Lots of homeowners have a multitude of potentially dangerous chemicals in their homes. The list could include gasoline, propane gas, solvents and paints, bathroom & kitchen cleaners, pool chemicals, lawn fertilizers, and pest control agents, as well as many others. Oftentimes, these products are flammable, corrosive, toxic, noxious, reactive, or could be gasses under intense pressure.
If workers are handling these substances in the workplace there are numerous OSHA, DOT, and EPA standards that regulate their safe handling, transportation, and disposal. However, at home, there exists no such legal standards. We must educate ourselves in the hazards posed by handling chemicals at home. Homeowners could be burned, poisoned, or worse-if overexposed to these chemical substances. These same products can also do severe damage to the environment if the homeowner disposes of them irresponsibly. There are a number of ways we can be better prepared for chemical safety at home:
- Read all warning labels on containers of chemicals
- Understand what first aid measures will be appropriate if you are exposed to the substance
- Only use the chemical for the purpose the manufacturer recommended
- Use in well ventilated areas, whenever possible
- Wear all the proper PPE recommended by the manufacturer
- Dispose of the product according to the instructions on the label
- If you put the chemical in another container, be sure to properly label the new container with the product name and any safety-related information
- Never mix products together! (Many homeowners have become gravely ill or died by mixing bleach and ammonia products together)
- Store all chemicals in a responsible manner keeping them out of reach of children and pets
Following these basic precautions can go a long way in ensuring you don’t have a bad experience when using hazardous chemicals in your home.
A-C-T offers a very comprehensive Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of Hazard Communication course for workers who handle hazardous chemicals in the workplace. This course covers the elements of 29 CFR 1910.1200 and can be taught at our modern training facility in Bartow, Florida, virtually through our studio, or at the client’s location. We can customize the class to meet your organizations specific needs. Call us today!
