From goggles and gloves in the science lab at school, to the more serious measures required to maintain the highest standards of health and safety in the workplace, nowhere is adherence to processes and procedures more important than in the manufacturing of chemicals.
Not only do workers need to be protected from exposure to toxic substances, but buildings and property are vulnerable to fire, and potentially even explosions if chemicals are mis-handled. In addition, communities living in the vicinity of a chemical manufacturing plants need to be protected from noxious emissions, seepage of effluent into water sources and poor waste management practices.
So, what do chemical manufacturers need to put in place to ensure safety at all times in their labs and factories?
Protecting workers
It is essential that workers are given appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including overalls in non-flammable fabrics, gloves, masks and protective eyewear. Some chemicals cause damage when they come into contact with skin and so workers should be adequately covered if they are handling corrosive materials.
The workplace needs to be well ventilated and temperatures maintained at levels which do not compromise the state of the chemicals being handled.
Emergency exits should be kept clear at all times and medical equipment and treatments appropriate for the management of injury from the specific chemicals should be on hand.
Protecting property
Spills and leakages of dangerous chemicals can cause fire and explosions, as well as contamination of specific areas, putting them out of bounds until chemicals can be neutralised. The workplace needs to be protected with well placed fire extinguishers, fire blankets, and machines need to be serviced regularly to ensure proper performance. Building inspectors can be called in to verify that all appropriate measures are in place.
Protecting communities
Communities living within close proximity of chemical processing plants may fall victim to contaminated ground water sources and rivers if chemical manufacturers do not properly dispose of waste effluent. Chemicals can remain active for months and years causing untold damage to people and livestock and so all efforts need to be undertaken by manufacturers to ensure they are disposing of their chemical waste is a safe and responsible manner.
Even if a chemical manufacturer has taken all the necessary health and safety steps to ensure the safest environment possible, it is only through education, training and communication that all stakeholders will understand their respective roles in contributing to safe operations.
