How to store household chemicals so that no one gets hurt

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Check where you have the bleach and solvent can.

We store many substances at home that seem safe at first glance, but are actually corrosive, poisonous or flammable.

Chlorine bleach, strong acid cleaners are hazardous. Even if a simple washing powder ends up in the respiratory tract, and dishwashing detergent is in the stomach, the victim will need medical attention. But there are also cans of paint or varnish, solvents, aerosols, fertilizers and even real poisons. Let's figure out how to safely store and use them.

1 -

Read the instructions before using the substance.

2 -

Use hazardous substances with protection. A pair of rubber gloves and primitive safety goggles cost a penny, and are better bought than afterward to treat skin and eyes. If the instructions for the tool indicate that it must be used with additional protection, use it. Reasoning like “What will happen, I’ll do everything quickly now” does not save you from the action of harmful substances.

3-

Remember that if you are working next to someone, that person also needs protection.

4 -

Always wash your hands after using hazardous household chemicals, even if you are wearing gloves.

5 -

Handle hazardous substances after cleaning the room to avoid accidentally tripping, falling, or knocking over something harmful. At a minimum, this means that all things in the room should be in their place.

6 -

Keep any hazardous substances in a well-ventilated area to avoid the formation of a vapor cloud.

7 -

Throw away empty containers right away, do not keep them in the trash bin for a long time: this will prevent pets and children from reaching them, and the leftovers will not accidentally end up on the floor.

8 -

When placing a bottle or jar with hazardous contents on a shelf, make sure that the handles, corners and edges of the can do not protrude beyond the shelf to avoid accidentally hitting them as you walk by.

9 -

Lids on any container with hazardous substances should work well: close tightly and open without jerking. It is desirable that they have protection from the access of children and animals.

10 -

Store corrosive substances on the lower shelves so that they do not accidentally topple over when you take them out.

11 -

If you have children or animals in your home, the storage area for hazardous substances must be locked.

12 -

At home, frankly toxic substances can also appear: insect or rodent repellent, for example. It is better not to keep stocks of such substances "just in case", to get rid of already opened packs.

13 -

Never transfer or transfer hazardous substances from the container in which you bought them to another. Let's say liquid soap can be poured into a small shampoo bottle, but bleach is not. Even if you have to do this, the new bottle or box should be marked: write on the container what is now stored in it.

14 -

Hazardous substances should be in jars and bottles with labels that say what's inside. If the label comes off, stick your own.

15 -

Do not place hazardous substances (especially aerosol cans) near heating appliances to prevent the packaging from heating up.

16 -

Keep cans away from sources of ignition. Do not place air freshener on the table next to the stove or keep hairspray on the windowsill if there is an ashtray on it and you smoke by the window.