What is a hazardous substance? ⚠️

A hazardous substance is any chemical or material that can harm people, animals, property, or the environment if not handled correctly. Examples include strong acids, alkalis, paints, solvents, fuels, pesticides and some cleaning chemicals.

Common examples in schools and workshops 🧪

• Bleach (chlorine) and strong cleaners — can burn skin and eyes.
• Acids (e.g., hydrochloric acid) and bases (e.g., sodium hydroxide) — corrosive.
• Solvents and paints (turpentine, thinner) — flammable and can cause breathing problems.
• Fuel (kerosene, petrol) — flammable and toxic if swallowed.
• Batteries (lead-acid) — contain acid and heavy metals.
• Pesticides and herbicides — poisonous if swallowed or inhaled.

Why safe handling matters (Kenyan school context)

• Protects students, teachers and the community from injury or illness.
• Prevents fires, spills and pollution of water and soil (NEMA cares about pollution).
• Helps your school follow safety rules such as those from the Ministry and Occupational Safety and Health guidelines.

Easy rules to follow when handling hazardous substances

1. Always read the label and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before you start.
2. Work under teacher supervision — never handle alone.
3. Use the right Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): gloves, goggles, apron and mask if needed.
4. Do not eat, drink or smoke near chemicals.
5. Never mix chemicals unless your teacher tells you and gives instructions.
6. Keep containers closed when not in use and return them to the correct storage place.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) 👷‍♀️👷‍♂️

Storage and labeling — simple rules

• Store chemicals in a locked, ventilated cabinet away from direct sunlight.
• Keep flammables away from heat and open flames; separate acids from bases.
• Label every container clearly: name, hazards (e.g., flammable, corrosive), date opened.
• Follow GHS pictograms when possible — these give quick hazard warnings (e.g., flame, skull and crossbones, corrosion).

What to do for spills or accidents (quick steps) 🚨

Basic first aid for chemical exposure

Always bring the chemical label or container to the health facility so they know what was involved.

Disposal — do it safely

• Never pour hazardous chemicals down the drain or into the environment.
• Collect chemical waste in a clearly labelled container and store safely for collection.
• Work with your school's administration to arrange disposal through approved contractors or county hazardous waste programs (NEMA guidance).
• Empty containers must be triple-rinsed (if safe) and recycled or disposed of according to instructions.

Simple classroom safety checklist (for students)

• Have your teacher shown the SDS for each chemical used?
• Is there a spill kit, first-aid kit and fire extinguisher available?
• Are chemicals stored locked and labelled?
• Do you know the emergency number and where to meet if there is an evacuation?
• Are you wearing the right PPE?

Short activity / mini-quiz (test yourself)

1. Give two examples of hazardous substances found at school.
2. What should you do first if a chemical splashes into your eye?
3. Name two items of PPE you should wear when handling solvents.

Answers (for teachers): 1) e.g., bleach and kerosene. 2) Rinse eye with water for 15–20 minutes and call teacher/medical help. 3) Goggles and gloves (also apron, mask if needed).