Mitigating Risks in Inappropriate Handling of Chemicals by Small-Scale Textile Producers in Sekondi-Takoradi, Ghana

Textile chemicals such as dyes, printing pigments, additives, oxidising agents and reducing agents can be very injurious to the body and the environment if not properly used. The prime focus of this study is to promote and maintain a safe and healthy environment by ensuring the highest level of environmental health and safety assistance for small scale textile dyers and chemical suppliers within the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Area of Ghana. Case Study, a descriptive research approach is used because data came mainly from archives, library and by direct observation of textile production practices at the small-scale level. The population for the study involved batik producers, tie-dye producers, screen printers and textile chemical suppliers and dealers. Interviews and observations were used in soliciting relevant data. Data collected was analysed and presented. The study suggests appropriate ways of working with dyes and other chemicals for dyeing. It also simplified information on the available Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for the understanding of the textile producers. This was tailored towards improving communication with the small-scale textile producers who collectively constitute a big percentage of textile producers in Ghana.