Lesson 7: Chemicals and labelling

Cleaning concentrates, battery acid and adhesives are all hazardous substances. The label and the safety data sheet tell you how to handle them.

Read the pictograms

• Exclamation mark: irritant, may cause skin or eye irritation.
• Corrosion: causes burns, use goggles and gloves.
• Flame: flammable, keep away from heat and sparks.
• Health hazard: may cause long-term harm, use in ventilated areas.

Golden rules

1. Never decant into an unlabelled container, especially drink bottles.
2. Check the safety data sheet in the chemical store before first use.
3. Use the dosing pump. Concentrates are never poured by eye.
4. Store acids and alkalis on separate shelves with spill trays.
5. Wash hands before eating, even if you wore gloves.

If something gets on you

Skin: rinse under running water for 15 minutes. Eyes: use the eye-wash station for 15 minutes, hold the eyelids open, then go to first aid. Bring the label or product name with you.

Recap

You have completed lesson 7 of 8. Continue to the next lesson to keep your progress.