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Chemical Safety Hazards
Chemical safety training
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Course Objectives
▶ Provide participants with training to
▶ Identify hazards that exist in their workplaces
▶ Identify potential health effects of workplace hazards
▶ Understand ways that chemicals can enter the body
▶ Understand principles of hazard prevention and control
▶ Apply principles of hazard control in the work place
▶ Understand employer responsibilities regarding exposure to
hazardous chemicals
▶ Discuss and analyze strategies to create safer workplaces
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Introduction
▶ About 32 million workers are potentially exposed to one or
more chemical hazards1
▶ There are approximately 650,000 existing chemical products,
and hundreds of new ones being introduced annually1
▶ Chemical exposure may cause or contribute to many serious
health effects such as heart ailments, central nervous system
damage, kidney and lung damage, sterility, cancer, burns, and
rashes
▶ Some chemicals may also be safety hazards and have the
potential to cause fires and explosions and other serious
accidents
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Hazard Identification
▶ What are some hazards that can be
found in your workplace?
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Hazard Identification
▶ Routes of exposure
▶ Inhalation
▶ Absorption
▶ Ingestion
▶ Injection
Hazard Identification 6
Inhalation:
For most chemicals in the form of vapors, gases, mists, or
particulates, inhalation is the major route of entry. Once
inhaled, chemicals are either exhaled or deposited in the
respiratory tract. If deposited, damage can occur through direct
contact with tissue or the chemical may diffuse into the blood
through the lung-blood interface.
Upon contact with tissue in the upper respiratory tract or lungs,
chemicals may cause health effects ranging from simple
irritation to severe tissue destruction. Substances absorbed into
the blood are circulated and distributed to organs that have an
affinity for that particular chemical. Health effects can then
occur in the organs, which are sensitive to the toxicant.
Hazard Identification 7
Skin (or eye) absorption:
Skin (dermal) contact can cause effects that are relatively mild
such as redness or irritation (dermatitis); more severe effects
include destruction of skin tissue or other debilitating
conditions. Many chemicals can also cross the skin barrier
and be absorbed into the blood system. Once absorbed, they
may produce systemic damage to internal organs. The eyes
are particularly sensitive to chemicals. Even a short exposure
can cause severe effects to the eyes or the substance can be
absorbed through the eyes and be transported to other parts
of the body causing harmful effects.
Hazard Identification 8
Ingestion:
Chemicals that inadvertently get into the mouth and
are swallowed do not generally harm the
gastrointestinal tract itself unless they are irritating or
corrosive. Chemicals that are insoluble in the fluids of
the gastrointestinal tract (stomach, small, and large
intestines) are generally excreted. Others that are
soluble are absorbed through the lining of the
gastrointestinal tract. They are then transported by the
blood to internal organs where they can cause damage.
Hazard Identification 9
Injection:
Substances may enter the body if the skin
is penetrated or punctured by
contaminated objects. Effects can then
occur as the substance is circulated in the
blood and deposited in the target organs.
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Hazard Identification (cont. )
▶ Severity of health effects depend on
▶ Duration of exposure
▶ Frequency of exposure
▶ Route of exposure
▶ Personal health
▶ Type of chemical
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Types of Health Effects
▶ May be acute or long-term
▶ Neurologic
▶ Affect the brain, spinal cord, or nerves
▶ Respiratory
▶ Affects lung function
▶ Cardiovascular
▶ Affects movement of nutrients & wastes; body temperature
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Types of Health Effects (cont.)
▶ Immunologic
▶ Affects body’s ability to fight infection
▶ Mutagenic
▶ Cause changes in the genetic code
▶ Teratogenic
▶ Affect developing fetus or embryo
▶ Carcinogenic
▶ Affect rate of cell division
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Types of Hazards
▶ Biological
▶ Chemical
▶ Ergonomic
▶ Physical
▶ Psychosocial
▶ Safety
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Types of Chemicals
▶ Flammable
▶ Uses: solvents, adhesives, fuel
▶ Examples: Methanol, acetonitrile, diesel fuel, mineral spirits
▶ Corrosive
▶ Uses: cleaning agents, degreasers, chemical reactants
▶ Examples: Acetic acid, sodium hydroxide, ammonia; phenol
▶ Reactive
▶ Oxidizers
▶ Uses: disinfectants, cleaning agents; chlorine
▶ Examples: nitric acid, hydrogen peroxide
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Types of Chemicals (cont.)
▶ Organic peroxides
▶ Uses: Bleaching agents, disinfectants, chemical synthesis reactions
▶ Examples: benzoyl peroxide, methyl ethyl ketone peroxide; hydrogen
peroxide
▶ Water reactive
▶ Uses: Additives, neutralizers, chemical synthesis reactions
▶ Examples: sodium metal, sodium borohydride, sodium hydroxide
▶ Air reactive
▶ Uses: Adhesives, coating agents, chemical synthesis reactions
▶ Examples: silane, t-butyl lithium
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Types of Chemicals ( cont.)
▶ Toxic
▶ Carcinogen
▶ Uses: Solvent, cleaning fluid, degreaser, disinfectant
▶ Examples: benzene, carbon tetrachloride, formaldehyde*
▶ Mutagen:
▶ Uses: Disinfectant, solvent
▶ Examples: bromine, benzene; phenol
▶ Poison:
▶ Uses: Chemical preservative, pigment
▶ Examples: sodium azide, powdered pigments/inks
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Types of Chemicals (cont.)
▶ Sensitizer:
▶ Uses: Disinfectants, biocides
▶ Examples: formaldeyde, phenol
▶ Teratogen:
▶ Uses: Electrical equipment, insulation; conductors
▶ Examples: PCBs, mercury
▶ Irritant
▶ Powdered substances
▶ Uses: Filler, casting
▶ Examples: silica
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Protective Measures
▶ Substitute a safe(r) chemical, if possible
▶ Use appropriate engineering controls, including ventilation
▶ Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
when handling hazardous materials
▶ Remove PPE when entering common areas and hallways
▶ Label areas that require PPE
▶ Do not eat, drink, smoke, store food, or apply make up in
work areas
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Hierarchy of Controls
https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/hierarchy/
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How can workplace hazards be minimized?
▶ The first step in minimizing workplace hazards is to perform
a thorough hazard assessment
▶ Employers can rely on the evaluations performed by the
manufacturers or importers to establish the hazards of the
chemicals they use
▶ This information is obtained from SDSs and labels
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General Duty Clause
▶ Provide a workplace free of recognized hazards
▶ Employer has a legal obligation to provide workplace
without conditions or activities that are recognized as
hazardous and that cause, or are likely to cause, death
or serious physical harm to employees
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Employer Responsibilities
▶ Provide a workplace free of recognized hazards
▶ Identify and list hazardous chemicals in their workplaces
▶ Communicate hazard information to employees
▶ Provide training
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Training
▶ Training is required for employees who are exposed to
hazardous chemicals in their work area:
▶ At the time of initial assignment
▶ Whenever a new hazard is introduced into their work area
▶ Training must be provided in the language that the employee
can understand
https://www.arlo.co/features/training-company-software
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What training is needed to protect workers?
▶ Explanation of the information on labels, SDSs, and how to
obtain and use available hazard information
▶ How to detect the presence or release of a hazardous
chemical (using monitoring devices, observation, or smell)
▶ Hazards and potential health effects of chemicals
▶ Protective measures such as engineering controls, work
practices, and the use of PPE
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What information must be provided
to workers?
▶ Employees must be informed of:
▶ Operations in their work areas where hazardous
chemicals are present
▶ Location and availability of the written hazard evaluation
procedures, communications program, lists of hazardous
chemicals, and the required SDSs
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Recordkeeping
▶ Employers are responsible for
▶ Keeping records of work-related injuries and illnesses
▶ Providing employees, former employees, and designated
representatives with access to work-related injuries and
illnesses log
▶ Providing employees, former employees, and their
designated representatives with access to their medical
records and exposure records
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Employee Rights
▶ Receive information and training about hazards and about
methods to prevent harm. (HAZCOM)
▶The training must be in a language workers can understand
▶ Get copies of test results done to find hazards in the
workplace
▶ Review records of work-related injuries and illnesses
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Container Labeling in the Workplace
▶ Effective 2012, all chemicals must be labeled using the
Globally Harmonized System (GHS)
▶ There are 6 elements of a GHS label:
Product Name
Signal Word
Hazard Statement
https://www.bradyid.com/en-us/applications/ghs-labeling-requirements
Precautionary Statement
GHS Symbol
Manufacturer Information
Primary vs Secondary Container Labeling
▶ Primary containers must be labeled following GHS guidelines
▶ Bags, barrels, bottles, boxes, cans, cylinders, drums
▶ Received from manufacturer
▶ Secondary containers hold chemicals transferred from
primary containers
▶ Spray bottles, jugs, jars
▶ Must comply with GHS except when:
▶ Container stays within the work area and in possession of the
worker who filled it
▶ Material is used within the work shift of the individual who filled it
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Globally Harmonized System (GHS)
▶ The purpose of the GHS is to
standardize hazard
communication worldwide
▶ New SDS must incorporate GHS
system
PICTOGRAMS
PICTOGRAMS
▶HCS/GHS has 9 pictograms (environmental
is not mandatory)
Health
Hazard
Environment Flame
Skull and Exclamation
Crossbones Mark
HCS/GHS
Flame over a
Gas Cylinder
Circle
Exploding
Corrosion
Bomb
Health Hazard
Health Hazard
• Carcinogen
• Mutagen
• Reproductive Toxicity
• Respiratory
Sensitizer
• Target Organ Toxicity
Flame
Flame
• Flammables
• Pyrophorics
• Self-Heating
• Emits Flammable
Gas
• Self-Reactives
Exclamation Mark
Exclamation Mark
• Irritant (skin and eye)
• Skin Sensitizer
• Acute Toxicity (harmful)
• Narcotic Effects
• Respiratory Tract
Irritant
• Hazardous to Ozone
Gas Cylinder
Gas cylinder
• Gases under
Pressure
• Substance is compressed,
liquefied, or dissolved at
29 psi or more
Corrosion
corrosion
• Skin Corrosion/
burns
• Eye Damage
• Corrosive to Metals
Exploding Bomb
Exploding bomb
• Explosives
• Self-Reactives
• Organic
Peroxides
Flame over a Circle
Flame over a circle
• Oxidizers
• substances that release
oxygen to another material
for purpose of combustion
Skull and Crossbones
Skull and Crossbones
• Acute Toxicity
(severe)
• overexposure may be toxic or
fatal
Environment
(Non
Environment
Mandatory)
• Aquatic Toxicity
• toxic to plants and aquatic
life
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Safety Data Sheets
▶ Prepared by the chemical manufacturer or importer
▶ Must describe:
▶ Physical hazards, such as fire and explosion
▶ Health hazards, such as signs of exposure
▶ Routes of exposure
▶ Precautions for safe handling and use
▶ Emergency and first-aid procedures
▶ Control measures
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Safety Data Sheets (cont’d)
▶ Must be in English and include information regarding the
specific chemical identity and common names
▶ Must provide information about the:
▶ Physical and chemical characteristics
▶ Health effects
▶ Exposure limits
▶ Carcinogenicity (cancer-causing)
▶ Identification (name, address, and telephone number) of the
organization responsible for preparing the sheet
▶ Must be readily accessible to employees in their work area
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Safety Data Sheets (cont’d.)
▶ If no SDS has been received for a
hazardous chemical, employer
must contact the supplier,
manufacturer, or importer to
obtain one and maintain a record
of the contact
▶ As of 2012, SDS have new format
and requirements
Safety Data Sheets ( cont’d)
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1. Identification (product, manufacturer, contact)
2. Hazard Identification
3. Ingredients
4. First Aid Measures
5. Fire Fighting Measures
6. Accidental Release Measures
7. Handling and Storage
8. Exposure Controls/Personal Protection
9. Physical and Chemical Properties
10. Stability and Reactivity
11. Toxicological Information
12. Ecological Information (non-mandatory)
13. Disposal Considerations (non-mandatory)
14. Transport Information (non-mandatory)
15. Regulatory Information (non-mandatory)
16. Other Information
