Since work involving chemicals and hazardous substances can be potentially dangerous, industries that handle chemicals have engineering controls and safe working practices in place to prevent exposure. For each individual worker, they need to understand and utilize the proper safety equipment and industrial apparel in order to keep themselves safe. Industrial clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) is the last line of defense against chemical burns; the foundation of chemical safety is safe working practices day in and day out.
Recognizing The Signs And Symptoms Of Exposure
In spite of engineering controls, work practices, and industrial apparel, chemical exposure can still occur. Every worker needs to be familiar with the substances that they work with, including the signs and symptoms of a chemical burn, first aid techniques, and when to call for medical aid. This information is found on a Material Safety Data Sheet, or MSDS, which is kept for each substance in a plant. The MSDS covers the specific guidelines for understanding and safely using a substance and how to act if an accident occurs. Every worker needs to understand this information before they start work on the production floor.
In general, chemical burns range in severity depending on the substance and it strength. A weak or diluted chemical may create redness and irritation a few minutes after the exposure actually occurred. Stronger chemicals may cause immediate blistering and severe pain. Other signs of exposure include discoloration or bleaching of the skin or persistent itching. Some workers can exhibit an allergic reaction to certain substances with symptoms like hives or a rash.
The general procedure for any chemical exposure to the surface of the skin is to wash the affected area with clean water for a minimum of 15 minutes. The MSDS will contain further, specific first aid information.
Not all chemical exposures occur by direct contact with the skin. Many liquids can give off hazardous fumes, so the proper respiratory protection is required, such as respirators or supplied oxygen masks. The MSDS will cover every exposure route, from contact to inhalation and ingestion, and how to protect from each.
The Right Industrial Apparel For A Chemical Worker
Regular clothing is insufficient to protect a person from exposure. Most substances will soak right through cloth and soiled clothing will actually prolong exposure. Industrial clothing and PPE is designed to address these safety concerns.
Effective PPE has to offer whole body protection; a liquid can splash out of a tank and hit any part of the body. Protective equipment has to be head to toe. For the head and face, a hard hat along with face shields, safety glasses, or goggles are all appropriate PPE. The hands should always be covered with latex or nitrile gloves or elbow length latex gloves when handling materials. Waterproof steel toe boots are used to round out PPE.
That leaves the rest of the body surface to be protected by industrial clothing. Full body chemical splash suits or waterproof industrial clothing will create a barrier between a worker and his environment. In order to achieve total body coverage, sleeves should be tucked into gloves and pant legs should be tucked into footwear. Tape can be applied to the seams to ensure a tight fit.
Flame Resistant Industrial Clothing
Many liquids and gasses in a plant are also flammable. In these situations, flame resistant industrial apparel is required as well. Flammable vapors can easily ignite if they leak out of their containers. Any ignition source, such as a radio or cell phone, can create a highly dangerous flash fire or vapor cloud explosion. An accident like this will unleash a fireball that will burn instantly at thousands of degrees.
Natural fibers will burn under these conditions, aggravating injuries and synthetic fibers will actually melt to the skin increasing the severity of injuries as well. Flame resistant industrial clothing will instead act as an insulation barrier under intense heat and will eventually flake away if subject to prolonged heat. In this way, flame resistant industrial apparel mitigates fire and heat injuries.
Overall, industrial clothing is designed to protect workers on the job. As always, PPE is a last resort. Once protective equipment becomes a factor, this means an accident has already occurred. However, in the worst case scenario, the right PPE will save lives. Having total body coverage to protect against exposure or sudden fires will allow everyone on the job to go home safely at the end of their shift.
|
Price : 
