The following piece is offered to provide some guidelines for safety in dealing with chemicals commonly encountered in maintaining water effects. The concentrations and volumes involved may change, the need for caution and safety is the same.

All liquid chemicals that we buy, or repackage into, one gallon containers are regulated by the government. The following information is instrumental in dealing with appropriate chemical use, safety precautions and hazardous spill management. The first four items are set by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Agricultural Department, which regulates our use of chemicals. It is of utmost importance, not only for the sake of the law, but our personal health and safety that we comply.

1. One gallon containers are to be stored in plastic four gallon DOT containers during storage and transport.

2. All bottles are to be capped when not being dispensed.

3. All bottles are to be labeled with an indelible marker or provided label; and should have the following information: Product name (e.g. ALS 80), Manufacturer, EPA registration #, if any; and Signal Word (Danger, Warning, Caution); as well as your name (of business) and address.

4. Empty bottles of Chlorine or Muriatic Acid are to be retained and returned to the distributor for deposit. Other empty bottles should be stored in cases or thrown away.

5. When transporting one gallon liquids, keep four bottles in each case. This will prevent splash and spillage.

6. If possible, keep bleach and acid bottles only with their kind, in their own case; you will notice the cases, bottles and caps are color coded.

7. On return to the warehouse, sort your bottles and return them to the appropriate place.

8. Report all spills immediately to your physician. The chemicals we use are dangerous if mis-handled. Your physician will advise you what to do for the hazard at hand.

9. If you spill, splash, or accidentally ingest any of the company used chemicals, flush the area immediately with lots of cold, fresh water. DO NOT RUB THE AREA. CHECK LABEL REGARDING VOMITING/FIRST AID. Report all accidents to your physician.

10. Make known any questions, variances and omissions from these policies to the responsible person. Also, it is your responsibility to acquaint yourself with and understand the information contained in the Material Safety Data Sheets and label for each chemical you use. This information is provided by your supplier from their manufacturer/distributor source.

Conclusion:

Chemicals are a necessary part of water feature control. We and they are chemicals! Chemical control often invoves the use of concentrated toxics and corrosives. It is imperative to read and heed all information concerning their use and storage.

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