Silhouette of three workers wearing safety caps while working

How Hazardous Materials Can Cause Damage to Workers

If precautions are taken lightly at a work site where toxic substances are frequently used, there’s a high chance that hazardous materials might cause irreversible damage to the people present in the area. The workers are especially under threat, as they often come in direct contact with such substances.

While professional contractors are well-equipped to handle such substances, some companies prefer going the DIY route over hiring professional contractors for FRP tank installations, pool cleaning, etc. Not being aware of the safety protocol puts them at risk, and they end up paying more than they initially thought in the form of adverse effects on their health.

Here’s what you need to know.

Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals

If proper care isn’t taken while handling hazardous chemicals, a worker might come into direct contact with them. These substances may elicit an instant reaction, such as blistering, rash, or reddening of the area affected.

Similarly, if a worker accidentally inhales toxic fumes from poisonous gases or flammable liquids, there’s a high chance that these substances will enter their bloodstream, potentially damaging their internal organs. The damage caused might be detected on the spot or take some time to appear.

On the other hand, ingesting or swallowing hazardous chemicals is directly related to terrible, often fatal outcomes. While it may seem unlikely that an adult worker would knowingly gulp a pint of a toxic chemical, instances have occurred where mislabeling a container resulted in the ingestion of said chemical.

Acute Health Effects

Upon exposure to hazardous substances, workers might suffer either acute or instantaneous effects and long-term or chronic health conditions. Usually, acute effects are almost always visible the moment occurs the person is exposed to toxic chemicals. The reactions include burning of the affected area, reddening of the skin, and a nasty rash. Coughing, puking, bleeding, dizziness, and temporary blindness might occur, too, if the substance is ingested or swallowed.

Chronic Health Effects

Reactions to toxic substances might not be immediate. Sometimes, exposure results in developing a long-term health condition over time rather than having a quick response. Chronic lung illness, permanent damage to sight, liver damage, and cancer are just some of the long-term consequences of not following work SOPs.

Sometimes, the exposure is such that a worker may develop an acute and a chronic condition simultaneously.  For instance, they might observe skin blistering upon constant exposure, which may become a symptom of skin cancer over time.

All in all, taking precautionary measures when working with dangerous substances is more important than one may realize. If you’re thinking of a DIY FRP tank installation at the end of this month, think again. It involves the use of dangerous substances! Calling in a skilled contractor, such as ourselves, is the best way to go about it.

At Hudson Fiberglass, we offer everything from fiberglass tank repair to FRP pipe inspection and custom fiberglass work. Call us today and get your repairs done by experts in the field.