CHEMICAL

SAFETY
MODULE 4
TOPIC OUTLINE
• Basic of Chemical Safety
• Chemical Hazard Identification
• Safe at Work
 CHEMICAL SAFETY
Refers to the practice of handling, storing, and using chemicals in a way that minimizes the risks of
exposure, accidents, and adverse effects on human health and the environment. It encompasses a
range of measures and procedures designed to prevent or mitigate the potential hazards associated
with the use of chemicals in various settings, including laboratories, industrial facilities, and
household.
WHAT ARE THE
BASIC OF
CHEMICAL
SAFETY?
 WHAT ARE THE BASIC OF
CHEMICAL SAFETY?
The basics of chemical safety involve fundamental principles and practices aimed at
preventing accidents, minimizing exposure, and protecting human health and the
environment. Here are some key aspects of basic chemical safety:

• Risk Assessment • Labeling and Communication

• Chemical Storage • Emergency Preparedness
• Handling and Use • Training and Education
• Regulatory Compliance • Personal Hygiene
• Documentation • Continuous Improvement
RISK ASSESSMENT
Identify and assess potential hazards associated with
each chemical used.
Consider factors such as toxicity, flammability,
reactivity, and potential routes of exposure.

CHEMICAL STORAGE
Store chemicals in designated areas with
proper ventilation.
Separate incompatible chemicals to
prevent reactions.
Use appropriate storage containers and
labels.
 HANDLING AND USE
Follow established procedures for handling and using chemicals.
Use personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, goggles, and
lab coats.
Minimize exposure through engineering controls (e.g., fume hoods).

LABELING AND COMMUNICATION

Clearly label all chemical containers with
information on contents and hazards.
Communicate hazard information to all personnel
handling or exposed to the chemicals.
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
Develop and communicate emergency response plans.
Provide training on emergency procedures and the use of safety
equipment.
Ensure the availability of emergency response equipment (e.g.,
eyewash stations, fire extinguishers).

REGULATORY COMPLIANCE
Adhere to relevant regulations and standards
governing chemical use.
Stay informed about legal requirements and
updates to safety regulations.
 TRAINING AND EDUCATION
Provide comprehensive training for personnel handling
chemicals.
Emphasize the importance of following safety procedures and
using protective measures.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
Implement measures to prevent chemical
spills and releases.
Ensure proper disposal of chemical waste in
accordance with regulations.
 PERSONAL HYGIENE
Develop and communicate emergency response plans.
Provide training on emergency procedures and the use of safety
equipment.
Ensure the availability of emergency response equipment (e.g.,
eyewash stations, fire extinguishers).

DOCUMENTATION
Maintain accurate records of chemical
inventories, safety data sheets (SDS), and safety
procedures document incidents, near misses, and
corrective actions.
CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT
Regularly review and update safety procedures
based on new information and experiences.
Conduct periodic safety audits and inspections to
identify areas for improvement.
 CHEMICAL HAZARD
IDENTIFICATION
Is a crucial step in chemical safety management. It involves recognizing and
understanding the potential dangers associated with specific chemicals.
Hazard identification provides the foundation for implementing appropriate
safety measures and controls.
 MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS (MSDS)
OR SAFETY DATA SHEETS (SDS)
Obtain and review SDS for each chemical used.
SDS provide information on the chemical’s properties, hazards, safe handling procedures, and
emergency response measures.

LABELING
Ensure that all chemical containers are labeled with accurate and clear information about the
contents and associated hazards.
Labels should include hazard symbols, signal words (e.g., “Danger” or “Warning”), and
precautionary statements.
 CHEMICAL CLASSIFICATION
Understand how chemicals are classified based on their physical and
chemical properties, such as flammability, toxicity, reactivity, and
environmental impact.

TOXICOLOGY
Assess the toxicity of chemicals to determine potential health effects.
Consider acute and chronic toxicity, as well as routes of exposure (inhalation, skin
contact, ingestion).
 PHYSICAL HAZARDS
Identify physical hazards, including flammability, explosiveness, and
reactivity.
Consider the potential for fires, explosions, or other dangerous reactions.

CHEMICAL STABILITY
Evaluate the stability of chemicals under various conditions, such as
temperature, pressure, and exposure to light or air.
 USE OF ENGINEERING CONTROLS
Implement engineering controls to minimize exposure, such as
ventilation systems, fume hoods, and containment devices.

ROUTES OF EXPOSURE
Understand how chemicals can enter the body (inhalation, dermal
contact, ingestion) and take measures to minimize exposure through
these routes.
 HEALTH EFFECTS
Identify and understand potential health effects associated with exposure to specific
chemicals, including immediate and long-term effects.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Consider the environmental impact of chemicals, including their potential to
harm ecosystems and aquatic life.

INCOMPATIBILITY
Determine which chemicals are incompatible with each other and take precautions to
prevent reactions that could result in hazardous conditions.
 OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS (OELS)
Be aware of and adhere to established occupational exposure limits, which indicate the
maximum allowable concentration of a substance in the workplace.

EXPERT CONSULTATION
Seek advice from chemical safety experts, industrial hygienists, or toxicologists
when needed, especially for complex hazard assessments.

MONITORING AND SURVEILLANCE

Implement monitoring programs to detect and assess chemical exposures in the workplace.
 SAFE AT WORK
Typically refers to the conditions and practices in a workplace that ensure the well-being
and safety of employees. This includes physical safety, emotional well-being, and
protection from hazards. Here are some key aspects of safety at work.
 PHYSICAL SAFETY
Ensuring that the workplace is free from physical hazards such as slippery floors, exposed wiring,
and unsafe equipment. Providing appropriate safety gear and training for employees working in
potentially hazardous conditions.
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Promoting a healthy work environment that includes measures to prevent the
spread of illnesses, access to clean facilities, and promoting overall employee
well-being.
ERGONOMICS
Designing workspaces and tasks to minimize physical strain and discomfort, reducing the risk of
musculoskeletal disorders and other health issues related to repetitive tasks.
 TRAINING AND EDUCATION
Providing employees with the necessary training and information to perform their jobs safely.
This includes training on the use of equipment, emergency procedures, and awareness of
potential workplace hazards.

WORKPLACE SECURITY
Implementing measures to ensure the security of employees, which may include
access control, surveillance, and emergency response plans.
EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING
Fostering a positive work culture that supports mental health and emotional well-being. This can
include programs, resources, and policies that address stress, harassment, and other mental health
concerns.
 COMPLIANCE WITH REGULATIONS
Ensuring that the workplace adheres to local, state, and national safety regulations. This includes
staying up-to-date with relevant laws and making necessary adjustments to maintain compliance.

COMMUNICATION
Establishing clear communication channels for reporting safety concerns and
incidents. Encouraging an open dialogue between management and employees
regarding safety matters.
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
Developing and regularly practicing emergency response plans for situations such as fires, natural
disasters, or other crises that may arise in the workplace.
 REGULAR INSPECTIONS AND AUDITS
Conducting regular inspections of the workplace to identify and address potential safety hazards.
This proactive approach helps prevent accidents and ensures ongoing compliance with safety
standards.

PROMOTING A SAFETY CULTURE

Encouraging a culture where safety is a priority for all employees, from leadership
to front-line workers. This involves promoting awareness.
THANK YOU
VERY MUCH!