Did you know that hazardous waste and environments led to more than 420,000 nonfatal illnesses and injuries in 2020?
No matter where you are, you can encounter hazardous materials, especially at home and in the workplace.
If you want to keep yourself safe from preventable conditions, there are a few things you should get in the habit of doing.
Keep reading to learn about the best tips for handling hazardous materials and how to keep yourself safe!
Table of Contents
Keep PPE Nearby
One of the best tips for protecting yourself from hazardous materials is protective equipment.
PPE often includes gloves, goggles, and durable jackets. Depending on what you’re handling, you might need specialized gear that is heat-resistant or liquid-proof. If you’re dealing with chemicals and fumes, a heavy-duty mask is required for purifying the air of toxins.
It can be helpful to run safety procedures in your home. You can have family members locate PPE necessary for each issue. You should identify where the fire extinguisher is in case of smoke and flames.
Safely Dispose of Materials
Whether you want to get rid of old batteries, lighter fluid, or nail polish remover, you need to handle each with care.
Hazardous materials can eat through plastic garbage bags and metal pipes. They are so powerful that they damage the environment, which is why you must properly recycle them. For your health and safety, you should designate boxes or areas to place materials so they are away from children and pets.
Never pour chemicals and hazardous items down drains, in open water, or outside. The chemicals enter the nearby water and soil, leading to large contaminations.
Don’t Be Mindless
No matter how tired or distracted you are, you should never be mindless handling hazardous materials.
If you aren’t using caution and don’t understand the risks of using chemicals or fireworks, you could be a danger to everyone.
Always follow the instructions when you are working with hazardous items. For example, if you’re trying to clean, never mix bleach with ammonia or acidic cleaners. Mixing these items can create lethal fumes that are nearly impossible to identify by the naked eye.
Take your time and only use hazardous chemicals when you are well-rested and alert.
Learn About the Hazards
Hazards become a danger when people nearby don’t understand their power and risk.
The more that you can learn about hazardous materials, through schooling and experience, the less likely you are to make a mistake.
The Hazwoper 24 hour training online program is best if you want to follow OSHA guidelines. You can work through online training modules that teach you the basics of common hazards and how to handle them safely.
Don’t Let Hazardous Materials Become a Threat
Learning how to use and dispose of hazardous materials can keep your family and coworkers safe.
No matter where you are, you can encounter hazards. You can maintain control and use protective equipment so that fumes and heat don’t hurt you. Since many hazardous materials are powerful, don’t drain them in the sink or outside.
Nelgecting these habits could result in lifelong conditions or even death in some cases.
Make sure you check out our page for more content about safety procedures and ensuring optimal health for yourself!
