Safe Handling of Chemicals: A Study of the Practice in Cosmetics Industry in Aba, Abia State, Nigeria.

Abstract

This survey study on the safe handling of chemicals was carried out in a cosmetics industry in Aba, Abia State. Variables studied focused on selection of chemicals; issuance of SHOC cards; storage; Transportation; Safety Education; Shelf-life of Chemicals; Chemical Emergency Plans; Protective Equipment and Safety Supervision. Significance of the study include benefits which employers, employees, plus Technical and Vocational Education students will derive from it, regarding safety from the negative impacts of chemical exposure. Data was elicited from 50 subjects, using a validated nine-item questionnaire whose reliability was 0.74. Findings showed that the industry still had a lot to do to improve on their present practices in the safe handling of chemicals. Nine recommendations were made, as shown at the end of this paper.

Key Words:Chemicals; Technical and Vocational Education; Supervision; SHOC Cards