1. Don't Mix Chemicals
Chemicals can have an unexpected reaction if you mix them (mixing ammonia with bleach, for instance, can create poisonous gas). Never blend chemicals together unless specified on the label, and then stick strictly to the instructions. Similarly, you should never store chemicals in any containers other than the ones they came in; they may have a toxic reaction with the material in the new container. Furthermore, the original container often displays important safety instructions on the label as well as the ingredients of the chemical. That can be life-saving information if anyone is poisoned. If a container becomes damaged and can no longer hold the chemical safely, dispose of it all properly rather than transfer the chemical to another container.
2. Secure Household Chemicals and Store Them Properly
You should keep any toxic household chemicals in a central location. Make sure they are out of the reach of children, and use a lock to secure the door if you can. Chemicals should always be stored in a dry place and kept at temperatures listed as safe on their containers.
3. Know the Safety Precautions With Chemicals at Work
If you work with hazardous chemicals, it is important to know both the precautions for using them and the proper procedure in case of an accident. Let only qualified workers handle chemicals, and then only if they are wearing appropriate protective gear. Know the location of any first-aid kits, chemical showers or eyewashes, and make sure they are up to code. In the event of an accident, know the ways out of the building from your workstation, and be aware of any alternate routes that you may need to take. Attend any safety-training seminars, and make sure that management is adhering to every conceivable safety standard in the handling of poisonous chemicals.
4. Wear Safe Clothing When Handling Chemicals
Insecticides can be absorbed through bare skin. Cleansers can create toxic fumes. Even dish-washing detergent can get on your hands and contaminate your food if you don't clean up properly. Read the instruction label carefully before you use any chemical product, and be sure to wear the type of clothing that it recommends. That may include gloves, long-sleeved shirts, masks for your nose and mouth or particular equipment designed to be used in conjunction with that chemical.
5. Beware of Using Chemicals in an Enclosed Space
Chemicals can create invisible fumes when used, and if the area isn't properly ventilated, they can poison you almost before you are aware of it. Open a window or turn on a fan before you use any household chemicals, and stop what you're doing if you feel yourself growing faint or nauseous. Always have the number of the local poison center near the phone, and don't hesitate to call them if you think you may have inhaled a dangerous toxin.
