There are dozens of industries that handle hazardous materials on a daily basis. Aside from the health risks posed to the employees by chemical leak and spills, these substances also harm the environment, damage facilities equipment, and cause major financial losses in companies. It’s important that we understand the size of a chemical spill isn’t always an indication for how dangerous it is. As a matter of fact, the occurrence of corrosive and flammable chemicals, smaller leaks and spills can pose just as serious a danger to safety and health as a larger spill. In today’s blog, we will be going over 4 tips for preventing chemical spills in the workplace.
1. Store Chemicals in Covered Areas
The storing of hazardous chemicals in the workplace is of great importance. They should always be stored in covered areas where they are never exposed to elements such as rainfall. The problem with rainfall is that it increases the volume of the liquid that could potentially contaminate the workplace, increasing the chances of a spill. A chemical spill involving rainwater is more difficult to clean up since the spillage will cover a larger surface area. By simply shielding hazardous materials from rain with proper coverings, companies can reduce the chances of harmful chemical spill incidents from taking place.
2. Regularly inspect Chemical Containers for Leaks or Deterioration
Regular inspections of chemical containers can make all the difference when it comes to preventing a hazardous spill. Companies should pay extra attention to:
• Ensuring the exterior of the container is free of pills, stains, or any signs of deterioration
• Assessing closures and screw caps for any signs of deformity
• Checking that the containers have no signs of deterioration, including bulges, cracks, or rust.
3. Store Containers on Secure Shelving
A vital facet of correct chemical storage is verifying that vessels containing hazardous chemicals are stored in secure shelving units. Extra precautions should be taken to securely fasten the shelving used for the chemical storage to the floor or walls for max stability. The last thing you want is an earthquake tipping the shelving and causing a major spill. Shelves should also be fitted with raised edges—also known as “lips”—that prevent containers from slipping from the edge.
4. Avoid Overcrowding in Chemical Storage Units
The overcrowding of shelves with chemical containers is never a good idea as it can cause a spill. Furthermore, storing a large number of containers in one location can make it difficult to identify which one was involved in a spillage. It will also make it more difficult to access the spill area for inspection and clean-up.
Safety Equipment for Hazardous Chemicals
It’s surprising how quickly a chemical leak or spill can lead to major injuries or health issues in the workplace. While the best thing you can do is prevent this situation from happening in the first place, accidents happen and cleaning up is needed for these occurrences. When it does happen. It’s vital that you wear the proper safety equipment to handle the chemicals. We hope these 4 tips for preventing chemical spills in the workplace helps. If you ever come to need safety equipment for handling hazardous chemicals, Extreme Safety has all the equipment and resources you need. (310) 856-0166 or contact us by clicking here.
