It can be dangerous to work with, or be exposed to, certain substances, especially if they can make contact with or enter your body.
The problem is that the dangers associated with those substances are not always immediately obvious. However, in some cases you will be able to rely on your intuition, by asking yourself: 'Is this actually normal?'
How do you recognise the first signs of possible danger? Use your senses and dare to ask questions!
A visible cloud of dust close to workers
If you or your colleagues are surrounded by clouds of dust, there is a very good chance that you will inhale that dust or get some of it on your skin. What exactly is the dust in question? What does it contain? And what will it do to your body (lungs)? These are the questions you need to ask the employer.
Clearly contaminated floors/machines (layers of dust)
If there is a lot of dust in the workplace, this is usually an indication that too much is being released during operations. Dust can mix with the air and then get into people's lungs or onto their skin. In some cases the dust may also pose a risk of explosion or fire (wood dust). Dust can still end up on people's skin, even if it does not get mixed with the air they are breathing.
Detecting distinct/strong odours
Distinct odours are not necessarily an indication of any danger. However, if you do you not know what you are smelling, that might be a reason to ask some questions. After all, what you can smell will usually get into your lungs and onto your skin as well.
Incidentally, some hazardous substances are odourless. As a result you cannot just rely on your sense of smell, but will have to use your other senses as well.
Tangible effect
The effect of some substances is actually tangible and in some cases that is clear. For example, if you spill a strong acid onto your hand, it will burn you. However, even if the cause is not immediately obvious, the effect substances have on your skin can be very revealing. Skin complaints can be work-related.
Stinging eyes, coughing profusely, a runny nose or a sore throat may also indicate exposure to hazardous substances.
Abnormal sounds
Some incidents involving hazardous materials will be accompanied by a particular sound. For example, a hissing sound may indicate that a storage container is leaking. An indistinct bang may be the result of a small explosion.
You should try to figure out where the unusual sound is coming from, but take care when doing so because strange sounds may be an indication of serious incidents.
Complaints by colleagues
Frequent complaints by colleagues about their health, or about hazardous substances being handled carelessly, may be indications that working conditions are not up to standard.
Recognising risky operations
The application of substances or products
If you see large surfaces being painted, degreased or glued, there will be a risk that the amount of substances in the air is too high, especially if nothing is being done to prevent this.
Appropriate action in this situation would take the form of source extraction or targeted ventilation. However, this depends a lot on the situation.
You should ask the employer whether sufficient measures have been taken.
Working in confined spaces
The quantity of hazardous substances in the air can soon become excessive in confined spaces. That is why so many safety rules apply when working in confined spaces. You must make sure that these rules are complied with.
Recognising hazard symbols
Most of the substances you work with will come in a package, often with a pictogram on it. Packages of hazardous substances always have to be labelled. The label indicates the risks associated with the product. Please click the following link for the hazard symbols and their meanings.
It is not always obligatory to use a pictogram in order to highlight a hazard, so you should always proceed with caution.
More information can be obtained by clicking on the following link which will take you to the Hazardous substances roadmap. Alternatively, you should ask your employer for more information if you are in any doubt.
No packaging
Some dangerous (carcinogenic) substances are not packaged, but are instead released while work is carried out, for example diesel and welding fumes or wood dust.