PRHTIPS FROM THE PROS
CHEMICAL SAFETY Be Prepared
courtesy of RON RABENA Chief Administrative Officer, Allied Universal www.aus.com
Everyone encounters chemicals on a regular basis. You may directly handle chemicals like cleaning products or indirectly be exposed to chemicals such as pesticides. You may have what we call “potential exposures” to chemicals on a routine basis. These chemicals, such as gasoline, are those that are isolated but in the event of an accidental release, you could be exposed, like when fueling your vehicle.
General Safety Tips for Chemicals ❚ Never combine any products that contain ammonia and chlorine bleach. When these common household substances are combined, they form a gas that is highly toxic and can result in serious breathing difficulties or death.
❚ Always take the time to read the warning label on any chemical product you use. ❚ Read container labels, safety data sheets or special instructions before you handle a chemical.
Use Chemicals Safely ❚ Make sure the area where you are working with the chemical or cleaning product is well ventilated. If you experience any dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea or a headache, move to fresh air immediately. ❚ Wear the recommended Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), which may include
safety gloves, safety glasses or goggles, a mask, respirator and safety shoes. ❚ Inspect all PPE before use. Look for defects in the equipment and replace if necessary. If the chemical gets on your skin, wash the area immediately using warm soapy water. ❚ Wash your hands after handling chemicals, especially before eating.
Hazard Communication ❚ Identify the chemicals that you use or could be exposed to at work. Potential exposures include the chemicals that could be released from storage or a closed process in
the event of an accident or emergency. Properly inform your family members how to handle chemicals to which they could be exposed.
Chemical Exposure Methods ❚ Inhalation: Breathing in dusts, mists and vapors ❚ Ingestion: Eating contaminated food ❚ Absorption: Skin contact with a chemical
❚ Injection: Forcing an agent into the body through a needle or a high-pressure device
Common Chemicals at Home Chemicals used at home include: gasoline, paints, fertilizers, lawn chemicals, bug spray, paint strippers, kerosene, bleach and household cleaners.
Container labeling and safe storage are important steps to keeping your family safe.
Ron Rabena’s security career spans more than 40 years—first beginning as an entry-level security officer and working his way up to several senior-level management roles at various regional security companies. Rabena is currently Chief Administrative Officer-East for Allied Universal, primarily overseeing all aspects of post-merger integration of large acquisitions as well as presidents of the Midwest and Canada, Northeast, Mid-Atlantic and Southeast Regions.
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| ROWHOME MAGAZINE |April / May / June 2018
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