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Recognition of Health Hazards

It is important for employees to be vigilant in observing their work environment to recognize possible health hazards. Employees who are at risk of exposure should ask the following questions as they go about their daily tasks:

  • What do you (the employee) see? Watch for warning signs, labels, and decals. All chemical and toxic substances must be properly labeled per the Standard. Look for visible material in the air. If you can see clouds of vapor or particles, it could indicate a potential exposure problem. Look at surfaces and note settled dust and particles. If disturbed, these settled particles could become airborne again, posing an inhalation hazard. 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, 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 must never purposely taste a chemical, but 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 GHS visit our GHS Hazard Communication Online Training web page.

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