Chemical Safety

 In Fire News, Headlines

Nearly every household & workplace uses products containing hazardous materials or chemicals. Knowing how to handle these products can reduce the risk of injury. Always look for front-panel signal words like Danger (highest toxicity), Warning (moderate toxicity), and Caution (low to moderate toxicity). Check for GHS pictograms like a flame (flammable), skull and crossbones (poison), or corrosive (burning skin) to know exactly how to handle the product safely.

Common hazardous chemicals may include:

  • Aerosol cans (including hair spray and deodorant)
  • Nail polish and nail polish remover
  • Cleaning products and furniture polishes
  • Pesticides
  • Automotive products (like antifreeze or motor oil)
  • Miscellaneous items (like batteries, mercury thermometers and fluorescent light bulbs)
  • Flammable products (like kerosene, heating oil, propane and lighter fluid)
  • Workshop or painting supplies (such as paint thinners and turpentine)
  • Lawn and garden products (like herbicides and insecticides)

Store hazardous chemicals safely

  • Only store chemicals in places children can’t get to them. Lock or childproof cabinets and storage areas.
  • Keep products containing hazardous materials in their original containers and never remove the labels unless the container is corroding. Corroding containers should be repackaged and clearly labeled.
  • Never store hazardous products in food containers.
  • Never mix common hazardous chemicals or waste with other products. Some chemicals, such as chlorine bleach and ammonia, may react, ignite or explode.
  • Never use hair spray, cleaning solutions, paint products or pesticides near an open flame
  • Clean up any chemical spills immediately. Allow the fumes in the rags to evaporate outdoors, then dispose of the rags by placing them in a sealed plastic bag in your trash can.
  • Dispose of hazardous materials correctly.

During a Chemical Emergency

  • Get out immediately if there is danger of fire or explosion.
  • Stay upwind and away from the aera to avoid breathing toxic fumes.
  • Recognize and respond to symptoms of toxic poisoning:
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Irritation of the eyes, skin, throat or respiratory tract
  • Changes in skin color
  • Headache or blurred vision
  • Dizziness, clumsiness or lack of coordination
  • Cramps or diarrhea
  • If someone is experiencing toxic poisoning symptoms or has been exposed to a chemical, call the national poison control center at 800-222-1222.
  • Follow the emergency operator or dispatcher’s first aid instructions carefully. The first aid advice found on containers may be out of date or inappropriate. Do not give anything by mouth unless advised to do so by a medical professional.
  • Discard clothing that may have been contaminated. Some chemicals may not wash out completely.