Health & Safety Moment Hazardous Materials

Impacts of human exposure to chemicals and other hazardous materials can range from simple skin irritation to long-term illnesses such as cancer. Be aware of the dangers that exist, it’s important to create a culture of safety for handling, transporting, and storing these kinds of materials. In order to protect all employees from injury and/or illness by ensuring hazardous materials, including corrosives, flammables and compressed gases are properly stored and handled.

Corrosives:

• Use only the type of container recommended by the manufacturer
• Store Acids and bases separately
• Store oxidizing acids away from other acids
• Proper PPE
• Eye wash station / first aid kits
• Up to date SDS

Flammables:

• Eliminate sources of ignition
• Bond and ground metal containers/cylinders
• Store in approved flammable storage cabinet according to the fire code
• Keep away from oxidizing materials

Compressed Gases:

• Secure cylinders to a wall or rack in an upright position
• Store empty cylinders in a separate location clearly marked “Empty”
• Protect cylinder bottoms from corrosion by keeping area dry
• Do not store for extended periods of time

If you have questions, concerns or any occupational health & safety inquiries, please email ohsmohawk@mohawkcollege.ca