Raw Material Use and Handling

More efficient utilization of raw materials will reduce losses and unnecessary waste generation:

• Ensure that employees:
• Use supplies only for their intended purpose
• Use only the amount necessary
• Have access to SDS as required by OSHA rules.
• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) (see: OSHA healthcare PPE information)
• Keep frequently used hazardous materials near the site of use to minimize spills/accidents
• Provide transfer methods which prevent spills and quality problems:
• Pipelines for intermediate transfer
• Gravity spigot or pump to dispense bulk liquid materials
• A spout and funnel for transferring liquids to different containers
• Proper connection/disconnection of hoses and lines
• Control access to hazardous raw materials:
• Designate central personnel to distribute materials
• Limit access to employees trained in hazardous materials handling and who understand the importance of first-in first-out policy
• Keep records of when and why larger spills occurred in order to identify spill prevention opportunities and document related costs