Working Safely with Hazardous Substances - Chemical Storage

This safety moment highlights good practices for the identification, control, and prevention while using
hazardous materials at various QatarEnergy worksites.

What are hazardous substances?

Hazardous substances may be any substance that can harm people’s health.

One of the most common hazards found in workplace is the use, handling, and storage of hazardous
substances. Exposure to some chemicals at home or in the workplace , without using adequate
protections can have a major impact on our health. Shortly after exposure you may suffer from short
term (acute) effects such as headaches , nausea, vomiting or burns , long term (chronic) effects (delayed
effects) like skin irritation , occupational asthma, nervous system disorders and cancer.

Chemicals may also be flammable, explosive or corrosive in nature and have the potential to harm to
people and environment in certain condition

Hazardous substances can take many forms including

Solids – dusts , fibers, granules and powders

Liquids – petrols, solvent , paint

Vapours & mists – spray painting , Fumes emitted from fuels or heating of substances

Gases – Carbon monoxide, Acetylene

Chemicals can enter the body and become harmful by

inhalation, - breathing in and absorbing the substance through the respiratory system

absorption, - direct contact with the body through skin, eyes

ingestion, -- eating with contaminated hands

and injection -needle stick injuries or laceration from contaminated equipment

When working with or near chemicals the best protection is knowledge , knowledge of product label,
product material safety data sheet and of course training ( personnel should be COSHH TRAINED
CONTROL OF SUSTANCES HAZADOUS TO HEALTH)

When using hazardous substances, wear the correct PPE. 2 Know how to look after and use PPE
correctly. 3 Know where eye wash station and first-aid facilities are on site. 4 Ensure hazardous
substances are put back into a secure location after use and not left out on site .

Other safety precautions are

1 Read and comply with the information on the hazard data sheet and the instructions on the product
label.

2 Don’t eat, drink or smoke when handling substances. 4 Always wash at the end of each shift and
before eating.

Finally

Make sure you understand the hazards associated with the chemical you are working with and follow all
guidance provided, to ensure you have a safe and healthy future