7 ways to handle chemicals in the workplace [Comprehensive Guide]

If you’re dealing with sensitive chemicals in your workspace, there are a couple of points that will help you handle them with care. From this list, attaching appropriate signage and collision barriers, storing the materials in leak-proof containers, and storing away from drains are the best. Keep reading to know more. 

1. Include Proper Signs

Remember to place appropriate signs so that your staff knows the type of chemicals that they are dealing with. Make sure that these signs are big and clear enough to read from a distance too. 

Once you’ve placed the signs, train your staff on identifying them. It would be a recipe for disaster, otherwise. 

2. Install Collision Barriers

Once you’ve stored the chemicals away, install collisions barriers so the risk of them being knocked and spilled are low. Don’t be afraid to spend and go for as sturdy of barriers as possible. 

3. Segregate Certain Materials 

Regardless of the materials that you are storing, some of them can easily contaminate the others. It’s important that you segregate them properly. 

Buying leak-proof containers is the best way to do this. But if you want, you can think things up a notch and separate each type of material by room too. 

4. Buy Proper PPE

Your staff needs appropriate PPE equipment. They won’t be safe, in case they have to handle the waste material, otherwise. Of course, train your staff on how to use the PPE. You would just be wasting cash on the gear, otherwise. 

5. Stay Away from Drains 

Be smart and not store any liquids near drains (or any spots that lead to the outside). You don’t need us to tell you this, but you risk them tipping over and causing damage to the environment. 

6. Include Containers

Ask yourself whether you have appropriate containers for the chemicals that are being stored. If they are oil-based, a justrite oily waste can would be the way to go. There would be no way for it to leak. 

But if the materials are highly reactive, you might need a pesticide resistant level cabinet. Now, there are many of these options on the market, so finding the best can be hard. We recommend pesticide safety cabinets from EAGLE and JUSTRITE which are ideal. 

7. Remember to Clear Spills

If there are any spills, immediately take care of them. You will reduce the risks of slips and potentially polluting the environment too. 

Final Thoughts

Considering all of the points that we went through, what do you think? There are several safety tips to keep in mind when dealing with volatile materials in your office. From them, the best would be to have appropriate signs near each waste material, so that your staff knows everything they need to about them from a distance. 

Of course, train your staff how to use PPE too. If they do come in contact with dangerous material, they would know how to deal with it.