Chemical Safety

1
Objective of the training

• Recognize chemical hazards commonly encountered in the field.

• Explain warning properties of various chemical hazards.

• Describe how to evaluate and control these hazards

2
Undesired Chemical properties

3
Toxicity

Ability of the substance to harm the body and the manner in which it harms
the body

Quantity + Duration + Toxicity = Dose

The dose makes the poison

4
Hazards of Chemicals.

• Chemicals can be hazardous for numerous reasons and can combine with
other chemicals to make new hazards
• All hazards must be taken into account when using and storing chemicals.
• The degree of hazard associated with a particular chemical will depend on:
✓ Its physical properties
✓ Its Chemical Properties (toxicity, flammability, Reactivity any special hazard
associated with it)
✓ Condition of the person exposed
✓ The way it is used
✓ The environment in which it is encountered.
✓ Route of entry into body.
5
States of Chemical

• Solid
✓ Dust
• Liquid
✓ Mist / Fog / Aerosol
• Gaseous
✓ Gas
✓ Vapour
✓ Fumes
6
Solids

Not all forms of a chemical pose a health hazard.

• For example, a lead pipe is not a significant health hazard. •However, the lead can
become a human health hazard if the pipe is sanded or welded, producing lead
dust or fumes.
• The dust or fumes can become airborne and be inhaled, or it can leach into water
and be ingested.

A chemical may be hazardous even in solid form.

• For example, individuals who are sensitized to nickel may develop dermatitis from
skin contact with the metal.
• Fuming solids emit toxic vapors that may be inhaled.
• Some materials, such as pesticides, can evaporate directly from solid form.
7
Liquids

Many liquids are hazardous in contact with the skin. They either damage the skin or they are easily absorbed through the
skin.

•chemicals that can damage or be absorbed through the skin and will have this effect on all skin, not just the hands.
For example,
•inhalation is the primary route for a chemical to enter the body. Its vapor pressure is important in determining the liquid’s
degree of hazard.
•Liquids with a low vapor pressure may create a low airborne concentration.
•Liquids with a high vapor pressure may produce high airborne concentrations.
•The hazard level of an airborne concentration depends in part on the chemical's toxicity.

8
Mode of entry into body

• Skin Contact

• Ingestion

• Inhalation

• Injection
9
Hazard Communication – Special Hazard

ACID = Acid Products

ALK = Alkali or Bases
COR = Corrosive Products
OX = Oxidizer
W = Reacts with water
= = Radioactive

10
Can Chemicals be used Safely

Yes….
• you know the hazards and how to protect yourself
• they are used only for approved purposes
• they are stored properly
• you use the correct personal protective equipment
• you do not eat in areas where chemicals are used
• you wash immediately if you come in contact with chemicals

11
Chemical Disposal

• Each chemical and container must be disposed

of properly
• No container is truly "empty" unless properly
cleaned
• Follow MSDS requirements for container
disposal
• Recycle unused chemicals
• Do not place hazardous chemicals in normal
trash receptacles
• Do not pour chemicals into sinks, onto the
ground or in storm drains

12
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)

• Show chemical safety information

• Each chemical has a separate MSDS
• MSDS is written by the chemical
manufacturer
• MSDS are provided by the chemical
manufacturer to provide additional
information concerning safe use of the
product.

13
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)

Tells you….
1. Common name and chemical name of has specific hazard information on
the material ✓ Fire and Explosion
2. Name, address and phone number of ✓ Chemical Reactions
the manufacturer ✓ Control Measures
3. Emergency phone numbers for ✓ Health Hazards
immediate hazard information ✓ Spill and Leak Procedures
4. Date the MSDS was written
5. Hazardous ingredients
6. Physical and health hazards of the
chemicals
7. Identification of chemical and physical
properties
8. First aid / emergency information
9. Safe handling and use information
14
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
Spill & Leak Procedure
• Clean up techniques
• Personal protective equipment to be
used during cleanup
• Disposal of waste and cleanup
material
Control Measures
• Engineering controls required for safe
product use
• Personal protective equipment
required for use of product
• Safe storage requirements and
guidelines
• Safe handling procedures
15
Protecting yourself from Chemicals

Personal Protective Equipment

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) may be needed to protect yourself from
chemical hazards
• Use the PPE required for each chemical
• Check the PPE before use to make sure it is not damaged
• Use face shield and goggles if there is a splash hazard
• Use the proper respirator for dusts, mists and fumes
• Use the right gloves when handling chemicals
• Properly clean and store your PPE after use
• Don't take PPE home - why risk exposing your family?

16