What precautions do you take to protect yourself from exposure to chemicals and other hazardous materials? What does your facility do to protect you from hazardous chemicals?

"Having obtained a degree in hazardous materials technology, I tend to look for potentially dangerous situations anytime I step into a workplace or other setting. If a workplace has stored chemicals, then material safety data sheets (MSDS) should be readily available for instructions on what to do or not to do in case of contact or spills. It's always a good idea to familiarize oneself with any substances that might pose a threat to your health and safety."
TROY PIERCE, Los Angeles

"My school does very little to nothing to protect us from hazardous materials. In fact, when it rains the ceilings have been known to cave in and pour water all over the place! The solution has been to divert the water into garbage cans. The water problem is so bad that [the resulting mold] makes people sick. Why are schools such toxic places to work? Put health and safety first and foremost, where it belongs. Our children deserve at least that."
CORLISS BLOCK, Saugerties, N.Y.

"The facility tries to supply me with the necessary materials to handle hazardous materials. If they cannot do so, I do not use them."
SHIRLEY RACHAL, Stonewall, La.