Chemicals can make you sick

Workers at a Croydon spa factory now know that you can't treat chemicals like their water paints, and that their job is no finger-painting exercise.

But the factory owners didn't have a clue. When an FFTS Union official walked into the place, the ceiling was collapsing and there were dangerous solvents - epoxy spray paint, resin and fibreglass - strewn all over the floor. The whole factory was like a poison chamber, with no ventilation and no extraction fans.

There are some simple things you can do to make sure you don't get sick:

• Your employer must explain what chemicals you work with, and their dangers.
• You have the right to receive information and training about the chemical hazards you work with.
• You have the right to work in a healthy and safe environment.
• Your employer must provide information, training and supervision to you and other workers who could be exposed to hazardous chemicals.
• If it's not labelled, ask your employer.
• If you're not sure, don't use it.
• If you are worried about working with a particular chemical, see your Union Health and Safety Representative at work.