Safety Talk Hazardous Substances Sheet 1 Types of

Safety Talk - Hazardous Substances Sheet 1 - Types of hazardous substances Asphyxiants - substances, such as cyanide, which prevent the body absorbing oxygen. Toxic substances - substances, such as pesticides, that can cause serious injury, major organ damage and death. Flammable substances - liquids and gases which form a combustible mixture with air. Explosives - mixtures and compounds that cause explosions. Corrosives - substances, such as acids and caustic soda, that break down human tissue and other substances. TRAINING NATIONAL

Safety Talk - Hazardous Substances Sheet 2 - Health problems Frequent exposure to certain types of hazardous substances can lead to: • various cancers; • heart disease; • cirrhosis of the liver; • kidney failure; • nervous system diseases; • skin diseases; and • reduced fertility. TRAINING NATIONAL

Safety Talk - Hazardous Substances Sheet 3 - Exposure to hazardous substances Inhalation - the substance is breathed into the lungs and absorbed into the blood stream. Ingestion - the substance is swallowed and absorbed into the body via the stomach. Absorption - the substance is absorbed into the bloodstream via the skin. TRAINING NATIONAL

Safety Talk - Hazardous Substances Sheet 4 - What you should know • How it can enter your body. • Health hazards. • Personal Protective Equipment. • Safe storage. • Correct use and handling. • First aid treatment. • Correct method of cleaning and disposing of spillage. • What to do in case of a fire. Read the container label and the Material Safety Data Sheet before you use or handle the substance. TRAINING NATIONAL

Safety Talk - Hazardous Substances Sheet 5 - Personal hygiene You should never smoke: • while handling, using or disposing of hazardous substances; or • where hazardous substances are stored. You must never: • eat or drink while handling a hazardous substance; • take foodstuffs or eating utensils into a hazardous substances area; • store hazardous substances next to foodstuffs. Wash your hands before eating, drinking or using the toilet. TRAINING NATIONAL

Safety Talk - Hazardous Substances Sheet 6 - Personal protective equipment Eye Protection - chemical mono-goggles or safety glasses and a faceshield. Waterproof gloves which will not react with the substance. Waterproof clothing and rubber boots. TRAINING NATIONAL Suitable respirator.

Safety Talk - Hazardous Substances Sheet 7 - Safe storage Store hazardous substances in a designated storage area which is: • well ventilated; • fitted with fire fighting equipment; and • signposted. Never store a hazardous substance in: • an unlabelled container; • an incorrectly labelled container; • a container used to store another chemical; or • a food or drink container. Clean up and dispose of spillage immediately. TRAINING NATIONAL