WARNING!
Look at this alarming section from a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), required by OSHA to be posted and accessible in every work place where this stuff is used:
It is, in fact, antibacterial hand soap. The MSDS for a hand soap we use at work actually recommends that gloves be worn while handling it. To be fair, these are directions to be followed when you are working with rather than simply using the soap, directed towards custodial staff.
So, let's say you're the janitor and you've just spilled some of this while refilling a dispenser in the men's room. You need to get something non-reactive to clean it up with, but if it's a big spill, you need to act quickly to prevent it from going down the floor drain. How much is a big or small spill? No matter, it's starting to flow that direction - should you call 911? And now you've breathed quite a few of the fumes, so you need to go outside and maybe seek medical attention. Even if you didn't spill any, you need a reading on federal, state, and local regulations governing the gram or so still clinging to the inside of the bottle that you want to throw away. Perhaps in the future you should only handle this stuff with a couple of standby technicians in bunny suits, lest you put your employer at risk of a lawsuit or yourself in danger of being fired.
This surely looks like the by-product of lawyers, bureaucrats, over-reactive legislators, and unintended consequences. We're very far from Common Sense with examples like this (and there are so many more).
SECTION VII- PREVENTATIVE MEASURESMan, whatever this stuff is, it sure is dangerous! I'm surprised they even allow it to be sold. What could it be?
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Gloves: Not required.
Eye Protection: Not normally [my emphasis] required.
Respiratory Protection: Not normally [my emphasis] required.
Other Protective Equipment: Not normally [my emphasis] required.
Engineering Controls: General ventilation normally [my emphasis] adequate.
Leak and Spill Procedure: Before attempting clean up, refer to hazard data given above. Small spills may be absorbed with non-reactive absorbent and placed in suitable, covered, labelled containers. Prevent large spills from entering sewers or waterways. Contact emergency services and supplier for advice. [my emphasis]
Waste Disposal: Review federal, provincial, and local government requirements prior to disposal. [my emphasis]
Storage and Handling Requirements: Keep out of reach of children. Store in a closed container away from extreme temperatures and incompatible materials.
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SECTION VIII - FIRST AID
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Eye: Flush with water. Remove contact lenses, if applicable, and continue flushing. Obtain medical attention if irritation persists.
Skin: If irritation develops, flush with water. Obtain medical attention if irritation persists.
Inhalation: Not a normal route of exposure. If symptoms develop move victim to fresh air; if symptoms persist, obtain medical attention.
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. Rinse mouth with water then drink one or two glasses of water. Obtain medical attention. Never give anything by mouth if victim is unconscious, or is convulsing.
It is, in fact, antibacterial hand soap. The MSDS for a hand soap we use at work actually recommends that gloves be worn while handling it. To be fair, these are directions to be followed when you are working with rather than simply using the soap, directed towards custodial staff.
So, let's say you're the janitor and you've just spilled some of this while refilling a dispenser in the men's room. You need to get something non-reactive to clean it up with, but if it's a big spill, you need to act quickly to prevent it from going down the floor drain. How much is a big or small spill? No matter, it's starting to flow that direction - should you call 911? And now you've breathed quite a few of the fumes, so you need to go outside and maybe seek medical attention. Even if you didn't spill any, you need a reading on federal, state, and local regulations governing the gram or so still clinging to the inside of the bottle that you want to throw away. Perhaps in the future you should only handle this stuff with a couple of standby technicians in bunny suits, lest you put your employer at risk of a lawsuit or yourself in danger of being fired.
This surely looks like the by-product of lawyers, bureaucrats, over-reactive legislators, and unintended consequences. We're very far from Common Sense with examples like this (and there are so many more).
Labels: doggerel
