CHEMICAL SAFETY & HAZARD COMMUNICATION PROGRAM
COMMON TERMS AND DEFINITIONS
CHEMICAL - any substance with a molecular identity
Examples: water, carbon dioxide
pH - power of Hydrogen (+)
- value that represents the acidity of alakalinity of a certain solution
ACID - organic or inorganic compound that has pH less than 7.0
Examples: HCl - hydrochloric acid, muriatic acid
H2SO4 - sulfuric acid, dipping acid
HNO3 - nitric acid, aqua fortis
ALKALINE; CAUSTIC; BASE - organic or inorganic compound that has pH greater than 7.0
Examples: NaOH - sodium hydroxide, caustic soda
KOH - potassium hydroxide, caustic potash
SOLVENT - chemical that can dissolve other materials to form mixture.
Examples: acetone, 2-propanone
Isopropyl alcohol, 2-propanol
paint thinner
CORROSIVE - substance that causes visible destruction to human skin tissue at the site of
contact; liquid that has a severe reaction rate on steel/metal
Examples: acid, caustic
FLAMMABLE - any liquid having a flashpoint below 100 oF (37.8 oC)
Examples: acetone, IPA, methanol, paint thinner
COMBUSTIBLE - those with flashpoint above 100 oF but below 200 oF (93.9 oC)
Example: Fuel
FLASHPOINT - the lowest temperature at which vapors from volatile liquid will ignite
momentarily upon application of a small flame under specfied conditions
VOLATILITY - the tendency or ability of a liquid to quickly vaporize
Examples: acetone, IPA, methanol
EXPLOSIVE - material that produces a sudden, almost instantaneous release of pressure,
gas and heat when subjected to abrupt shock, pressure or high temperature
Examples: acetylene compressed gases
RESPONSIBILITIES
SUPERVISORS
a) Maintain a complete LIST and MSDS of chemicals used in his/her area.
b) Acquire MSDS from the manufacturer/supplier or get assistance from P&L.
c) Have his/her PS properly trained on chemical safety.
d) Assist in evaluating chemicals used in his/her area.
ALL EMPLOYEES
a) Be informed on the potential hazard of chemicals he,she may come in contact with
and the other proper precautions.
b) Follow all Environment, Safety & Health requirements when working with chemicals.
c) Read label on the container of every chemical used.
d) Check the MSDS for detailed information or when in doubt and follow instructions
stated therein.
HAZARD COMMUNICATION
Requirements:
All chemicals must be approved by ESH before the chemicals enter the plant.
No chemicals can be brought in visitors’ lobby or any other employee entrance.
An information update should occur whenever a new chemical is introduced into the
work area, including those to be used in construction.
A current inventory list of chemicals used must be posted in the work area and is also
maintained by ESH coordinators.
TYPES OF POTENTIAL HAZARDS
PHYSICAL HAZARD
A chemical for which there is valid evidence that it is a combustible liquid, a compressed
gas, explosive, flammable, an organic peroxide, an oxidizer, pyrophoric, unstable (reactive)
or water-reactive. Affects the body physically like cuts, burns, eye injury, skin irritation, etc.
HEALTH HAZARD
The term "health hazard" includes chemicals which are skin irritants, corrosives, sensitizers,
toxins, and agents which can damage lungs, skin, eyes, or mucous membranes.
CHRONIC HEALTH HAZARD: Affect the body through long-term exposure.
ACUTE HEALTH HAZARD: Affect the body through short-term exposure.
EXPOSURE ROUTES
> INHALATION
Air sacs in our lungs absorb oxygen and other chemicals that are in the air into the
blood stream
Most common form of exposure
> INGESTION
Chemicals enter our body through skin, and mucous membrane of eyes.
2nd most common form of exposure
>SKIN ABSORPTION
Eating: contaminated hands
Swallowing: accidental
>INJECTION
Chemicals is injected into a person by a needle or sharp object such as glass or nails.
