Handling chemicals requires careful preparation to minimize the risk of exposure, accidents, and environmental contamination. Before any substance is unsealed or manipulated, a structured approach to understanding the material, selecting proper gear, and readying the environment must be completed. This preparation shifts the focus from reacting to an accident to preventing one, ensuring the work proceeds with control.
Understanding the Chemical Hazard
The first step is gathering comprehensive information about the substance, primarily through the container label and the Safety Data Sheet (SDS). The product label provides immediate, basic hazard communication through universally recognized GHS pictograms. These diamond-shaped symbols quickly communicate risks, such as the flame pictogram for flammable materials or the skull and crossbones for acute toxicity.
For a deeper understanding, the user must consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS), a standardized, 16-section document detailing the chemical’s properties and risks. Section 2, “Hazard Identification,” outlines the classification of the chemical, including physical, health, and environmental hazards. Section 8, “Exposure Controls/Personal Protection,” provides the manufacturer’s recommendations for exposure limits and the required personal protective equipment (PPE).
Reviewing the SDS allows the user to identify the chemical’s state, its reactivity, and the potential routes of exposure, such as inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact. Understanding this hazard profile is a prerequisite for all subsequent planning. This ensures that the selected safety measures and physical preparations are appropriately matched to the specific risks of the material.
Personal Protective Gear Selection
Selecting the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is driven by the specific chemical hazard identified in the SDS. Hand protection requires choosing a glove material based on chemical compatibility, not using a generic glove. For instance, butyl rubber gloves resist strong acids, bases, and ketones. Nitrile gloves provide good general protection against oils and solvents but are less effective against highly aggressive chemicals like certain chlorinated solvents.
The thickness of the glove also influences protection; thicker materials increase chemical resistance but can reduce dexterity. Eye protection must be chosen based on the potential hazard. Standard safety glasses are suitable for minor splash risks, but tightly fitting chemical splash goggles or a full face shield are necessary when handling corrosive or fuming liquids. Protective clothing, such as a lab coat or apron, should be inspected for tears or contamination before being donned. Gloves must be worn so they overlap the cuff of the coat to prevent skin exposure at the wrist.
Setting Up the Handling Environment
The physical workspace must be properly prepared to safely contain the chemical handling activity and manage any potential release. Ensuring adequate ventilation is paramount, which usually means verifying the proper operation of a chemical fume hood. The user should check the hood’s certification sticker to confirm it has been inspected within the last year. They must also verify the air flow indicator, such as a magnehelic gauge, is registering a reading within the safe operating range.
The fume hood sash must be positioned at the marked safe operating height. All work must be conducted at least six inches inside the hood opening to ensure airborne contaminants are captured by the inward airflow. The work surface requires preparation, including clearing all unnecessary clutter and establishing secondary containment. This secondary layer, often a spill tray or basin, captures any spills or leaks from the primary container, preventing the hazardous substance from spreading.
Establishing Emergency Readiness
The final preparatory phase is confirming that emergency response mechanisms are immediately accessible and functional. Before beginning work, the location of the nearest eyewash station and safety shower must be confirmed. These devices must be reachable within ten seconds of the hazard, typically a distance of about 55 feet. The path to the eyewash must be completely unobstructed, allowing for immediate use in case of a chemical splash.
It is important to locate the nearest fire extinguisher and the appropriate spill kit for the material being handled (e.g., an acid neutralizer or solvent adsorbent). A responsible colleague or supervisor should be informed of the handling activity and its location, establishing a “buddy system” that ensures assistance is available in an emergency. The user should visually verify the equipment is ready for use prior to starting work.