New risk advisory warns of hazards of manufacturing hand sanitizers
To help meet the demand for hand sanitizer brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, some distilleries, breweries, and wineries have started manufacturing hand sanitizer for the first time.
This may involve working with new chemicals, using more concentrated forms of the chemicals, or implementing new chemicals. These changes may increase the risk of exposures to hazardous chemicals, as well as the risk of injuries, fires or explosions.
It is an employer’s responsibility to identify the risks and ensure that there are safety procedures and practices in place to control them. WorkSafeBC’s new risk advisory, Hazards in manufacturing hand sanitizer in distilleries, breweries, and wineries, discusses the potential risks and what employers can do to reduce the risks.
This includes ensuring that WHMIS safety data sheets are used, personal protective equipment and emergency washing facilities are provided, chemicals are stored and transferred correctly, and that workers understand the hazards of the chemicals and are trained in how to do the work safely, how to wear the personal protective equipment properly, and what to do in an emergency.
Learn more about managing risk.