28 injury reporting 07092024

PPE FOR HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS

Just because
a substance is
thought of as
“natural” doesn’t
mean it’s safe.
!

Job Name:

Supervisor Signature:

When you work with hazardous chemicals such as solvents, cleaners, lacquers, finishes, paints, cement, glues, etc., you have to protect yourself. Overexposure to certain chemicals can make you sick. You could end up with respiratory problems, burns, impaired vision, skin disorders, or cancer. You must protect your skin, eyes, and respiratory system from contact with hazardous chemicals.

Before you use any hazardous chemical, read the entire SDS. You’ll find information on what kind of PPE you’ll need in Section 8. Depending on the chemical you’re using and the area that you’re working in, you may need to wear gloves, an apron, goggles, a face shield, a respirator, or even a full body suit.

Whatever type of PPE you’re using, make sure that you:

ñ Wear PPE that meets the requirements of ANSI. Most good-quality PPE will have an ANSI label.

ñ Inspect before use. Discard or replace PPE if it’s broken or worn out.

ñ Wear PPE that fits. Gloves that are too tight can cut off circulation to your hands and fingers. Respirators that don’t seal to your face allow you to breathe toxins into your lungs. Safety goggles that slip down your nose could allow the chemical to splash into your eyes.

ñ Clean PPE after each use and store it properly.

All gloves are not created equal. Choose gloves that will protect you from the chemical you’re using; check the manufacturer’s specs. You may need rubber gloves (natural, butyl, neoprene, nitrile, or fluorocarbon (Viton)). Or you may need plastic gloves (polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinyl alcohol, or polyethylene). In general, the thicker the glove, the more protection it offers. But thicker gloves can impair dexterity and grip; be careful.

If you wear a respirator, make sure you have a doctor’s approval. Learn how to perform a fit test so you know there is a good seal between the respirator and your face. Double-check that the cartridges work on the chemical you’ll be exposed to.

Wear safety goggles that will protect your eyes from chemical splashes and fumes that could creep around the edges of regular safety glasses.

MEETING ATTENDEES