SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY

SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE AND ENGINEERING

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING
AY 2022 - 2023

ENGG CHEM 2476

CHEMICAL SAFETY

GROUP 7

Abella, Crysquei Aiko D.

Bestre, Aldrick Von D.
Caramat , Carl Andrei Z.
Fernandez, Ma. Aleeza Ronnette A.
Jabien, Shanley Josh B.
Malicdem, Nicole C.
Tayong, Rainier Lance D.
Tumayan, Alanis Faith D.
 INTRODUCTION

Chemicals are everywhere in our lives and are vital to our daily existence. They can

be found in everyday products such as cleaning agents, food, medicine, and even the air we

breathe. We may not always be aware of it, but chemicals surround us.

Whether it's the clothes we wear or the electronics we use, chemicals play a crucial

role in manufacturing almost every product we encounter. They are used to improve

performance, preserve freshness, and enhance overall product quality. Without chemicals,

many of the conveniences and advancements we enjoy today would not be possible.

However, not all chemicals are harmless. Some can be highly toxic and pose

significant risks to both our health and the environment. Improper handling or disposal of

these chemicals can result in contamination of our air, water, and soil, leading to harmful

consequences for both humans and ecosystems.

World Health Organization (WHO) summarized scientific evidence and provides risk

management recommendations for the 10 chemicals or groups of chemicals of major public

health concern listed below:

1. Air pollution

2. Arsenic

3. Asbestos

4. Benzene

5. Cadmium
6. Dioxin and dioxin-like substances

7. Inadequate or excess fluoride

8. Lead

9. Mercury

10. Highly hazardous pesticides

The increasing production and use of chemicals, particularly in developing countries,

raises concerns about potential negative impacts on public health. Without proper

management and regulation, exposure to hazardous chemicals can lead to various health

problems, including respiratory issues, neurological disorders, and even cancer. Moreover,

chemicals can persist in the environment, accumulating in plants and animals, and causing

long-term ecological damage.

To address these risks and safeguard human health, it is crucial to implement effective

chemical management practices. This requires collaboration and coordination among

government agencies, industries, healthcare professionals, and environmental organizations.

By ensuring the safe handling, storage, transportation, and disposal of chemicals, we can

minimize associated risks and promote a healthier and more sustainable future.

In conclusion, while chemicals are essential and contribute to many advancements,

responsible management is key. Prioritizing proper handling and regulation of chemicals

allows us to mitigate health risks and protect both ourselves and the environment from

potential harm.
CHEMICAL SAFETY AND HAZARD COMMUNICATION PROGRAM

CHEMICAL - Chemical substances are composed of unique

molecular configurations that undergo a range of interactions and

reactions. They can exist in multiple forms (solid, liquid, or gas)

and possess a wide array of characteristics and applications in

various industries and everyday activities.

Examples:

● Water

● Carbon Dioxide

pH - pH is a measurement that characterizes the acidic or basic nature of a solution. It

employs a logarithmic scale to assess the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) within the

solution. The pH scale spans from 0 to 14, where a pH of 7 is regarded as neutral. Values

below 7 indicate acidity, with lower numbers indicating higher acidity. Conversely, values

above 7 indicate alkalinity, with higher numbers representing greater alkalinity.

ACID - An acid is a specific type of chemical compound

that, when mixed with water or another solvent, releases

hydrogen ions (H+). Acid is an Organic or inorganic

compound that has pH less than 7. Acids are recognized by their capability to donate protons

or accept pairs of electrons during chemical reactions. They possess unique attributes that aid

in their identification, such as a sour taste, the ability to generate hydrogen gas when reacting

with metals, the capacity to alter the color of specific indicators (e.g., changing blue litmus

paper to red), and the ability to conduct electricity when dissolved in water. Acids can be

categorized as either strong or weak, depending on their degree of dissociation and the extent

to which they release hydrogen ions in a solution.

Example:

● HCl - hydrochloric acid, muriatic acid

● H2SO4 - sulfuric acid, dipping acid

● HNO3 - nitric acid, aqua fortis

ALKALINE; CAUSTIC; BASE - Alkaline substances,

referred to as bases, are chemical compounds that can

receive protons or give pairs of electrons during chemical

reactions, resulting in the release of hydroxide ions (OH-)

when mixed with water. In contrast, caustic substances are

exceptionally reactive and corrosive bases that can inflict significant harm on living tissue,

while bases in general exhibit characteristics like a bitter taste, the ability to change the color

of red litmus paper to blue, and the capability to conduct electricity when dissolved in water.

Example:

● Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) – often called "caustic soda"

● Potassium hydroxide (KOH) – commonly called "caustic potash"

 ● Lye – generic term for either of the two previous salts or their mixture

● Calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) – saturated solution known as "lime water"

SOLVENT - A solvent is a material with the ability to dissolve or disperse other substances,

resulting in the formation of a homogeneous mixture called a solution.

Solvents are commonly liquids but can also exist as solids or gas, and

they facilitate the dissolution of solutes by weakening their molecular

forces and dispersing their particles uniformly within the solvent

matrix.

Example:

● Water

● Ethanol

● Methanol

● Methyl acetate

● Ethyl acetate

● Hexane

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

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

specified conditions

Example:

● An instance of a flashpoint is illustrated by gasoline, which

generally exhibits a flashpoint ranging from -40°C to -45°C.

VOLATILITY - Volatility pertains to the inclination of a substance to

undergo evaporation or vaporization at a specified temperature, whereas

substances with high volatility are more prone to evaporation. It holds

considerable importance in governing the evaporation rate, the dispersion

of substances across various settings, and the effectiveness of chemical

reactions.

Examples:

● Acetone

● IPA

● Methanol
 EXPLOSIVE - Explosive describes a substance or material

with exceptional reactivity, able to undergo swift

decomposition or combustion that yields a substantial

release of energy in the form of an explosion. This forceful energy release prompts the rapid

expansion of gas, the creation of shockwaves, and the generation of intense heat, thereby

presenting a grave threat to human safety and the potential for severe environmental damage.

Examples:

● acetylene compressed gas

RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsibilities in chemical safety encompass the obligations and actions that

individuals and organizations must undertake to ensure the safe handling, storage, and use of

chemicals. The main objectives of these responsibilities are to protect human health,

minimize environmental impacts, and prevent accidents or incidents associated with

hazardous chemical substances. This entails the implementation of rigorous risk assessment

practices, adherence to safety protocols and guidelines, provision of comprehensive training,

compliance with regulatory requirements, and the fostering of a safety-oriented culture

throughout all stages of chemical handling and administration.

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 the 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.
 A physical hazard pertains to the potential risk or hazard that arises from the inherent

physical properties or characteristics of a substance, equipment, or environment. It

encompasses a range of factors including but not limited to flammability, explosiveness,

reactivity, and physical conditions that have the potential to cause harm, injury, or damage.

Physical hazards may manifest as fire, explosions, extreme temperatures, high pressure,

radiation, electrical hazards, or mechanical hazards, among others. Comprehensive

understanding and effective management of physical hazards are imperative in promoting

workplace safety, accident prevention, and safeguarding the well-being of individuals and

property.

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

A. INHALATION

● Air sacs in our lungs absorb oxygen and other chemicals that are in the air into the

bloodstream

● Most common form of exposure

 B. INGESTION

● Chemicals enter our body through skin, and mucous membranes of the eyes.

● 2nd most common form of exposure

C. SKIN ABSORPTION

● Eating: contaminated hands

● Swallowing: accidental

D. INJECTION

● Chemicals are injected into a person by a needle or sharp object such as glass or nails.

PROPERTIES AND PRECAUTIONS

SOLVENTS

Properties:

- Narcotics in high concentration; An addictive drug that reduces pain, alters mood and

behavior.

- Vaporizes immediately when exposed to atmospheric air making it explode and fire

hazard if exposed to heat or open flame.

- Can dissolve ordinary plastic container especially at elevated temp.

Precautions:

- Handle in a vented fume hood labeled for solvents only.

- Store in a chemical cabinet approved for flammable chemicals and should not be

mixed with corrosive/oxidizing chemicals.

 - There must be no open flame or sparks in the hood and all equipment must be

explosion proof.

- Never mix with acids or oxidants it can create explosion and fire

Personal Protective Equipment:

- Safety glasses

- Chemical gloves

- Chemical apron

- Solvent respirators

- Face shield when handling large volume of chemical

Disposal:

- Dispose pure solvent into appropriate labeled waste can or empty containers of the

same chemical.

- Do not mix with other chemical waste or ordinary trash.

- Do not dispose of it in a fume hood sink.

- Submit waste solvent to proper facility (e.g. waste treatment plant)

ACID CHEMICALS

Properties

- pH level is below 7.0

- Very corrosive and cause tissue burns.

- Can irritate the throat after exposure.

- Repeated contact

- Dermatitis is brought on by repeated contact with diluted liquids.

 - Long-term exposure to its concentrated vapor can result in inflammation of the

respiratory system resulting in pneumonia or chronic bronchitis.

- Both strong acid and weak acid are dangerous.

Precautions:

- Do not wear contact lenses.

- Never mix with cyanides, it will produce toxic/ deadly gas.

- Never mix with caustics, it will make violent reactions.

- Never mix with solvents, it can cause explosions and fire.

- Use/handle in vented fume hood labeled for corrosive only

Disposal:

- Dispose of the fume hood sink while flushing with liberal amount of water.

- Contaminated absorbing materials should be properly disposed of in a garbage

container labeled with corrosive or acid chemicals.

- The container should be properly sealed and then submitted to a proper facility (e.g.

waste treatment plant).

Personal Protective Equipment:

- Goggles/Safety glasses

- Rubber gloves designated for acid

- Respirators designated for acid

- Acid resistant apron

- Acid resistant sleeves

- Face shield when handling large volume of acid Chemical resistant safety shoes
ALKALINE CHEMICALS

Properties:

- pH is above 7.0.

- Basic solutions taste bitter and feel slippery.

- Its corrosive action on the tissues causes burns and deep ulceration with ultimate

- scarring.

- It reacts violently with acids.

- Inhalation of the dust or concentrated mist can damage respiratory tract and lung

- Tissue.

Precautions:

- Do not wear contact lenses.

- Do not mix other chemicals not unless with an approved procedure.

- Handle in a vented fume hood designated for corrosive only.

Personal Protective Equipment

- Goggles and safety glasses.

- Rubber gloves designated for corrosive chemicals.

- Respirators designated for base/alkaline solutions.

- Corrosive resistant apron

- Corrosive resistant sleeves

- Face shield when handling large volumes of chemical

- Chemical resistant safety shoes

HAZARDOUS CHEMICAL/GASSES IDENTIFICATION

It is important to properly identify and label hazardous chemicals and gasses to ensure

the safety of individuals working with or near them. The minimum requirements for warning

labels include the name of the chemical, hazard warnings/precautions, manufacturer's name

and address, and information on proper personal protective equipment (PPE). Material Safety

Data Sheets (MSDS) provide a comprehensive summary of health and safety research on

chemical products. They include sections on product information, ingredient information,

hazards identification, first aid measures, and fire fighting measures. It is crucial to have

up-to-date MSDS that are not older than three years to ensure accurate and current

information.

In addition to that, the information in sections 1-15 provides important guidance and

procedures related to accidental release measures, handling and storage of the product,

exposure control and personal protection, physical and chemical properties, stability and
reactivity, toxicological information, ecological information, disposal considerations, and

transport information. It is crucial to review and follow these guidelines to ensure the safe

and proper handling, storage, and disposal of the product to minimize any potential risks to

human health and the environment.

❖ Section 1 - Product Information Product Name Manufacturer or Supplier’s Name

Product Use Peparer’s Name Date (cannot be older than three years)

❖ Section 2 - Information of Ingredients Ingredients by name Chemical Abstract

Service (CAS) number - code identification LD50 and LC50 values if available;

LD50 I the dose that kills half (50) of the animals tested (LD = “lethal dose”). The

animals are usually rats or mice, although rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and so on are

sometimes used.

❖ Section 3 - Hazards Identification Routes of entry Hazard symbols Potential health

effects

❖ Section 4 - First Aid Measures Should indicate the first aid measures for each type of

contact: Skin contact Eye contact Inhalation Ingestion

❖ Section 5 - Fire Fighting Measures Flash Point/Auto Ignition Temperature Fire

Extinguishing Media/Procedures

❖ Section 6 - Accidental Release Measures Leak and Spill Procedures

❖ Section 7 - Handling and Storage Handling Procedure and Equipment Storage

Condition Requirements

❖ Section 8 - Exposure Control/Personal Protection Exposure Limits Specific

Engineering Controls PPE needed

❖ Section 9 - Physical and Chemical Properties Form Appearance Odor Specific

gravity Vapor pressure/Boiling point Vapor density pH

 ❖ Section 10 - Stability and Reactivity Chemical Stability Incompatibility to other

substances Reactivity under certain conditions Hazardous Decomposition Products

❖ Section 11 - Toxicological Information Effects of Acute Exposure Effects of chronic

exposure Irritancy of Product Skin sensitization Carcinogenicity Reproductive

Toxicity Embryotoxicity Respiratory sensitization Respiratory sensitization

Carcinogenicity - ACGIH Teratogenicity Mutagenicity

❖ Section 12 - Ecological Information Aquatic Toxicity

❖ Section 13 - Disposal Considerations Waste Disposal

❖ Section 14 - Transport Information Shipping Information

❖ Section 15 - Regulatory Information Government Agency Regulations

❖ Section 16 - Other Information

HAZARD COMMUNICATION CARD

NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION AGENCY (NFPA) DIAMOND - What is it?

It is a warning sign placed prominently in areas of potential hazards

Responsibility of User:

- Read the label on the container of every chemical you use.

- Check the MSDS whenever you need additional information about how to control

material’s hazard or when in doubt.

- Follow instructions contained in the MSDS.

HEIRARCHY OF SAFETY CONTROLS

ENGINEERING CONTROLS

- Control Hazard from source (e.g. scrubber, exhaust hoods, alarm/monitors/computer

controls and ventilation)

ADMINISTRATIVE

- Trainings

- Procedures

- Audits
 - Disciplinary action

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

- Safety glasses/goggles

- Chemical gloves

- Face shields

- Respirator

- Safety shoes

CHEMICAL SPILLS

Chemical spills can cause:

- Health hazards to workers

- Environmental damage

- Fire and explosions

Chemical Spill Response Plan: Know Chemical

1. Identify the chemical

2. Check the precautions and the hazards on the MSDS

3. Block off the area with safety cones, barricade tape or rope and report the spill to your

supervisor or other workers.

4. After determining that the chemical isn’t flammable or a health hazard, shut off the

source of the spill.

5. Use absorbent materials, sandbags, pads, or sawdust to protect any nearby drains.
 6. Check the MSDS and Emergency Response Guidebook for spill containment and

cleanup information.

7. Build a dike around the spill to prevent further spreading.

8. Again, use sand bags, pads or sawdust absorb spill material

9. If the spilled substance is an acid or caustic, neutralization may be necessary.

10. Cleanup now can begin. When using absorbent start at the outer edge and work

towards the center.

11. After the spilled material has been absorbed, it can be swept up and placed in a

properly labeled disposal container.

12. Store damaged or leaking drums or other containers inside a salvage drum.

13. Read the MSDS for final disposal instructions

STORAGE AND HANDLING OF CHEMICALS

Proper Storage:

1. Chemicals should be stored according to their characteristics. Corrosive chemicals should

not be stored together with flammable chemicals.

2. Stored chemicals should be properly labeled and covered.

3. Storage area should have spill containment and spill kit available.

4. List of approved chemicals should be available in the storage cabinet or room.

5. Cabinets and storage rooms should be compatible with the chemical being stored.

6. Chemicals should be transported in trolleys with spill containment and spill kit.

7. Chemicals should not be transported using an elevator.

8. Empty chemical containers should be considered as full until they are decontaminated.

9. Chemical storage rooms should be restricted to authorized personnel only.

10. Know location of emergency exits inside chemical storage room.

11. Ventilation should be available inside the chemical storage room.

12. Flammable containers should be grounded.

13. Chemicals in each area must be limited to minimal storage enough for the approved

chemical storage or chemical cabinet capacity in the area.

Do’s in Chemical Handling:

1. Check the location of eyewash and shower. Verify from the supervisor if they are

functioning.

2. Always wear the required protective equipment.

3. Contain chemicals that previously contained.

4. Handle chemicals under fume good designated for such.

5. Discard containers that have cracks or chips.

6. Mix or dilute chemicals only in strict accordance with manufacturing specification.

7. Store chemicals in cabinets/enclosures intended for such.

8. Clean up spills when they happen.

9. Use chemicals for their intended use only.

10. Read labels on chemical containers.

11. Label shows vital information for safe handling such as:

a. dangerous properties of chemicals and its precautions

b. type of storage and proper PPE

c. emergency action for spills and disposal

Don'ts in Chemical Handling:

1. Do not be afraid to ask questions regarding chemicals.

a. If you need to ask questions or need assistance, contact your supervisor.

b. If frequently occurring safety problems are not resolved in a reasonable time, discuss

these problems with your safety engineer.

2. Never mix acids with caustics, cyanides, solvents, flammables, nor oxidants.

3. Never add water to certain chemicals. Instead add chemical slowly to water

4. Never store acid containers together with flammable, cyanides, or caustics.

5. Never pour waste acid into waste solvents cans.

6. Never use chemicals without wearing the proper requirement on protective equipment.

7. Never carry chemicals in the open air.

8. Never put chemicals on an elevation more than 3 feet above the floor.

9. Never mix trash with chemicals.

10. Never use flammable solvent such as acetone or methanol for cleaning.

11. Do not use chemicals improperly.

12. Foods are not allowed inside chemical cabinets and inside laboratories where chemicals

are being used.

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