Hazardous materials are widely used in industry in America. It goes without saying that these materials are dangerous, and pose serious risks to the people that work with them. However, by following a few golden rules, you and your team can work to minimize risks, prevent common errors in hazardous material handling, and ensure a safe, effective and positive working environment.
Before You Begin
Safety begins long before any hazardous materials have been picked up. The right habits need to be encouraged and fostered right from the beginning.
Get Everyone on the Same Page
Comprehensive training is vital for any organization who deal with hazardous materials. Foster an environment in which each team member can trust their colleagues and vice versa, and secure safety across the board.
Introduce a Collaborative Approach to Safety
Experts advise introducing a collaborative atmosphere by asking team members to submit their own safety tips and protocols. This creates a feeling of ownership, and makes it more likely that everyone will accept responsibility for safety in the workplace.
Get Used to Checking Labelling and Documentation
Checking labelling and documentation should become an automatic function. Work to develop this habit.
During Handling
It is during the handling or moving of the hazardous materials that team members must exercise the most care and attention. Following these golden rules will help to ensure a high level of safety.
Never Eat or Drink During Handling
Wait until after handling has ceased, and after all safety procedures have taken place, before eating or drinking anything.
Use Materials Only for their Intended Purpose
Even materials that you or your team are used to handling can become dangerous if used incorrectly. Always be sure only to use hazardous materials for their intended purpose.
Use Designated Safety Equipment
Never be complacent when it comes to handling hazardous materials. Instead, always be sure to use the correct safety equipment, as outlined in your safety briefings.
Afterwards
It is important to stay aware and careful even after the procedure is complete. Workplace safety requires a comprehensive approach, covering the entire process from start to finish.
Put Everything Back Where it Belongs
After completing the procedure, it is vital to carefully put everything back in the correct containers and storage units. This should be covered in the training and supported by instructional signs and literature.
Maintain a Tidy and Safe Working Environment
As well as putting everything back in the right place, ensure that the working environment is clean, tidy and safe for the next user. Much of workplace safety is down to forming the correct habits, and tidiness and diligence are two of the most positive.
Report Anything Untoward
It is important to remember that safety is everyone’s responsibility, not just the person who is handling the hazardous materials directly at any given point.
By taking these golden rules into account, and by working to ensure their widespread adoption across your workplace, safety is not difficult to achieve. For more information on hazardous material safety, or to discover more about safety equipment Chemtech can provide, get in touch with a member of our team today.