A variety of chemicals and hazardous substances, both liquid and granular, may be used by the crew. These may be acid or alkaline based. As the vessel may be (in some cases) many days away from onshore medical assistance it is important to be very careful when working with chemicals.

Storage

• DO store chemicals in a suitably contained safe area that is well marked. Class 8 (corrosive) and class 5 (oxidisers) for example should be in well segregated areas.
• DO store chemicals in containers kept at single level so ingredients cannot mix • DO keep chemicals below eye level to avoid accidental spillage over your face
• DO keep the lids on chemical containers on tight and secure so the contents cannot mix or spill if you are moving the product
• DO make sure the chemical is well labelled and can be easily identified. • DO NOT mix chemicals. This can result in serious harm including death.
• DO NOT mix drum pumps between chemicals as a bad reaction may occur. • DO NOT put chemicals into unmarked containers.
• DO NOT use old food or drink bottles as accidental ingestion can occur and will cause serious internal injuries or death. Directions for use
• DO wear the correct PPE (personal protection equipment) as recommended on the material safety data sheet (MSDS) and the label. This may include goggles, gloves, respirator, suits and boots.
• DO read the label on the container as this gives usage and mixing directions. The container may have POISON or a Dangerous Goods Diamond with Class designation as to what type of hazard it presents on it.
• DO make your self familiar with the MSDS. One of these accompanies every container and provides information about that product such as description of the chemical, specifications, and safety and emergency instructions.
• DO mix or dilute the chemical to the supplier’s specifications only. Mixing an acid based chemical with a chlorinated chemical will result in a deadly chlorine gas being emitted.
• DO make sure cleaning is completed before leaving the area to prevent accidental skin contact with the chemical.

First Aid

• As most commercial chemical cleaners are far more concentrated than the ordinary household cleaners it is important to:
• know where your first aid station is located
• read and be familiar with first aid instructions about the specific chemical being used which can be found on the label and MSDS sheet
• health can be affected through contact with skin, eyes, inhalation or ingestion
• be familiar with the location of eye wash facilities around the vessel. In the event of a splash in the eyes you need to be able to automatically find the closest water source.
• a spill to the eyes should be washed under cool running water for 15 minutes
• contact with the skin can take time for the effect to be felt even though it will be burning from the beginning of the spill

Emergency

In case of an emergency: know where emergency equipment, such as fire extinguishers, hoses and eyebaths, are located know what the vessel’s emergency procedures are and how to fulfil that task.