news & notes START THE JOB SAFELY    Here are some important things to do before using any hazardous substance: •   Read the label and material safety data sheet (MSDS) and follow precautions. •   Remove items from the work area that could burn, explode, or react dangerously with the substance. •   Remove food, beverages, cigarettes, street clothing, and other personal items so that they don’t become contaminated.     •   Know where emergency showers and eyewashes are located. •   Make sure the correct type of fire safety equipment is nearby and ready for use. •   Check for adequate ventilation. •   Know who to contact and what to do in an emergency. •   Have someone nearby who knows where you are and what you’re doing. •   Assemble and inspect the protective clothing and equipment you need job. •   Get checked out by your supervisor.     •   Always follow all appropriate company safety procedures. IT’S UP TO YOU Working with and around hazardous mate- rials doesn’t have to be dangerous—if you handle them with care and respect. The company provides you with equipment and training to keep you safe and healthy. But it’s up to you to use those tools and that information to protect yourself. Remember: •   Know what you’re working with. •   Understand and respect the risks. •   Protect yourself and your co-workers at all times. •   Use assigned protective gear. HazMat Storage     Checklist for keeping chemicals safe Follow these steps for safe storage of hazardous materials: 9Read and obey instructions on signs in chemical storage areas. 9Never drop or roll a chemical container. 9When moving containers, use appropriate materials handling equipment and make sure that the containers are well secured to the equipment so that they cannot fall. 9When using a forklift to move containers of hazardous materials, be careful not to puncture containers with the forks. 9Store chemicals separately by class and according to the company’s storage plan. 9Store containers in or on safe, stable structures, such as racks or sturdy shelves able to hold their weight. 9Always store containers so that their labels are clearly visible. 9Report any missing labels immediately. 9Report any unusual odors in storage areas immediately.     9Never smoke in or near a storage area. 9Do not use sparking tools or anything that could ignite a hazardous substance or anything that is combustible in the storage area. 9Keep aisles clear and unobstructed to allow free movement of personnel and materials handling equipment throughout storage areas. 9Allow adequate clearance (3 feet) between stacked containers and ceiling sprinklers. 9Make sure that ventilation and lighting in storage areas are working properly at all times. Report any ventilation or lighting problems immediately. 9Keep chemical containers away from heat and other ignition sources. 9Inspect stored chemical containers regularly to make sure they are not dam- aged or leaking. 9Clean up all spills or leaks immediately if you are trained and authorized to        do so; if not, notify specially trained cleanup personnel immediately. 9Know where fire extinguishers, eyewash stations, emergency showers, spill        cleanup materials, and first-aid stations are located. 9Minimize trash in chemical storage areas and dispose of it properly.      9Get medical attention immediately if you or a co-worker is exposed to haz- ardous chemicals. All Safety Products    www.allsafetyproducts.biz      Apr '04