Page 38 - TRAINING MODULE_BTM

BUMI TUNGGAL MAJU SDN BHD TRAINING MODULE

2.6 CHEMICAL HANDLING AND USAGE

General Chemical Safety Guidelines

1. Identify the chemicals you use.

2. Take an inventory of all chemicals used in your workplace by department. List the quantities
on hand, where they are stored, and what they are stored in.

3. Request Safety Data Sheets (SDS) from the companies that supply the chemicals you have
identified on the inventory list. Keep a log of all MSDSs on hand. These will be needed for
training of employees and for quick reference in the event of an emergency.

4. Label all containers with the following information:

• Name of the chemical.

• Concentration (strength) of the chemical.

• Information about hazards associated with the chemical (For example, skin irritant) and
emergency information (“If chemical gets in eyes…”).

• The manufacturer’s name.

• The date of manufacture (chemicals can degrade over time).

5. Identify the safe uses of the chemicals in your workplace:

• Follow safe handling instructions and identify personal protective equipment to be used while
handling chemicals.

• Beware of instructions regarding the mixing of chemicals.

• Always wash yourself thoroughly after handling chemicals. If a chemical spills on you, wash it
off at once. Some workplaces have a chemical shower that you can use to get cleaned up quickly.

• Don’t eat, drink, or smoke when you’re handling chemicals. You could accidentally swallow
some chemicals or accidentally ignite flammable chemicals if you’re smoking.

Chemicals must always be stored in a safe place with similar-type chemicals. You should never
store chemicals with food items. Most chemicals will belong to a specific category, and you need
to make sure that only chemicals from the same category are stored together. If you’re not sure
what category a chemical belongs to, always check its label or refer to its SDS.

36