Becoming properly and expertly trained before working with chemicals is very important. In some cases the company will provide this training, in others, businesses look for people already trained.
If you do not feel the training has totally prepared you for whatever field you intend to work in, look for more guidance. This is not an area where "I'm sure it will be all right" applies. Chemicals can kill, and you must feel comfortable in your knowledge before approaching them.
Training can be divided into different areas, although many basics apply to all the ways you can come into contact with chemicals. You can learn to handle and use chemicals, transport or store them, work with them, or dispose of them. The specific training depends on the type of job you intend to do. Obviously learning to dispose of chemicals, where you may have to pour them into something is not the same as driving along a road with tons of them sitting behind you.
There are some basic things that apply to anyone having contact with any chemical; stability, i.e.
how it reacts to the environment or movement; how each chemical can enter the body, eg. Inhalation, by breathing it in, (and this depends on what form it takes, dust liquid etc.); - what risks are associated with it, i.e. does it make you scratch or do you die or become paralyzed; are the risks long-term or short-term, i.e. you feel fine today, but in 10 years time what will happen?Training should teach people how to handle, use and dispose, but it should also include how to deal with accidents quickly and effectively. The amount of damage done in the case of a spill can often depend on the amount of time the chemical is "free".
If it is cleared up quickly and the leak sealed off, there will be a smaller quantity around to do damage. It will have covered a smaller area and maybe less people will have been affected. It should also include some first aid, or emergency response procedures, as these can be vital in making a difference while waiting for the authorities to send an ambulance and expert team.You will learn about "toxicology", "the study of adverse effects of chemicals on living organisms". This prepares you for the worst and hopefully helps prevent it.
You should find out what is available in your area, as many countries offer free training as part of a "health and safety" campaign, and you can not learn too much where safety is concerned.