Workplace safety is always one of the highest priorities for any organization. However, if they work with dangerous chemicals and hazardous materials, safety becomes a constant ongoing concern. That is because chemicals are not just dangerous materials to work with, but can also require the utmost care and caution to avoid an accident.
In this content piece, we will look at the hazards caused by chemicals as well as how to avoid them.
What are Harmful Chemicals in a Workplace?
Harmful chemicals in a workplace or a business can include a wide range of substances, such as cleaning agents, solvents, pesticides, and heavy metals. Exposure to these substances can cause a variety of health effects, from mild irritation to more serious conditions such as cancer, organ damage, and respiratory problems.
Employers need to identify any potentially harmful chemicals in the workplace and take steps to protect workers from exposure to them. This may include providing personal protective equipment, implementing safety procedures, and regularly monitoring the air quality in the workplace.
There can be effects more than just exposure to chemicals, such as explosions caused by harmful chemicals mixing.
What are the Types of Harmful Chemicals?
Different workplaces use different chemicals and equipment. Here are some examples of hazardous and harmful chemicals that may be present in a workplace:
- Acids and corrosive substances (e.g., nitric acid, sulphuric acid)
- Solvents (e.g. acetone, toluene)
- Cleaning agents (e.g. bleach, ammonia)
- Caustic chemicals (e.g., caustic potash, caustic lime)
- Petroleum products (e.g. kerosene, gasoline)
- Pesticides (e.g. insecticides, herbicides)
- Heavy metals (e.g. lead, mercury)
- Asbestos
- Formaldehyde
- Benzene
- Chlorine
- Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
This is just a partial list, and there are many other hazardous and harmful chemicals that may be present in a workplace. Employers need to recognise any potentially harmful chemicals in their work sites and take steps to protect workers from exposure to these dangerous chemicals and substances.
There can also be non-chemical substances mixed with chemicals that are harmful in inhalation or exposure. A few examples of such can be:
- Glues and adhesives
- Cement
- Sealants
- Biological agents (e.g., fungi, bacteria, plants, and bulbs)
- Paints
- Wood dust
- Welding fumes
- Sprays
What are the Negative Effects of Harmful Chemicals?
Exposure to harmful chemicals in the workplace can cause a variety of health effects, depending on the specific chemical and the length and level of exposure. Some common health effects of exposure to harmful chemicals include:
- Irritation of the skin, eyes, and respiratory system
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Allergic reactions
- Cancer
- Organ damage
- Respiratory problems
- Immunocompromising
- Asthma
- Allergies
- Long-term reproductive issues
Other factors depend on the level of harmful effects of chemicals, such as the severity of the chemical itself, the amount of exposure, the length of exposure, age, and overall health condition, etc. All these factors can slightly vary the overall severity of the negative effects, though utmost safety should be practiced regardless of these circumstances.
In extreme cases, exposure to harmful chemicals can even be fatal. Therefore, employers need to identify and examine any potentially harmful chemicals in the workplace and take steps to protect workers from exposure to them.
In the US, there were 672 deaths due to exposure to harmful substances in 2020, with 424,360 non-fatal injuries or illnesses.
Avoiding Exposure and Effects of Chemicals and Harmful Substances
Exposure to chemicals at the workplace can be harmful to workers. To avoid harm, there are several steps that you can take:
- Educate yourself about the chemicals you are using and the potential hazards they pose. This will help you to understand the risks and take appropriate precautions.
- Provide regular training or undertake online COSHH training to stay up to date on avoiding exposure to harmful substances.
- Follow the safety instructions provided by your employer, including those related to the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, masks, and protective clothing.
- Consider if there are any alternatives to a harmful chemical or substance that are less dangerous
- Use chemicals only in well-ventilated areas, and avoid inhaling their fumes.
- Keep chemicals in their original containers and label them properly. This will help you to identify the chemicals you are using and avoid accidental exposure.
- Dispose of chemicals properly, according to the instructions provided by your employer.
- Report any accidents or incidents involving chemicals to your supervisor immediately.
- Seek medical attention or advice if you experience any symptoms of chemical exposure, such as difficulty breathing, skin irritation, or dizziness.
Conclusion
Workplaces have to use harmful chemicals and other substances in their daily work routines, and they have to meticulously watch for safety and ensure that their workers are protected. As a worker, you can take steps to understand the harm of these chemical substances and how to avoid exposure to them with a few safety practices and considerations.
