Are employees trained in the safe handling practices or
hazardous chemicals such as acids, caustics, etc.?
Are employees aware of the potential hazards involving
various chemicals stored or used in the workplace such as acids, bases,
caustics, epoxies, phenols, etc.?
Is employee exposure to chemicals kept within acceptable
levels?
Are eye wash fountains and safety showers provided in areas
where corrosive chemicals are handled?
Are all containers, such as vats, storage tanks, etc.,
labeled as to their contents, e.g., "CAUSTICS"?
Are all employees required to use personal protective
clothing and equipment when handling chemicals (gloves, eye protection,
respirators, etc.)?
Are flammable or toxic chemicals kept in closed containers
when not in use?
Are chemical piping systems clearly marked as to their
content?
When corrosive liquids are frequently handled in open
containers or drawn from storage vessels or pipe lines, is adequate means
readily available for neutralizing or disposing of spills or overflows
properly and safely?
Have standard operating procedures been established and are
they being followed when cleaning up chemical spills?
Where needed for emergency use, are respirators stored in a
convenient, clean, and sanitary location?
Are respirators intended for emergency use adequate for the
various uses for which they may be needed?
Are employees prohibited from eating in areas where
hazardous chemicals are present?
Is personal protective equipment provided, used and
maintained whenever necessary?
Are there written standard operating procedures for the
selection and use of respirators where needed?
If you have a respirator protection program, are your
employees instructed on the correct usage and limitations of the
respirators? Are the respirators NIOSH approved for this particular
application? Are they regularly inspected and cleaned, sanitized and
maintained?
If hazardous substances are used in you processes, do you
have a medical or biological monitoring system in operation?
Are you familiar with the Threshold Limit Values or
Permissible Exposure Limits of airborne contaminants and physical agents
used in your workplace?
Have control procedures been instituted for hazardous
materials where appropriate, such as respirators, ventilation systems,
handling practices, etc.?
Whenever possible and hazardous substances handled in a
properly designed and exhausted booths or similar locations?
Do you use general dilution or local exhaust ventilation
systems to control dusts, vapors, gases, fumes, smoke, solvents or mists
which may be generated in your workplace?
Is ventilation equipment provided for removal of
contaminants from such operation as: Production grinding, buffing, spray,
painting, and/or vapor degreasing, and is it operating properly?
Do employees complain about dizziness, headaches, nausea,
irritation, or other factors or discomfort when they use solvents or other
chemicals?
Is there a dermatitis problem? Do employees complain about
dryness, irritation, or sensitization of the skin?
Have you considered the use of an industrial hygienist or
environmental health specialist to evaluate your operation?
If internal combustion engines are used, is carbon monoxide
kept within acceptable levels?
Is vacuuming used, rather than blowing or sweeping dusts
whenever possible for clean-up?
Are materials which give off toxic
asphyxiates, suffocating
or anesthetic fumes, stored in remote or isolated locations when not in
use?