Work Improvement for Safe Home - International Labour Organization

Work Improvement for Safe Home
60
Chapter 4 Physical environment
CHECKPOINT 18
Make sure all the containers of hazardous chemicals have labels and covers.
BENEFITS FOR HOME WORKERS
Home workers use many chemicals such as
solvents, paints or glues. Put labels on all the
containers to avoid misuse and poisoning. Th e
labels should be clear and easy-to-read. Th e
labels will protect your family and co-workers,
too.
All chemical containers should have covers to
prevent evaporation. Narrow home workplaces
without suffi cient ventilation are easily fi lled
with chemical smells and become dangerous and
unproductive. Flammable chemicals increase
the risks of fi re. Covering chemical containers
will improve these problems. Loss of expensive
chemical materials will decrease, too.
HOW TO IMPROVE
1. When purchasing chemicals, ensure that the
containers have labels and covers.
2. Check whether all the chemical bottles and
containers in your workplace have labels and
covers. If not, attach them.
3. Label the name of the chemicals in the
local language using big letters. Make sure
that all home workers and your family can
understand the labels.
4. Th e labels of toxic chemicals should have
the warning, “VERY TOXIC”. Use easy-tounderstand
danger symbols such as skulls
and cross bones.
5. Ensure the use of covers on chemical
containers. Open the chemical containers
only for a minimal duration when used.
Cover the containers again soon after use.
Th e covers should be easy to open and close.
6. Replace old, unclear labels with new, clear
ones.
WAY TO PROMOTE COOPERATION
Using labels and covers is the fi rst important
step to ensure safe use of chemicals. Exchange
experiences with other home workers. Prepare
the labels with your co-workers and ensure
that everyone at the workplace understands
the labels. Even though you are familiar with
chemicals, labels are necessary to protect
other home workers and your family against
dangerous misuse.
SOME MORE HINTS
■ Use small containers instead of large
containers. Small openings will reduce the
amount of vapor loss through evaporation.
Do not use the chemical containers for other
purposes.
■ Collect information on toxicity, fl ammability
and emergency measures for the chemicals
you are using. Th e chemical sellers have
a duty to give you chemical information
sheets.
■ Make a list of chemicals used in your
workplace. Record when you purchased them
and put labels on them.
POINTS TO REMEMBER
Putting labels and covers on chemical
containers are the low-cost ways to
improve safe use of chemicals.