Pilbara Health

According to Pilbara Iron toxicologist Ross Daglish, there are more than 1,000 hazardous solids, liquids and gases stored on Pilbara Iron sites. Ross is currently undertaking a number of risk assessments associated with the new Rio Tinto Health Standards, and an extensive update of the Chemalert system. This database is a vital source of information about the safe use and handling of more than 2000 commonly used chemical products.

Every hazardous substances has the potential to be dangerous if it is not used correctly. Precisely how dangerous depends on the amount of substance you are exposed to, the length of time you are exposed and the toxicity of the product itself. Don't be complacent. Some chemicals can cause irritation, allergies, nausea, even death. Others are flammable, corrosive or explosive. You may feel the effects of exposure immediately or symptoms may not become evident for months or years after contact.

There are four main routes through which chemicals enter the body - ingestion, inhalation, absorption or via broken skin. Ingestion can occur as easily and having a cigarette after handling harmful substances and transferring the chemical from your hand, or glove, to your mouth.
Inhalation occurs when gas, dust or vapours pass into the lungs without being filtered out by the nose or upper respiratory track. Gases can be colourless, odourless and tasteless so proper precautions are vital.

Just as important is the fact that some substances can be absorbed directly through the skin, despite the fact that the skin is usually an effective protective barrier. Broken skin is also dangerous because it makes it easier for substances to enter the blood stream. Scratches from iron filings, or swarf covered in metal working fluid, can cause allergic reactions.

Prevention always beats a cure so check Chemalert for detailed advice about the correct control and handling procedures for all substances in your work area.