No matter what your specific job is, most workers have to work with or near some chemicals at one time or another. The goal of your authority's Right To Know Program (also referred to as Hazard Communications Program "HAZCOM") is to inform you how to safely work with chemicals. There are several important aspects of a Right To Know Program, including:

Hazard evaluation (current chemical inventory/location/type hazard list):

• Your PHA written program;
• Labels and other forms of warning;
• Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs); and
• Employee training.

Obtain as much information as you can from these elements of your PHA’s HAZCOM program. In addition, where applicable, use the following guidelines to help yourself when working with chemicals:

• Read container labels and MSDSs. Labels will identify types of hazards and warning information. MSDSs offer complete information on use of specific chemicals, i.e. first aid, fire hazard and control, recommended personal protective equipment (PPE), emergency response information, etc.;
• Always add acids to water (not the other way around) to prevent boiling over and splashing;
• Never sniff a chemical to identify its type or location;
• Use appropriate PPE when working with chemicals. Some of these may include chemical splash goggles, full-face respirators, and various types of safety gloves, i.e. rubber, needle puncture proof, splash aprons, full-face shields, corrosive resistant boots, or any combination of the above;
• Make sure that PPE fits properly and that you know how to use it;
• When using respirators, match the canister or cartridge to the correct respirator and the particular chemical, and replace when necessary;
• Don't wear contact lenses; they can absorb chemicals or trap them against your eyes;
• Know the location of eyewash stations and safety showers and how to use them (in most cases, if you are exposed to a chemical splash, they will be your first emergency treatment);
• Slowly mix corrosives or solvents, or dip parts slowly into them;
• Never put your hands into corrosives or solvents, even when wearing proper protective gloves;
• Always wash your hands and face well before eating or smoking, and before and after every shift;
• Use available engineering controls such as fans, exhaust hoods, and other ventilation systems installed for your protection; and
• Know emergency first aid procedures.

If at any time you are unclear about your PHA’s safety procedures for handling chemical substances, speak to your supervisor and review the appropriate Material Safety Data Sheets. Make sure you understand everything you need to know about protecting yourself and those around you from chemical hazards.