Help prevent chemical burns

Chemicals are a serious burn hazard in the workplace. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that more than 3,500 U.S. workers are burned by chemicals each year.

“While many workplaces have protocols and training on chemical safety,” the Texas Department of Insurance says, “real-world gaps in prevention, emergency response and aftercare continue to cause harm.”

Here’s how TDI says employers can work to close these “safety gaps”:
Strengthen hazard training and communication. Train workers on every chemical they may handle during any given day. This training should include how to correctly read a Safety Data Sheet, identify hazardous chemical symbols and properly store a chemical.
Provide proper personal protective equipment. Gloves, goggles, faceshields and protective clothing are often necessary for workers who handle chemicals. The SDS should detail which PPE is required for each chemical.
Store chemicals safely. Certain chemical combinations can result in fires, explosions or toxic gas releases, the department warns. That’s why, when storing chemicals, you need to do so by hazard class. Also, store chemicals in a place that’s not near sources of heat or direct sunlight.
Install emergency equipment – and show workers how to use it. The workplace should have available emergency eyewash stations, safety showers and first aid kits – all of which need to be well-maintained and easy for workers to find. Have employees practice using this equipment.

If a chemical burn does occur, TDI says to have the worker remove any “contaminated clothing, brush off dry chemicals and start flushing the area with running water immediately.”

This process should last 15-20 minutes, the department notes, unless the SDS says otherwise for a particular chemical.