Written by: Emily Joswiak • July 7, 2021• Business

Common Mistakes Businesses Make When Handling Chemicals

In order to avoid future accidents and tragedies, company owners should learn and avoid the common mistakes businesses make when handling chemicals.

It seems every year the public learns more and more about how corporations have damaged Earth. The illegal or improper dumping of hazardous materials has left irreparable harm on the planet. But we can avoid future calamities if corporate leaders recognize and avoid the common mistakes businesses make when handling chemicals.

Illegally Dumping Hazardous Chemicals

It would be nice if there was no need to remind people of this mistake, but unfortunately illegal dumping is still a common occurrence in the United States and the rest of the world. When a company takes on hazardous chemicals, they have a responsibility to find a safe, eco-friendly way to dispose of the waste, possibly with the help of a waste cleanup company. When the law and basic safety regulations are ignored, human, plant, and animal lives are put at risk.

Letting Untrained Employees Handle Hazardous Chemicals

Employees that handle hazardous chemicals must be trained thoroughly. While it is best to hire someone who already has experience in these settings, it is often necessary for companies to do the training. This step should not be ignored, as poorly trained employees can cause harm to themselves, people in the company, and the general public. Making sure they know how to properly use a combination safety shower and eye was station, for instance, is vital.

Not Labelling the Chemicals

Labels are an essential tool for any company that works with chemicals. Labels warn employees of toxic agents. Tragedies can and do occur when businesses fail to properly label their chemicals. Even worse, some do not label them at all. One person in the company should be assigned the task of checking labels periodically, just to make sure everything is in the correct order.

Not Keeping the Lid on Hazardous Containers

For a lid to be properly closed it must be vapor tight and leak proof. If it is not closed to completion, or left open, the waste can evaporate. Since leaving a container open is one of the common mistakes businesses make when handling chemicals, it is smart to put signs and notices around the container storage areas. T

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Last modified: July 7, 2021