Tool Box Talk: Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)

Hazardous substances can cause long-term damage to health and are found in many of the products in use today.

Hazardous substances can enter your body in the following ways:

• Ingestion

• Absorption through the skin

• Inhalation

• Injection

Some examples are:

• Certain dusts - can cause nasal cancer

• cement dust - can cause lung disease/or burns when wet

• Isocyanides paints - can cause industrial asthma

• Oily rags in pockets - can cause cancer of the scrotum

• Silica dust - silicosis and fibrosis

Employer MUST minimize the risks from any hazardous product that you are required to use following an assessment.

• A safer product should be used, e.g. water based paint instead of solvent based paint

• A safer method should be devised e.g. a brush application instead of a spray method or cutting concrete after it has been dampened down with water to control the dust.

Where PROTECTIVE CLOTHING is recommended following as assessment then is MUST be worn e.g.

• Goggles - to prevent splashes of acids.

• Dust marks/respirators to protect your lungs

• Gloves - to prevent dermatitis or other burns

• Wellington boots - to prevent cement burns to your skin

If you see a HAZARDOUS SIGN on any packet or bottle or substance, read it and follow the simple guides on the packaging e.g.

• If highly flammable - DO NOT SMOKE

• If irritant - AVOID CONTACT with skin by wearing suitable gloves

• If toxic - use in a WELL VENTILATED area or preferably out of doors

• Always WASH HANDS thoroughly after use.

Questions

1. Give an example of a hazardous substance?

2. Who must assess any risk to you from hazardous substances?

3. What should you do if you see a hazardous sign on a packet or bottle?

REMEMBER

YOU ARE SHORTENING YOUR LIFE IF YOU DO NOT PROTECT YOURSELF FROM ANY HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE OR MATERIAL THAT YOU ARE USING

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#MSDS #Chemical #health #safety #storage