Protective equipment and measures when handling chemicals

Working with chemicals places high demands on safety, knowledge, and thorough procedures. The correct use of protective equipment is essential for protecting employees from health hazards and preventing accidents in the workplace. In this article, we explain why protective equipment is so important, the types that exist, and how to choose the right protection when handling chemicals.

The importance of protective equipment when handling chemicals

When working with chemicals, risks must primarily be prevented through technical and organisational measures. If the risk cannot be eliminated or sufficiently reduced through such measures, personal protective equipment (PPE) must be used.

Protective equipment acts as a barrier between the worker and hazardous chemicals and aims to prevent injuries. Missing or incorrect use of protective equipment can lead to exposure to chemicals that can have serious consequences. That is why it is important that companies have clear procedures for when and how to use protective equipment, and that employees have the necessary knowledge about the risks associated with the chemicals they work with.

Working with chemicals and the use of protective equipment are regulated through various occupational health and safety requirements, including national workplace safety legislation as well as international regulations such as REACH and CLP regulations.

Different types of protective equipment and measures when working with chemicals

Measures to reduce risks when handling chemicals can be divided into technical measures, organisational measures, and personal protective equipment. Technical and organisational measures should always be considered first.

Organisational measures

Organisational measures concern how work is planned, organised, and carried out in order to reduce risk when handling chemicals. Such measures help ensure that employees have the right knowledge, safe procedures, and clear work processes.

Examples of organisational measures:

• Risk assessment: Mapping and assessment of risks associated with the use, storage and handling of chemicals. The risk assessment forms the basis for which measures and protective equipment are required.
• Safe job analysis (SJA): A systematic review of work tasks before work starts, to identify hazards and ensure that necessary measures are in place.
• Training and competence: Employees must be adequately trained in chemicals and associated hazards, use of protective equipment and safe handling.
• Routines and procedures: Clear procedures for handling, storing, labelling and disposing of chemicals help reduce the risk of errors and accidents.
• Access to safety data sheets: Employees must have easy access to up-to-date SDSs describing hazards, necessary measures and proper use of protective equipment.

Technical measures

Technical measures aim to reduce or eliminate exposure to hazardous chemicals at the source. Such measures contribute to a safer working environment for everyone in the area and can reduce the need for personal protective equipment.

Examples of technical measures:

• Ventilation and local exhaust extraction: Removes hazardous vapours, gases, and particles from the work area before they can be inhaled. Effective ventilation reduces exposure and improves air quality.
• Fume cupboards: Used when working with volatile or hazardous chemicals to prevent vapours and aerosols from spreading in the room. They protect both the user and the surrounding environment.
• Closed systems and process enclosure: Prevent direct contact with chemicals by keeping processes physically contained. This reduces the risk of spills, leaks, and exposure.
• Splash shields and barriers: Protect against splashes and unintended contact with hazardous substances during work. They help limit the consequences if an incident occurs.
• Emergency and eyewash showers: Provide the possibility for rapid rinsing in case of exposure to chemicals. Quick access can significantly reduce the extent of injury.

Personal protective equipment

PPE is used when risks cannot be eliminated or sufficiently reduced through other measures. This is equipment used by the individual employee and must be suited to both the work task and the chemicals being handled.

Examples of personal protective equipment:

• Respiratory protective equipment: Protects against the inhalation of harmful gases, vapours, dust, or aerosols. The correct type and filter must be selected based on the risk.
• Eye and face protection: Prevents splashes and particles from coming into contact with the eyes and face. Used where there is a risk of chemical splashes or flying particles.
• Gloves: Protect the hands from direct contact with chemicals and help prevent skin damage. The choice of material must be suited to the substances being handled.
• Footwear: Chemical-resistant and slip-resistant footwear protects the feet from spills and provides safer movement in the work area.
• Protective clothing: Protects the skin and body from splashes, spills, and exposure. This can range from aprons to full chemical protective suits, depending on the level of risk.

Choosing the right protective equipment

When selecting protective equipment, a thorough risk assessment should first be carried out. What type of work will be performed? What are the possible consequences? How likely is exposure? These questions form the basis for choosing appropriate protective equipment.

The risk assessment should take several factors into account:

• Which chemicals are used, and how are they classified?
• How can exposure occur, for example through splashes, inhalation, or skin contact?
• How long does the work operation last, and how often is it carried out?
• What is the working environment like, for example in terms of ventilation, temperature, and available space?
• Can a combination of several chemicals or processes increase the risk?

The employer is responsible for ensuring that the necessary protective equipment is available in the workplace and that employees receive the required training in how to use it. Employees, in turn, are responsible for using the protective equipment as they have been trained and for reporting if the equipment does not meet requirements or has faults or deficiencies.

Chemical management system as support for safe chemical handling

A system for managing chemicals can simplify and streamline the work related to protective equipment and documentation. With systems such as Workplace Safety, organisations can:

• Gain a complete overview of the chemicals used in the organisation
• Access recommended protective equipment from safety data sheets
• Ensure access to up-to-date safety data sheets
• Document risk assessments and training
• Communicate necessary measures to employees

By gathering information in one place, it becomes easier to ensure compliance with requirements and to work systematically with safety.

Proper handling of chemicals requires a comprehensive approach to safety. By combining technical measures, organisational measures, and the correct use of personal protective equipment, organisations can reduce risks and prevent health hazards. Accurate risk assessments, clear procedures, and adequate training are essential to ensure a safe working environment. When measures and protective equipment are used correctly, they provide the foundation for a safe and responsible working day when working with chemicals.