Chemical Safety Applies to Everyone. Many companies have chemicals, either in storage, being used, or awaiting disposal. Judith Niles, Industrial Coordinator for Central Tech says, “There are over 575,000 chemicals in use today, with hundreds of new ones being introduced annually. These chemicals pose a wide range of health hazards, from mild irritation to possible death.”

Niles goes on to say, “Twenty-five percent of employees work with hazardous chemicals on the job. In some cases the chemicals they deal with may be no more dangerous than those used at home. But more often in the workplace, chemical exposure is likely to be greater, concentrations higher, and exposure time longer. Therefore, the potential danger is greater on the job. The way companies and their employees handle these chemicals can make a huge difference in their safety and the safety of the company.”

The 40 hour Hazwoper (Hazardous Waste) Course at Central Tech is designed to make employees aware of the hazards involved when working with and/or around hazardous material as well as how to control those hazards. This course is filled with hands-on activities allowing students to work with various types of personal protective clothing and respirators as well as simulated hazardous materials cleanup and decontamination exercises. For additional information on upcoming courses including Confined Space, Trenching and Shoring and more Hazwoper, call Peggy Swineheart at 918.352.4517 or Judith Niles at 918.224.0235.