The safe use of chemicals is a key element in ensuring employee health protection and minimizing the risk of potential accidents or failures. Here are some important tips for the safe handling of chemicals:

Provision of necessary protective equipment

A first aid kit, eye wash equipment, a safety shower (if required), and appropriate firefighting equipment appropriate to the type of hazard are essential. It is important to mark and access this equipment, as well as regularly train employees in its use in order to effectively respond to possible failures and threats.

Employee training

Training employees in the safe use of chemicals is an essential element of caring for their health and ensuring adequate knowledge of how to handle chemicals. Regular training will allow employees to update their knowledge and understand the latest safety standards.

Employee training should include recognition of potential hazards related to substances and preparations harmful to health and safety. For this purpose, attention should be paid to the labeling, which is based on CLP Directive (Classification, Labeling, and Packaging), which is the legal basis for the identification and classification of chemical substances. Familiarity with the labeling will enable workers to instantly understand the nature of the substance and its potential hazards.

Using appropriate personal protective equipment

Employees should be equipped with appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves, protective glasses, masks, or overalls, which will ensure protection against direct contact with chemical substances. It is also crucial to clarify that information on the use of PPE is included in the OHS system documentation, which serves as a guide and instruction for employees. This is where you’ll find guidance on when to use a particular type of glove or coverall to ensure the highest level of protection, depending on the characteristics of the substance and the activities anticipated.

During the various stages of contact with chemicals, it is important to use appropriate personal protective equipment to minimize potential risks:

Transport and storage (risk of mechanical damage to containers): In this case, it is recommended to use appropriate work clothes and gloves

Preparation of mixtures (risk of heat and splashes): The use of coveralls, tight goggles, a cap or hood and a P3 mask with ABEK absorbers is essential during this step. In addition, appropriate safety footwear is necessary.

Confection: For protection, it is recommended to wear protective glasses, apron or protective clothing, protective footwear and class A gloves in accordance with EN 373.

Labeling: During the labeling phase, it is important to use safety glasses, apron/protective clothing and safety shoes. Here too, class A gloves according to EN 373 are essential.

Packing finished products: Appropriate work clothes and gloves are essential when packing finished products.

The introduction and use of the correct PPE during these key steps ensures worker safety and minimizes risks associated with chemical handling.

Health and Safety Instructions

Employee training should include discussion and understanding of health and safety instructions. These documents are key guidelines for what to do before, during, and in emergencies. Employees should be aware of how to react in different situations and how to minimize the risk of exposure to harmful substances.

Read the documentation

Before working with any chemical, it is essential to read the MSDS and other documents containing information about the substance. Understanding the chemical properties and hazards will help reduce risks, take appropriate precautions, and put in place procedures to ensure safety.

Storage of substances under appropriate conditions

Chemicals should be stored in properly labeled containers. Storage should take place under specific conditions, i.e. in places with appropriate temperature and humidity, away from other substances that may be reactive with each other. It is also advisable to include information on the label, such as the name of the substance, CAS number, production and expiry date, and hazards. Thanks to this data, employees can quickly and precisely identify the contents of the container.

Moreover, substances should be stored in a manner consistent with their characteristics and hazards. For example, flammable substances should be kept separate from oxidizing materials and toxic substances from food substances. Going one step further, substances should be properly separated and segregated in the warehouse or on the shelves. Ensuring that hazardous substances are separated from harmless ones avoids unintended reactions or contamination.

Appropriate use of facilities and equipment

Before starting work with chemical substances, employees should be properly trained in the operation and use of chemical devices and equipment.

Avoiding unsafe contact

Workers should be trained to avoid accidental exposure to chemicals, such as inhalation of fumes or ingestion. Do not eat any food or or drink liquids in the chemical work area. Wash and disinfect your hands frequently. In the event of an accident, appropriate safety procedures should be implemented immediately.

Disposal and recycling

Unnecessary or unused chemical raw materials should be properly disposed of in accordance with the regulations in force in a given country. In Poland, the Waste Act of 14 December 2012 is in force (Journal of Laws of 2013 item 21), which defines the principles of waste management. In the European Union, the Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council 2008/98/EC of 19 November 2008 on waste and repealing certain directives (OJ L 312 of 22.11.2008), which is the general framework of EU waste legislation. Recycling should be encouraged and promoted where possible to reduce environmental impact.

Implementing appropriate safety practices and procedures is essential to ensure the safe and responsible use of chemicals at our manufacturing facility.

At Chemnovatic, we make sure that all employees are properly trained and equipped with appropriate protective equipment, which allows us to minimize the risk of potential threats related to our activities.