Knowing the potential dangers involved in the handling of hazardous materials in the workplace can make all the difference in maintaining a safe environment in life-threatening situations. Any spill or incendiary event that occurs can pose an imminent threat to the health and safety of anyone exposed to the materials. The materials or their combustion byproducts can be detrimental to the environment, potentially causing widespread contamination and subsequent exposure issues.
The first step in handling such materials is training. Safety officers and industrial hygienists must train employees about the hazards of toxic, flammable or reactive chemicals. The chemicals must be properly stored and segregated from other reactive chemicals. Employees must be trained how to respond in the event of an emergency, including when to evacuate and when they should call for professional rescue teams.