Many firms use hazardous chemicals in their production, manufacturing and maintenance process. They must be sure to implement a hierarchy of control measures to reduce the risk of harm to employees.
1. Wherever possible, the need for the hazardous chemical should be removed from the process.
2. If it is not practical to remove the chemical, a less hazardous alternative should be sourced. There is a common misconception that a less harmful product will incur a greater cost – although in my experience this is not the case. It is usually possible to find alternative products at the same or even a reduced price.
When selecting a new product a thorough analysis of the material safety data sheet (MSDS) is required. Although the quality of MSDS has improved, they still might not be 100% accurate so it is important to check for errors.
3. Companies planning to substitute chemicals must consult with the operatives and managers as part of the decision-making process. A thorough investigation into the impact that changes will have on other parts of the business is vital to ensure the best alternative is selected. A controlled trial of the product is advised to insure it doesn’t introduce any new hazards and does the job it’s supposed to.
4. If a product substitution is not viable, the next measure is to restrict the risk within an isolated area. When coupled with guarding this can significantly reduce operatives’ exposure to hazardous chemicals.
5. Staff who are still required to work with, or are exposed to, the hazardous chemical, should receive training on how to work with the product safely and understand the risk factors involved in doing so. Regular testing of a simulated incident should be undertaken, usually about once a year.
6. The final step in controlling hazardous chemicals is the use of personal protective equipment, like protective gloves, goggles and ventilation masks to shield the wearer from the ill effects of any chemicals they are working with. This measure is a last resort and should only be undertaken if all other preventative measures have been exhausted.
Any review of hazardous chemicals should be made in conjunction with a broader review of working conditions, environment and the procedures already in place. This approach can yield a much greater reduction in risks than a standalone review, which will in turn promote greater employee satisfaction.
Jim Lilley is European health safety & welfare senior manager at Office Depot
