Classification of Hazards

Dr Hafizah Abdul Halim Yun

Common hazards
• Biological Hazards
• Physical Hazards
• Mechanical Hazards
• Electric Shock Hazards
• Ergonomic Hazards
• Chemical Hazards
 Biological Hazards
- Many biological hazards are associated
with food, including certain viruses,
parasites, fungi, bacteria and seafood
toxins
- The hazards form these bacteria can be
avoided through risk mitigations steps
such as proper handling, storing and
cooking of food
 Physical Hazards

-X-Rays are naturally occurring from

solar radiation, but have been utilized
by humans for medical purposes, but,
overexposure can lead to cancer, skin
burn and tissue damage
Mechanical Hazards
Electric Shock Hazards

-Body becomes part of an

electrical circuit
 Ergonomic Hazards
- It is a physical factor within the
environment that harms the
musculoskeletal system
- Include uncomfortable
workstation height and poorly
body positioning
- Caused by poorly designed
workplaces or processes
• Go to www.menti.com and use code 854401
• Please write one thing that cross your mind when you hear chemical
hazards.
Chemical Hazards
Two Major Chemical Groups
Organic Chemicals
• Based on the chemistry of carbon
• Hydrocarbons are the root of most organic
chemicals

Organic Compounds Without C-H Bonds

Few organic compounds don't contain carbon-hydrogen

bonds.
Examples of these exceptions include:
•carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)
•urea [CO(NH2)2]
Organic Chemicals
- Aromatic Hydrocarbons
• Benzene, toluene, xylene, and naphthalene
- Halogenated Hydrocarbons
• Freon, CFC’S, and PCB’S
- Phosphorylated Hydrocarbons
• Organophosphates
- Oxygenated Hydrocarbons
• Aldehydes, ketones, and carboxylic acids
Hazards of Organic Chemicals

• Most are flammable

• Characteristics such as flashpoints lower and upper
flammability and autoignition temperatures should be
known
• Most are anesthetics
• They should always be used in well-ventilated
spaces
• Some are carcinogens
• Toxicity limits should be known and appropriate
personal protective equipment worn
Inorganic Chemicals

• Acids
• Bases
• Salts
Identifying Acids
• Acids have a pH less than 7
• High concentration of H+ ions
• Turn litmus paper red
• React with metals to form hydrogen gas
Identifying Bases

• Bases have a pH greater than 7

• Low concentration of H+ ions
• Turn litmus paper blue
• Taste bitter
• Have a slippery, soapy feel
Identifying Salts

• Salts are one or more metal ions combined

with one or more nonmetal ions
• Formed when an acid and base react with one
another
• May be toxic and contain heavy metals
Hazard of Inorganic Chemicals

- Corrosive
• The second most commonly used and
transported group of hazardous materials.

• “Any liquid that has a severe corrosion rate

on steel”.
Hazard of Inorganic Chemicals

Corrosive
OSHA Definition:
“A chemical that causes visible
destruction of, or irreversible
alterations in, living tissue by
chemical action at the site of
contact.”
Properties of Chemicals

• Physical properties - Can be measured

• Chemical properties - How a chemical will
react
Physical Properties

• Volatility
• Boiling point
• Vapor pressure
• Measure of pressure that a gas/vapor will exert on
the inside of a closed container
• Measured in mm of mercury or inches of mercury
• As temperatures rise the vapor pressure increases
Physical Properties

• Evaporation rate
• Melting / Freezing point
• Specific gravity
• Water = 1
• Less than one is less dense and will float in water
• More than one is more dense and will sink in water
Physical Properties

• Vapor Density
• When the gases and vapors are compared to
normal room air (air = 1)
• Any gas or vapor that has a number less than
one is less dense and will rise in air
• Any gas or vapor that has a number larger
than one is more dense and will sink in air
• Solubility
• Chemical Compatibility
Physical Properties

• pH
• It is a scale
• Low and high numbers are corrosive
• Flashpoint
• Minimum temperature at which a substance gives off
vapor sufficient to form an ignitable mixture with air
Physical Properties

• Flammable - Flashpoint below 1410 F (610 C)

• Combustible - Flashpoint above 1410 F (610 C)

and below 2000 F (930 C)

• Ignitable - Flashpoint less than 1410 F (610 C)

Physical Properties

• Lower Flammable Limit

• Lowest concentration, by volume in air, which will
explode, ignite, or burn when there is an ignition
source
• Upper Flammable Limit
• Maximum concentration, by volume in air, which
will explode, ignite, or burn when there is an
ignition source
Fires

• Three elements necessary for

a fire to occur:
• Oxidizer (promote burning)
• Fuel (something to burn)
• Ignition source
Chemical Properties
• Oxidizers
-Chemicals that contain oxygen and will give it up readily
-May cause or enhance the combustion of other materials

• Pyrophoric
-Solids and liquids spontaneously ignite in air at certain temperatures

• Water reactive
- Chemicals become spontaneously flammable or give off flammable or toxic
gas when in contact with water
Physical Hazards
Physical hazards are chemicals
that can cause:
• Fire
• Explosion
• Violent reaction
Health Hazards
Health hazards are chemicals that are
harmful to your health and can
cause:
• Short-term (acute)
health problems
• Long term (chronic)
health problems
Health Hazards, continued…
OSHA considers a health hazard to be any
chemical which:
• Is toxic
• Is corrosive to the skin or eyes
• Is a respiratory sensitizer
• May cause cancer, birth defects or
reproductive issues
• Attacks specific organs
• Is harmful or deadly when inhaled
 Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
are one of the most important tools
available to employers
for providing information, and protection
to workers from hazardous chemicals
which are used in the workplace.
Material Safety Data Sheets
(MSDS)
• OSHA Requirements
• Identity
• Physical and Chemical Characteristics
• Physical Hazards
• Health Hazards
• Routes of Entry
• PEL (Permissible Exposure Limit) and TLV
(Threshold Limit Value)
Material Safety Data Sheets
(MSDS)
• OSHA Requirements
• Carcinogenicity
• Precautions for Safe Handling and Use
• Control Measures
• Emergency and First Aid Procedures
• Date of Preparation
• Name, Address, Phone Number of Prepare
Health Hazard Ranking
National
Fire
Protection
Agency
(NFPA)
Example, Chlorine water

Example, Mercury
Individual Assignment
• Briefly
-identify
-classify
-describe
more than 5 hazardous components based on your selection
room/venue/places
(provide the figure(s) in your report)