Safe Chemical Handling Practices

Safety Gear

Safety gear can include specialized clothing, gloves, eye goggles, respirators, or other more exotic safety equipment.  The safety gear needed before handling any given chemical is spelled out in that chemical’s MSDS; always consult the MSDS before using the chemical.  In addition, keep in mind that long pants, appropriate shoes, and long sleeves can serve to protect you from chemical spills as well.  If you should spill a particularly corrosive material on your pants, for example, much of it will be absorbed, and protecting your legs could require little more than removing the contaminated clothing.  If you’re wearing shorts, though, the corrosive chemical will be directly deposited to your skin and will begin reacting, possibly causing severe scarring or other worse health hazards, immediately.