Let’s discuss the Chemical Unit Measurements and Safety Rules.
As I said earlier about chemicals in my last article, solid and powder chemicals are measured in grams and kilogram (kg). It takes 1000grams to make 1 kg.
Liquid chemicals and oils are measured in ml and liters. It takes 1000ml to make 1 liter.
Understanding your Chemical Unit Measurement
Now, in the course of your production and even in the formulas, you will see chemical quantities like 1/4kg, 1/16kg, 1/32kg, and 1/8 liters, etc.
This may not look very clear to you, especially if you’re a newbie to production.
When you see chemical quantities like 1/32kg, convert them to grams so it can be easier for you to measure exactly what you need to use for your production.
I will urge you to buy a digital scale that you will be using for your productions.
To do your conversions, for instance:
- 1/32kg to grams will be 1000/32 = 31.25grams
- 1/8kg to grams will be 1000/8 = 125 grams
- If for liquids, ¼ liters to ml will be 1000/4 = 250ml
- 1/32 liters to ml will be 1000/32 = 31.25ml
When you get a digital scale, it will be straightforward to measure in grams once you convert measurements like 1/16kg to grams using the simple conversion I just showed you above.
Try to also buy a 1-liter measuring cup, it has markings on it in milliliters (ml). Once you do your conversion, you will then use your measuring cup to easily measure the quantity you need in ml.
I hope my explanation is clear enough; read it over until you understand well. You must understand how to convert and read your measurements.
Now, I need you to understand your measurements very well, this is one of the things you need to master to be able to produce different quantities of production.
You also need a thorough knowledge of measurements to be able to decrease or increase your chemical measurements to produce any quantity you want.
With this knowledge, you can break down any production formula you come across. Your measurements can be in multiples of kg or grams.
Let me show you below how 1kg measurement can be broken down
- Divide 1kg into 2; you will have ½ kg in 2 places. 1/2kg = 500grams
- Divide 1/2kg into 2; you will have 1/4kg in 2 places. 1/4kg = 250grams
- Divide 1/4kg into 2; you will have 1/8kg in 2 places. 1/8kg = 125grams
- Divide 1/8kg into 2, you will have 1/16kg in 2 places. 1/16kg= 62.5grams
- Divide 1/16kg into 2, you will have 1/32kg in 2 places 1/32kg = 31.25grams
- Divide 1/32kg into 2; you will have 1/64kg in 2 places. 1/64kg = 15.62 grams and so on……..This same breakdown also applies to 1 liter, as 1000ml = 1 liter
Depending on the total quantity of your production, measurements of each chemical will either be below 1kg or above.
So when you see a measurement above 1kg, like 1.3kg, it means 1300grams. If you see 1.65kg, it means 1650 grams. Take your time; read this over and over so you will understand.
This is elementary Mathematics we were taught in Primary school, you can look at the back of the exercise book, you will see this measurement conversion there.
The breakdown I did above also applies to liters too. Please study it well over and over.
12 Essential Rules for Chemical Unit Measurements and Safety Rule
In this part of the training guide, I will explain to you essential chemical handling safety instructions that you must adhere to.
I have met many people who handle chemicals without taking severe chemical safety and handling rules.
It would help if you weren’t like that, make sure you imbibe these rules so you will always have accident-free productions. This is very, very important.
I repeat, PAY utmost attention to these guidelines
Trust me; this fun craft can become somewhat dangerous and injurious if you’re not careful during production.
Scared already? Well, don’t be. I guarantee you that soap, detergents, and sanitary product making will be one of the most enjoyable (and sometimes addictive) activities you will ever engage in. Just like driving, cooking with gas,
frying with hot oil, or anything else that needs caution, as long as you take the necessary precautions and use common sense you will be absolutely fine! Trust me.
Chemical Unit Measurements and Safety Rule
Here are the basic safety rules that I personally adhere to in my productions, and you should do the same.
1.Chemical Unit Measurements and Safety Rule – Understand That Chemicals Can Be Dangerous
Chemicals like caustic soda, HCL, hydrogen peroxide, methanol, formalin, etc., are very toxic and should not contact the skin or be inhaled. Once you fully understand that the chemicals you produce can be lethal, you will handle them with care and keep them out of ochildren’she rea, especially if you work at home. This understanding will help everyone stay safe.
2. Chemical Unit Measurements and Safety Rule – Understand Your Ingredients and Functions before Using Them
It is also important to understand your chemical and the functions in your production (go back and read the section on chemicals and their functions if you haven’t done so. This knowledge will help you to make quality products and get the best out of each chemical.
3. Chemical Unit Measurements and Safety Rule – Be Sure To Wear Protective Clothing
To avoid contact with harmful substances and chemicals, wear rubber gloves, goggles, and nose masks. Wear long shirts and trousers that will cover your hands and legs.
4. Chemical Unit Measurements and Safety Rule – Label All Equipment “For Chemical Use Only.”
Separate your rubber bowls and other production items from those you use daily for other purposes especially cooking, you can even go ahead and completely store them out of sight.
This is especially important for those who work with chemicals at home so that members of your household especially children will not mistakenly use any of the items for something else.
5. Chemical Unit Measurements and Safety Rule – Always Have A Bottle Of Vinegar Or Clean Water By Your Side
Sodium hydroxide (caustic soda) is very harsh and can burn the skin,n and vinegar neutralize small drop splashes on the skin. In case of contact with caustic soda or HCl, use vinegar only after flushing the skin area very well with lots of clean water.
If you don’t have vinegar, never forget to have a bucket of clean water by your side to wash off any skin contact or spilling of chemicals while producing.
If you experience any chemical burn or drop in the eyes – contact a Doctor immediately, rinse the area with clean water and keep rinsing with water until you reach your physician.
6. Chemical Unit Measurements and Safety Rule – Eliminate All Distractions When Working With Chemicals
While you are producing, eliminate all distractions from children, pets, and even your spouse or your favorite program on TV.
This is to enable you fully concentrate on what you are doing. Distractions can lead to mistakes that could be fatal.
7. Chemical Unit Measurements and Safety Rule – Store Chemicals Securely and in a Cool Place.
Keep all your production chemicals in a safe place if you buy more than you can use for one production or use your chemicals as soon as you purchase them.
If you need to store them, keep them in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight and any naked flame or heat. Make sure that they are completely out of the reach of children and pets.
8.Chemical Unit Measurements and Safety Rule – Enlighten those around You
Most of the people I have trained who produce a small start out working from home.
Even if you won’t be producing at home, be sure to educate your entire family and those who work around you about chemical handling, the potential dangers, and how to stay safe. This is to prevent any form of ignorant action about chemicals.
9. Chemical Unit Measurements and Safety Rule – Avoid Food and Drinks While Handling Chemicals
Exercise great caution when working with chemicals and avoid eating foods or drinks at such times. Chemicals can contaminate your hands, so do not use cosmetics or handle glasses while producing.
Ensure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and rinse with plenty of clean water after each production before you handle food or drinks.
10. Chemical Unit Measurements and Safety Rule – Never Taste any of the Chemicals
Production chemicals are usually in different forms and have different characteristics. Some of them look like sugar or salt; some smell like beverages and have a sweet fragrance.
Do not ever be tempted to drink a little or taste any of the chemicals in your mouth no matter how much it looks or smells like food. Such action could be fatal to your health. Contact a doctor immediately if such an act is mistakenly done.
11. Chemical Unit Measurements and Safety Rule – Keep Your Work or Production Area Clean
After handling chemical materials during production, they are bound to be some spills; clean work surfaces and surroundings with soap and water to minimize contamination risks.
12. Chemical Unit Measurements and Safety Rule – Use Common Sense
You know… don’t cut yourself slack, don’t leave the work area unattended to, make sure to dedicate time and finish your production before you leave the work area to do any other chores or task. Some of the chemicals like nitrosol can even harden and become unusable if you mix them with water and leave it unattended.
Please take note and observe any other rules that will keep you safe which I didn’t mention in this section.
The number one reason why some people don’t try to handle chemicals at home is that they are afraid of the potential hazards.
Don’t be one of those people! Just take your time and be careful, and you will be just fine.
I have been working with chemicals for years now and have not encountered any ugly incidents because I always try to observe safety rules.
Handling chemicals is just like anything else that requires caution… whether it’s driving at night, using bleach around the house, making hot pap, or frying chicken with scorching hot oils, there are always slight risks involved.
But don’t worry, if you have common sense, and use my chemical handling safety tips as a guide, you will be able to enjoy this wonderful craft without issues. I can assure you of that.
Hope to see you in my next article.
