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Protecting Yourself
By now, you should have a better understanding of the hazardous properties of chemicals, and how to recognize the hazards of the particular chemicals with which you work.
It is important to understand that even though chemicals in the workplace may be dangerous, there are methods available to ensure that the risk is minimized or eliminated. In this last section, we will discuss various ways of protecting yourself against the hazards of chemicals.
These methods include:
 Substitute less toxic materials whenever possible. |
| Use engineering controls, such as ventilation, whenever possible |
| Keep the work area clean and orderly. |
| Use the necessary safety equipment. |
| Carefully label every container with the identity of its contents and
appropriate hazard warnings. |
| Store incompatible chemicals in separate areas. |
| Limit the volume of volatile or flammable material to the minimum
needed . |
| Provide means of containing the material if containers should break
or spill their contents. |
| Obtain and read the Material Safety Data Sheets. |
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