[ Introduction ]
[ Industrial Accident of Confined Space ]
[ Industrial Accident of Chemicals ]


Level 1 Level 1 Level 1



Chemicals are frequently used in our daily life and at work. Quite a number of the chemicals are dangerous substances by nature, and some are hazardous when heated, ground or mixed with other chemicals. Sometimes, even pouring chemicals from one container to another may be hazardous. Without adequate knowledge of the hazards or in the absence of appropriate precautionary measures, accidents may occur leading to casualties.

Numerous hazards exist when chemicals are in use. The hazards vary with the reactions involved. Especially in the cases of chemicals in contact with air and mixing of chemicals, there are lots of hazards with various causes that cannot be individually listed out.

The Hazards and the Consequences:
    Causing fire, explosion
    Releasing harmful / toxic gases or airborne particles Splashing of hot, corrosive or toxic liquid
    Resulting in injuries, ulcer, intoxication and even death
    Acutely / chronically injurious to health and even to next generation


Know the Hazards:
    - Understand the hazardous properties of the chemicals involved
    - Understand the reaction and the products during chemicals in use
    - May the process generate heat and / or gases?
    - Is there any side reaction involved? What are the side products? Are the products dangerous substances? What are the hazardous properties?
    -Understand the effect of the environment to the reaction, the reactants and the products
    - May light, heat and shape of the container affect the reaction so that it will be out of control?
    - May light, heat, air and water affect the reactants and the products so that other reactions will occur?


Safety Measures:
    - Select other safer substitutes or procedures
    - Use engineering control measures and equipment
    - Including ventilation and exhaust system, temperature control, stirring facility, appropriate container
    - Wear appropriate personal protective equipment
    - Understand and follow safe operating procedures
    - Including procedures for use of engineering control and personal protective equipment, waste disposal
    - Understand contingency measures, and in case of accident follow emergency procedures
    - Including procedures for fire fighting, evacuation, first aid, treatment of spillage