Safety


Formulated compounds may cause skin and eye irritation and sensitization, and may be harmful if inhaled. They can also cause thermal burns when heated. Thus, exposure to, or contact should be avoided.

The following precautions and recommendations can be helpful in preventing health problems:

  • Avoid skin and eye contact.
  • Avoid breathing dusts, mists or vapors.
  • Avoid working in dusty environments.
  • Do not take internally.
  • Avoid contact with clothing and shoes. Do not wear or reuse contaminated articles until they are thoroughly cleaned.
  • Have all personnel maintain strict cleanliness of themselves and of their work area.
  • Wash hands, forearms, face and neck thoroughly before taking a break, eating, smoking, drinking or using toilet facilities.
  • Separate work areas to limit the exposure of employees who are unfamiliar with proper handling practices and who may be exposed to contaminated tools and equipment
  • Educate all personnel on the potential consequences of exposure.

Equipment

Areas in which compounds are used should be equipped with:

  • An eye bath in the immediate vicinity of use.
  • A safety shower.
  • Proper ventilation sufficient to safely carry away noxious fumes or odors, and to assure fresh air supply.
  • Fire extinguishing and personal protective equipment, including foam, CO2, or dry chemical fire extinguishers and self-contained, positive pressure breathing apparatus.
  • Paper towels, soap, and waterless hand cleaner.

Note: Take care that contaminated disposable items do not become a source of hazard to other employees, to janitors, or to persons in charge of solid waste disposal.

Protective Clothing and Equipment

Personnel who work with chemical compounds should use proper protective clothing and equipment.

The following list is not intended to be inclusive of all possibilities, but is offered for consideration. The final choice of protective clothing and equipment should be based upon the specific formulations and the operation involved. Examples of protective clothing that should be used are:

  • Safety glasses
  • Safety glasses with side shields
  • Chemical goggles
  • Face shield
  • Hard hat
  • Rubber gloves, boots, and apron
  • Dust mask
  • Rubberized chemical workers suit (coat and trousers)
  • Self-contained, positive-pressure breathing apparatus
  • Closed-toe shoes
  • Rubber gloves that provide thermal protection
  • Long sleeves

These materials are intended for industrial use only and must be handled safely. For further detailed hazard and disposal information please consult the appropriate MSDS supplied with samples and upon request.

If you need immediate assistance with a spill or other emergency call CHEMTREC at 1-800-424-9300. CHEMTREC operators are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.