

Use an eyewash fresh water shower to clean eyes for 20 minutes.
If the eye is shut then open it carefully. Hold the victim’s head so the waterfalls on the affected eye run water for 20 minutes.
Check the eyewash expiry date and packaging seal. If in doubt of the quality, don’t use it.
If no eyewash is available then check the Safety Data Sheets of chemical to see if water can be used instead.
If water can be used then ensure the water, source, and container are clean.
Call emergency services immediately.
Make sure to wear gloves before first aid.
Ask the victim person to hold a sterile dressing over the affected eye.
Identify the chemical’s property involved and gather as much information about it as you can.

Remove contaminated clothing from the victim’s body. Use scissors for cutting, unless contaminated clothing is sticking to the victim’s skin.
If the victim is conscious, assist him into the emergency shower.
If the victim is unconscious, shower him on the spot.
Use a hose or large water container and ensure clean water flows over the victim’s contaminated parts for 20 minutes.
Ensure unaffected parts are safe from contaminated water.

Proper chemical handling will reduce the risks of chemical hazards.
Make a sheet about workplace risk assessment to ensure all practices are safe.
Chemicals should be stored at a designated storage space, in the appropriate container.
Chemical waste should be properly disposed of as hazardous waste.
Proper transport should be provided for chemical transfer safely inside and outside the workplace.
All personnel in the chemical workplace should be properly trained as floor warden on what to do in case of a chemical spill.

Chemical spillage can cause other symptoms such as breathing problems.
Only chemical antidotes are used if you are properly trained otherwise don’t use them.
If possible, send chemical information to the hospital with the victim.
Inform the responding personnel about the nature of the chemical so they can provide the right PPE.
Report the accident to the EHS or safety officer.