There is a preferred way to perform all work with chemicals which can both reduce the probability of an accident or exposure to a negligible level and reduce its consequences to minimal levels should one occur. The chemical's hazards will dictate the precautions to be taken.
Few chemicals are without hazards of various kinds and degrees.
The following text is a summary of the potential hazardous properties chemicals may possess and users must be aware of and protect against. The term health hazard includes chemicals which are carcinogens, toxic or highly toxic, reproductive toxins, irritants, corrosives, sensitizers, hepatotoxins, nephrotoxins, neurotoxins, agents which act on the hematopoietic system, and agents which damage the lungs, skin, eyes, or mucous membranes. Physical hazards may manifest as fires, explosions, excessive temperatures, or the release of large volumes of gas or toxic or flammable gases or vapors. The determination of occupational health hazards is complicated by the fact that many of the effects or signs and symptoms occur commonly in non-occupationally exposed populations, so that effects of exposure are difficult to separate from normally occurring illnesses. More often, however, the effects are common, such as lung cancer.