Working with chemicals is highly hazardous and can cause adverse health effects. Exposure usually occurs through inhalation, skin contact or ingestion. Adverse health effects can be short or long term. Typical acute health effects include headaches, nausea or vomiting and skin corrosion, while chronic health effects include asthma, dermatitis, nerve damage or cancer.
The inappropriate handling or use of chemicals can result in injury. Chemicals can be flammable, corrosive, explosive, chemically-reactive and oxidising, resulting in fire and explosions.
This module provides training on the safe handling, storage, transportation and disposal of chemicals used in the workplace. The training focusses on the safe use of chemicals according to SDS and manufacturer’s recommendations. The module trains how to correctly label containers when decanting and preparing to dispose of as waste, PPE requirements, cleaning up spills, and the importance of ventilation.