Industrial worker face major
health risk from exposure tp chemical reagents used in chemical process. These
chemical cause various illness and disorder on getting into contact with skin
or into the body. Chemicals can get into the workers bodies through the
following ways;
(a). Inhalation: This is
the breathing in of chemical fumes
(b) Skin contact:
this happen when the chemical come into contact with the skin. The chemical can
direct harm the skin or be absorbed into the body.
(c) Ingestion: this
happen when the chemicals are swallowed or absorbs into the body when one is
eating, drinking or smoking.
The following are the safety
measure that can be taken to minimize the harmful effects of the chemical on
the workers:
1. Eliminate or substitute
hazardous chemical.
The most effectively way of
controlling hazards caused by chemical is by eliminating hazardous chemical
from the industrial process or by substituting them with non hazardous
substance.
2. Shield process that release
harmful substance.
Process that involve highly
toxic material should be carried out in sealed chambers which are leak proof,
this will prevent the poisonous substance from exposing into the environment.
3. Use of protective equipments.
The use of personal protective
equipment is the cheapest methods of ensuring personal safety at the work
place. Personal protective equipment
include safety glasses, earmuffs and plugs, respirators, gloves, safety shoes,
helmets, aprons and overalls. Workers should be provided with the correct type
of protective equipment for the specific hazard and given proper training on
its correct use.