When dealing with chemicals, the most important rule is to know what’s dangerous and how to be careful in the environment. This helps keep everyone safe and prevents accidents.
Why Being Careful With Chemicals Is Important
Handling chemicals needs a lot of care and following safety rules. Chemicals can be dangerous in many ways, like being toxic, flammable, or reactive. Proper handling and storage are key to avoiding accidents. Mishandling chemicals can lead to serious injuries, so it’s a must to understand and respect their dangers.
What Does COSHH Mean?
COSHH stands for ‘Control of Substances Hazardous to Health’. These regulations are designed to protect workers from getting sick when they work with certain dangerous substances.
If an employer or employee breaks COSHH rules, they can be fined an unlimited amount. COSHH was created to control how much employees are exposed to dangerous substances at work.
A COSHH assessment looks at the risks and dangers of these substances and asks questions like:
Where might workers be exposed to dangerous substances?
How can these substances harm health?
What jobs or tasks might expose workers to these substances?
Are there any areas of concern?
The COSHH regulations have been in place for over 25 years, with the latest version updated in 2002.
What does COSHH Cover?
COSHH covers any dangerous materials, including liquids, solids, fumes, dust, vapours, fibres, tiny particles, mists, gases, and germs like bacteria and viruses. These substances can harm lungs, skin, nose, mouth, genes, internal organs, eyes, or the central nervous system and can also cause injuries from fires or explosions.
How Suncombe Helps Keep You Safe
We provide equipment that helps you handle chemicals safely. Here’s a closer look at what we offer:
- Containment Systems: These systems safely contain chemicals during processing, preventing spills and exposure.
- Cleaning Systems: These systems clean equipment thoroughly to avoid cross-contamination and ensure that all residues are safely removed.
- Storage Tanks: Our storage tanks are designed to hold chemicals securely, with features that prevent leaks and spills.
- Transfer Pumps: These pumps safely transfer chemicals from one container to another, minimising the risk of spills and exposure.
Why Suncombe’s Equipment Is Right For You
Beyond using our top-notch equipment, adhering to best practices is crucial for chemical safety. Ensuring that everyone handling chemicals is properly trained is a fundamental step. Always use personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, goggles, and protective clothing. Clearly labelling all chemical containers and maintaining accurate documentation is essential. Proper storage in well-ventilated areas, away from incompatible substances, helps maintain a safe environment. Being prepared for emergencies, including having a plan for spills and exposures and ensuring all employees are familiar with procedures, is vital. Regular inspections of storage and handling areas to identify and address potential hazards promptly can prevent accidents and ensure a safe workplace.
The most important rule when handling chemicals is to know the dangers and be careful. Mistakes can lead to serious consequences. Our equipment helps you handle chemicals safely, ensuring safety is never compromised. By following best practices and using the right equipment, we can keep everyone safe. Remember, understanding and complying with COSHH regulations is crucial for the health and safety of all workers. With the right tools and knowledge, we can create a safer working environment for everyone.
