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An Overview of Poison Prevention
Next week is National Poison Prevention Week in the United States. If you plan to discuss poison prevention with your workers, here's a safety talk that provides a good overview of the subject.
SAFETY TALK: POISON PREVENTION
What is a poison? Answer: A poison is any substance that causes harm to the human body - it can damage your health or kill you.
The workplace is full of poisons, ranging from ordinary cleaning supplies to substances used in large-scale chemical processes.
Poison prevention involves managing the use and storage of these substances so they won't harm anyone.
How Poisons Get Into the Body
Poisons take one of three routes into the human body.
1. They can be inhaled, in the form of gases, vapors, mists or particles. They can cause damage to the lungs or be absorbed into the bloodstream through the lungs. Examples of inhaled poisons are carbon monoxide, chlorine gas and hydrogen sulfide.
2. Poisons can be swallowed. These poisons can damage the digestive tract, and can be absorbed into the bloodstream. Common types of swallowed poisons include chemicals, drug overdoses and bacterial toxins such as those that cause food poisoning.
3. Skin contact is the third way in which poisons enter the body. This includes contact with the eye and with mucous membranes such as those in the mouth. Poisons can cause chemical burns to the skin, and can be absorbed into the body through the skin. Examples of these poisons are pesticides and hydrofluoric acid.
Prevention Methods
How can you prevent poisonings? Here are some guidelines:
- Follow company procedures and policies when handling any chemicals or other hazardous substances.
- Learn all you can about any chemicals you work with and any such substances that are used or stored in your work area.
- Read the labels on any products to learn the risks and precautions.
- Know the location of the material safety data sheet (MSDS) for each chemical that you handle. Be familiar with the information on the MSDS, and know how to find it quickly in case of an emergency.
- Wear the required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for any substance you handle. This could include gloves made of a specific material constructed to withstand exposure to the chemical. It could also include splash-proof safety eye wear, chemically resistant footwear, an apron and even respiratory protection.
- Follow instructions about choosing, fitting, testing and maintaining PPE.
- Know the phone number to call in case of an emergency. In many areas dialing 9-1-1 will put you in touch with several emergency services. The number for the Poison Control Center for your area may be listed on the inside front cover of your phone directory. Emergency numbers should be posted on each telephone.
- Tell the attendant on the phone what and how much poison was taken and the victim's approximate age and weight.
- Know the location of emergency showers and eyewashes to use in case of skin contact with chemicals. Rinse the affected area for a minimum of 15 minutes.
- If a person is suffering from poisoning or any injury or illness, it is most important to maintain the A-B-Cs essential for survival. These are keeping the airway clear, maintaining breathing and maintaining circulation. Apply rescue breathing or CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) as required.
- The exact treatment needed will depend on the type of poison. So obtain instructions from a physician or the Poison Control Center. For certain poisons you will be told to induce vomiting in a conscious victim by giving Syrup of Ipecac. But for other substances such as corrosives or petrochemicals, vomiting can be damaging and even deadly.
Conclusion
Poison prevention is extremely important at home, too. After work today, take a look around your home to make sure that poisons are locked safely out of the reach of children who live or visit with you.
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