Recognition of Health Hazards

As an employee, it is important for you to be aware of your surroundings and recognize possible health hazards. Ask yourself the following questions:

What do you see? Watch for warning signs, labels, and decals. All chemical and toxic substances must be properly labeled per the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard. Look for visible material in the air. If you can see clouds of vapor or particles, it could indicate a serious exposure problem. Also look for settled dust and particles. If disturbed, the settled particles could become airborne again. Watching for visible hazards is important, but remember that most gases and vapors are invisible, and many dangerous particles are too small to see.

What do you smell or taste? If you can smell a chemical, that means you are inhaling it. While that does not necessarily indicate danger, a chemical's odor can serve as a rough guide to your exposure level. You should never purposely taste a chemical. However, if you inhale a chemical or accidentally get some in your mouth, it may have a taste that can warn you of your exposure.

What do you feel? Feeling sick, dizzy, or nauseous could mean that you have been exposed to a health hazard. Certain chemicals enter the blood stream and travel to the nervous system when they are inhaled. This could lead to symptoms such as headaches, tiredness, and poor coordination.

If you recognize any signs of potential health hazards, make sure to inform your supervisor immediately.

To learn more about Industrial Chemical Hazards visit our Industrial Chemical Hazards & Toxic Substances Online Training web page.