If you run a chemical manufacturing plant, productivity and efficiency are not the only concerns. In fact, safety takes the front seat because the domain is inherently hazardous. Your workers are constantly at risk as they process, handle, store, and transport chemicals. Asset safety also deserves your attention because corrosive reactants can damage the premises, machinery, and storage facilities. Going the extra mile with workplace safety can address these concerns and ensure the well-being of people and assets. Here is some valuable workplace safety advice that chemical manufacturers can rely on.
Establish and implement SOPs
Establishing well-rounded standard operating procedures is the key to safety in a laboratory or manufacturing facility. Ensure they cover all the stages of chemical handling, from delivery of raw material to processing, packaging, storage, and transport. Remember to include waste management in your SOPs because hazardous wastes require caution and attention. Implement these procedures stringently and ensure everyone in the plant plays their role.
Invest in ongoing staff training
Besides implementing appropriate SOPs, chemical manufacturers should invest in ongoing staff training. Handling hazardous materials safely requires specific skills and knowledge about each chemical. Even the workers not working with them directly should be aware of the safety protocols and emergency care. Providing training for recruits is essential, but you must also keep the others updated with refresher programs.
Equip employees with PPE
Equipping your employees with the necessary personal protective equipment is vital to safeguard them from chemical hazards. The PPE they require varies according to the level of threat they face. For example, goggles, a good pair of nitrile gloves, and lab gowns suffice for people working in laboratory settings. Likewise, you must provide a biohazard suit for every employee handling toxic and corrosive chemicals in the plant. Invest in quality PPE to ensure adequate protection.
Schedule regular inspection and maintenance
Since your facility is rife with potential chemical hazards, you cannot go slack with regular inspection and maintenance. Get professional checks for heating, air conditioning, ventilation, and plumbing systems. Chemical manufacturers must also have the necessary alarms and detectors in place. Get biannual services for these systems or call professionals sooner if something appears amiss with one or more of the core systems and equipment. A small flaw anywhere can aggravate before you know it and threaten property and life with risks like fire and chemical leakage.
Organize your storage facilities
Spills or disasters may happen anywhere besides the factory floor. Your storage facilities require extra attention as they store hazardous raw materials and finished products. Start by understanding the key requirements such as types of containers and optimal temperature or pressure for storing different types of chemicals. Also, ensure proper labeling of containers. Access control is equally crucial as you should not let inexperienced people handle or even get near hazardous materials.
Employers are responsible for employee safety, and the responsibility gets bigger for those running a chemical business. Fortunately, following these tips can help you stay ahead of the safety issues and ensure a secure workplace for your employees.