How To Protect Workers from Solvent Safety Challenges

OSHA Solvent Safety Sign

Workplace hazards such as confined spaces, moving machinery, low clearances and hot surfaces pose significant threats to workers, and are typically marked with appropriate chemical safety signs and labels to draw attention to them. But there are other equally dangerous hazards that can easily go unnoticed until it's too late to take preventive action. These sneaky hazards are solvents - chemicals commonly used to clean up paints, greases and oils, or contained in liquids such as paint, pesticides and ink, to name a few.

Because solvents are so common at work and home, workers may not give them the safety attention they deserve. Yet solvent exposure can damage skin, eyes, internal organs and respiratory tissue - as well as cause fires and explosions. Clearly, workers need to be aware of
the solvents used in their workplace, steps they can take to protect themselves and action to take in the event of a spill or injury.

OSHA has isssued standards covering solvent use in General Industry (29 CFR 1910), Shipyard Employment (29 CFR 1915) and Construction Industry (29 CFR 1926). Employers are required to make safety data sheets available to workers and provide training on proper chemical handling. The safety experts at Safety Management Group in Indianapolis have posted an article that looks at the dangers solvents pose - and the steps workers can take to use them safely.

Learn more:

• Read Solving the Safety Challenges of Solvents.
• Visit the OSHA Solvents page.
• Browse chemical safety signs and labels at ComplianceSigns.com.