Introduction

The handling (i.e. “the act of touching or turning with the hands”) of any material/chemical substance signifies the moving, transporting, taking delivery of, storing, pouring, stacking, off-loading, loading, disposal of such material/chemical substance.

Many materials are toxic, noxious, corrosive, explosive, flammable or dangerous to health and environment in one or other way.

The use of chemical reagents is so varied in industry and due to the extreme corrosive and/or toxic nature of the substances requires that it must be handled with the necessary care and respect.

It is of the utmost importance that acids and alkalis be kept away from each other. Contact between the two will result in a violent reaction with explosion/burns/inhalation of toxic fumes hazards!

It is also important to prevent contact between an acid and cyanide, as extremely toxic Hydrogen Cyanide gas will be generated in a chemical reaction.

The prescribed Personal Protective Equipment must be used at all times while handling chemicals in any way.