Handling Hazardous Materials at Home - Health Encyclopedia (2024)

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Many common household products contain chemicals that can cause injury or death if they are not handled, stored, or used correctly.

Some of the household products that contain hazardous chemicals are oven cleaners, tile cleaners, toilet-bowl cleaners, liquid drain openers, antifreeze, chrome-wheel cleaners, rust removers, gasoline, motor oil, lead paint, turpentine, lacquer thinner, and muriatic acid.

These safety precautions can help keep you and your family safe.

Safety musts

Follow these safety precautions:

  • Carefully read the ingredient list of any product or chemical you use. The label can also tell you how to use the correct protective equipment, how to handle the chemicals, and how to respond to emergencies. The label will tell you if the substance is flammable, corrosive, or may cause cancer. It will also state whether you should use eye protection, gloves, or other equipment.

  • Purchase the correct personal protective equipment like gloves or goggles. Clean and care for them correctly.

  • Be aware of the hazardous materials you come in contact with. Learn about the specific characteristics and dangers.

  • Follow safe procedures when you handle hazardous material. Don't take shortcuts.

  • Handle, store, and get rid of hazardous materials safely and according to approved procedures. Never pour them down sewers or drains.

  • Don't mix or combine hazardous materials unless you know you can do so safely. Many products can cause violent reactions or release poisonous fumes when combined.

  • Transferring flammable liquids like gasoline, from one container to another can make static electricity that could ignite the fumes.

  • Always carry chemicals in approved containers.

  • Always wash your hands after using any unsafe material.

  • Store materials correctly, as directed on their labels. Flammable chemicals should be stored in a cool, dry place away from heat and sunlight. Some chemicals like acids must be stored separately from each other.

Hazards of incorrect use

Exposure to hazardous materials can cause:

  • Trauma (as in explosion)

  • Burns

  • Illness

  • Death

Medical Reviewers:

  • Heather M Trevino BSN RNC
  • Rita Sather RN
  • Susan K. Dempsey-Walls RN
Handling Hazardous Materials at Home -  Health Encyclopedia (2024)

FAQs

How do you handle hazardous materials at home? ›

Handling Hazardous Materials at Home
  1. Carefully read the ingredient list of any product or chemical you use. ...
  2. Purchase the correct personal protective equipment like gloves or goggles. ...
  3. Be aware of the hazardous materials you come in contact with. ...
  4. Follow safe procedures when you handle hazardous material.

Who should be contacted to handle hazardous materials found in the home? ›

The Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) is the state agency responsible for ensuring the safe and responsible management of household hazardous waste. At a local level, the management of household hazardous waste is overseen by Certified Unified Program Agencies (CUPAs).

What are the guidelines for handling hazardous materials? ›

Store all hazardous materials properly, separate incompatibles, and store in ventilated, dry, cool areas. Employees must keep themselves and the work area clean. After handling any hazardous material, wash thoroughly with soap and water. Clean work surfaces at least once per shift, so contamination risks are minimized.

How do you handle health hazard materials? ›

How can products with the health hazards pictogram be handled safely?
  1. Do not breathe dust, fumes, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
  2. Wash hands and skin after handling.
  3. Do not eat, drink or smoke when using these products.
Nov 1, 2017

What are 5 harmful materials at home? ›

Examples of Hazardous Products in Your Home
  • Antifreeze.
  • Automotive batteries.
  • Automotive body fillers.
  • Brake fluid.
  • Diesel fuel.
  • Engine cleaners.
  • Engine degreasers.
  • Flares (marine, road)

Which is the proper way of handling chemicals at home? ›

  1. Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray.
  2. Wash thoroughly after handling.
  3. Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection.
  4. Store locked up.
  5. Keep only in original container.

What are 5 harmful substances? ›

Common Substances
  • Asbestos.
  • Formaldehyde.
  • Hazardous/Toxic Air Pollutants.
  • Lead.
  • Mercury.
  • Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)
  • Pesticide Chemicals. Glyphosate.
  • Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)
Apr 18, 2024

What does hazardous materials handling require? ›

Keeping workers safe

correctly labelling all hazardous chemical containers and pipework using warning placards and safety signs. storing hazardous chemicals correctly. keeping a hazardous chemical register, which must include a copy of the current safety data sheet ( SDS ) for each hazardous chemical on the register.

What are the 7 safety measures for controlling hazardous chemicals? ›

Here are 7 types of COSHH control measures, in order of priority, with details on how they reduce the risk from hazardous substances.
  • Elimination. The COSHH regulations first require exposure to be prevented. ...
  • Substitution. ...
  • Change Processes. ...
  • Engineering Controls. ...
  • Supervisory Controls. ...
  • PPE. ...
  • Combined Controls.
Aug 31, 2022

What are 5 things you can do to ensure safe handling chemicals? ›

Ensuring the safe handling of chemicals
  • Store chemicals and medicines in a safe way.
  • Store chemicals where children cannot reach them or open them.
  • Add clear labels to packages of chemicals.
  • Avoid storing chemicals in drinking bottles.
  • Dispose of chemicals and medicines in a safe way.
Sep 30, 2022

How to prevent chemical hazards at home? ›

Only store household chemicals in places children can't get to them. Lock or childproof cabinets and storage areas if you have children in your home. Keep products containing hazardous materials in their original containers and never remove the labels unless the container is corroding.

What are some ways that you can best handle hazardous waste at your home? ›

Store safely: Keep HHW in their original containers with labels intact. Store them in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place, out of reach of children and pets. Check for local HHW programs: Many communities have collection programs or designated drop-off facilities for HHW.

How can we control hazards at home? ›

Hazards in the home
  1. reduce flammable clutter, such as old boxes or paper.
  2. never leave cooking unattended.
  3. maintain any fireplaces and chimneys, with regular inspections from a professional, and.
  4. assess electrical systems, and seek the assistance of an electrician if you notice frayed or loose wires.

How do you handle hazardous waste materials? ›

  1. Inspect all hazardous waste areas weekly. Document and fix any concerns.
  2. Respond to spills. Clean up and dispose of properly.
  3. Maintain structures and containment and safety equipment.

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