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Material Handling Safety Issues

There are many issues to consider when handling potentially dangerous materials. Dangerous materials are any materials that are capable of causing physical harm during the transportation process. Harmful effects can include burning, laceration, negative health effects and in extreme cases, death. There are many organizations that help train people to handle these materials safety.

  1. Fumes

    • Some chemicals give off fumes that can cause serious damage. Examples of these effects from dangerous chemicals would be respiratory illness, cancer and internal burns from inhaling the fumes. These fumes can sometimes be recognized by strong odors, vapors and even a burning sensation when the fumes are inhaled. If you find you are suffering ill-effects from breathing in these fumes, seal off the area where the chemicals are being kept; call the fire department to send its hazardous materials team to assist with containment and disposal of the chemicals; and direct people who were in the general vicinity of the chemicals to the nearest hospital emergency room.

    Skin Burns

    • If one of the containers that holds the chemicals begins to leak, you may have some of the chemical leak onto your skin. Some chemicals can cause burns on bare skin, causing the flesh to itch and turn red, and you could experience great pain. When you have a chemical leak onto your skin, consult your company's Material Safety Data Sheet for the specific substance for detailed instructions. Generally chemical burns are treated by rinsing the affected area with room temperature water for approximately 20 minutes using a gentle stream of water.

    Eyes Injuries

    • There is also a chance that chemicals can accidentally get into your eyes. You should be wearing safety goggles during transport, but if you are not, you should exercise extreme care while handling chemicals. If you get chemicals into your eyes, flush as much of it out as possible with water. Do this for about 20 minutes and get somebody to take you to the emergency room for further evaluation and treatment.

    Swallowing

    • There is still a small chance that leaking chemicals can find their way into your drinking water supply. If this happens, call your local poison control center for specific instructions. When calling, have the MSDS sheet for the chemical available, as well as information on how the substance was ingested. Poison Control staff will ask you for this information to determine the best treatment for you and others affected.

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