Working Safely with Chemicals

Exposure to chemicals can cause occupational disease and injuries.

They can also be flammable or explosive.

How chemicals can enter the body

Routes of exposure:

• Breathing
• Skin or eye contact
• Swallowing (ingestions or eating)
• Injection

Before working with chemicals

• Ensure that the standard operating procedures are understood and followed
• Read and understand the safety data sheet
• Check that the ventilation is working properly
• Make sure all containers are labelled
• Know where the eyewash stations and safety showers are located
• Wear the required personal protective equipment

What employers should do

• Provide WHMIS education and training on where to find information about chemicals, how to identify their hazards, and safe operating procedures.
• Make sure engineering controls are set up to work efficiently.
• Make sure workers follow the standard operating procedures and wear the required personal protective equipment.

Provide specific information about each chemical workers may use

• Possible routes of exposure
• Potential hazards
• Control measures to reduce risk of exposure
• How to safely use, handle, store and dispose of the chemical
• What to do in case of a spill or injury
• First aid response for chemical exposure