Hazardous Substances

COSHH (Controls of Substances

Hazardous to Health)
 Objectives
Lesson objectives:
1. Identify types of hazardous materials and how
exposures can occur.
2. Identify hazards associated with hazardous materials,
including injuries that may occur.
3. health hazards of hazardous materials.
4. Acute and chronic effects of hazardous substances
5. Control measure and risk assessment for hazardous
materials
6. Material Safety Data sheets.
7. Labelling of the hazardous substances and pictographs
8. Describe how to control hazards and protect yourself.
 Right to Know
You, as an employee, have a Right to Know
about the hazardous materials used in your work
area and the potential effects of these materials
.upon your health and safety

.
 What is a Hazard?
 A hazard is a condition or circumstance that has the potential
to contribute to an unplanned or undesired event, i.e. injury,
property damage or environmental impact.

 It’s a source of danger that must be identified and properly

mitigated/controlled to prevent an unplanned or undesired event.
Can you find the hazard?
 Exposure to Hazardous Materials
What are hazardous materials?
 Group of products for which the
storage, handling, and use are regulated
under the Hazardous Materials standard
 Primarily associated with physical
hazard
 May also pose health hazard
 Exposure to Hazardous Materials
Examples of worksite exposure:
Operations involving the storage,
handling, and/or use of:
Compressed gases
Liquefied gases – anhydrous ammonia,
chlorine, propane, nitrous oxide, and
carbon dioxide
Non-liquefied gases – oxygen, nitrogen,
helium, and argon
Dissolved gases - acetylene
 Exposure to Hazardous Materials

– Flammable liquids
• Category 1 – ethyl ether, isopentane, propylene
oxide
• Category 2 – acetone, benzene, ethyl alcohol,
gasoline isopropyl alcohol, toluene
• Category 3 – naphtha, turpentine, xylene
• Category 4 – ethylene glycol, glycerine
– Cryogenics and refrigerated liquids – oxygen,
nitrogen, argon, hydrogen, helium LNG, Liquid
methane, carbon monoxide
– Liquefied petroleum gases (LPGs) – propane,
propylene, butane, and butylene
– Explosives and blasting agents
 Exposure to Hazardous Materials

Spray finishing operations

Dipping and coating
operations
Processing of highly
hazardous chemicals
Clean-up and
management of hazardous
waste operations and
emergency response
 Exposure to Hazardous Materials

Additional precautions for hazard exposures:

Hazardous (classified) locations
Confined spaces
Routes of entry:
Inhalation*
Ingestion
Absorption
Injection

* Most Common
 Types of physical hazards associated
:with hazardous materials
• Oxidizer • Corrosive to metal
• Flammable • High-pressure systems
• Explosion
Types of health hazards associated with
:hazardous materials
• Acute/chronic toxicity • Germ cell mutagenicity
• Skin corrosion or irritation • Carcinogenicity
• Aspiration hazard • Reproductive toxicity
• Serious eye damage • Specific target organ
or eye irritation toxicity
• Respiratory or
skin sensitization

Source of pictograms: OSHA

 Health Hazards 4.2
Health Hazard - Any chemical that may be harmful to your
health is called a health hazard.
The most common types of health hazards are:
Corrosive
Irritant
Sensitizers
Toxic Materials
Carcinogens
Teratogens
Organ Specific Hazards
 Health Hazards 4.2
Corrosives - cause tissue damage and burns on contact with the skin and eyes.
Primary Irritants - cause intense redness or swelling of the skin or eyes on
contact, but with no permanent tissue damage.
Sensitizers - cause an allergic skin or lung reaction.
Acutely Toxic Materials - cause an adverse effect, even at a very low dose.
Carcinogens - may cause cancer.
Teratogens - may cause birth defects.
Organ Specific Hazards - may cause damage to specific organ systems, such
as the blood, liver, lungs, or reproductive system.
 Health Hazard Symbols 4.2.1

The Medical symbol is a general symbol used to

identify materials which are health hazards.
 Health Hazard Symbols 4.2.1

Corrosives - Corrosives cause tissue damage and

.burns on contact with skin or eyes
 Corrosive Chemicals – Inhalation and Eyes

Inhalation of corrosive mists or vapors can cause severe

bronchial irritation.

Corrosives are especially damaging to the eyes.

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Examples of Corrosive Chemicals
• Sulfuric Acid

• Ammonia

• Chromic acid

• Phenol

• Acetic Acid

• Chlorine
Batteries contain sulfuric acid

.
 Irritant - A substance that may cause irritation
to the skin, eyes or inside your body.

.
Toxic Materials - cause an adverse effect, even at a
very low dose.
Radioactive - The genetic effects of radiation,
including the effect of cancer risk.
Biological hazards, also known as biohazards -
biological substances that pose a threat to the health of
living organisms, primarily that of humans.
 Toxicity vs. Hazard 4.2.2

The term toxicity is used to describe the ability of a

substance to cause a harmful effect. EVERYTHING is
toxic at some dose. Even water! If someone drinks too
much water at any one time, it can cause death.
 Toxicity vs. Dose 4.2.3

There is a balance between toxicity and dose. Dose is the

AMOUNT of something you are exposed to, or come in contact
with. The less the toxicity, the greater the dose you can tolerate
without ill effects. The greater the toxicity, the less dose you can
tolerate without becoming sick.
 High Toxicity - Low Dose
For example, acetone is a highly toxic chemical. But
you could work safely with it, if you were outside or in
a well ventilated room where your dose would be very
low. As the chart below shows, your hazard potential
for working with acetone in a well ventilated room
would be low.
 Low Toxicity - High Dose
Let's take another example. Nitrogen gas has a low toxic
rating. It is found in great amounts in the air we breathe.
However, if you were in a confined space that had only
nitrogen gas in it (a very high dose), you would soon die
because of the lack of oxygen. As the chart below indicates,
your hazard potential for working in a room filled with
nitrogen would be high.
 Acute vs. Chronic
The effects of health hazards are
:classified as either

Acute •

Chronic •
 Acute Health Hazards
are those whose effects occur immediately or soon
.after you come in contact with them

For example, you accidentally spill a strong acid on

your hand. The acid will begin to burn your hand
immediately. Or, you begin to work with a paint
solvent in a closed area, and the fumes make you
.feel dizzy
Chronic Health Hazards are those whose effects take
.years or decades to occur after many exposures

An example of a chronic health hazard would be

asbestos. The dangerous effects for people who have
been overexposed to asbestos take years to appear and
.have been linked to a number of fatal lung diseases
 Hazards of Hazardous Materials
Compressed gases:
 Oxygen displacement
 Fires
 Explosion
 Toxic gas exposures
 Physical hazards associated with
high pressure systems
 Hazards of Hazardous Materials

Cryogenic and
refrigerated liquids:
 Extreme cold
 Extreme pressure
 Asphyxiation
 Fire or explosion

Source: OSHA
 Hazards of Hazardous Materials
Flammable liquids:

Fire

Explosion
 Hazards of Hazardous Materials
Spray finishing:
Flammable/combustible materials
Health hazards
Example: Isocyanates
Powerful irritant to eyes and
gastrointestinal and
respiratory tracts
Inflammation to skin
 Hazards
Liquefied petroleum gases (LPG):
of Hazardous Materials
 Pictograms:
 Signal word: Danger
 Hazard statements:
Extremely flammable gas.
Contains gas under pressure;
may explode if heated.
May cause frostbite.
May form explosive mixtures in air.
May displace oxygen and cause rapid suffocation.
 Hazards
Anhydrous ammonia:
of Hazardous Materials
 Pictograms:
 Signal word: Danger
 Hazard statements
Flammable Gas
Contains gas under pressure
May explode if heated
Toxic if inhaled
Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
Corrosive to respiratory tract
Hazardous (classified) locations:
• Class I – flammable gases or vapors
Class l locations are those in which flammable gases or vapors are or may
be present in the air in quantities sufficient to produce explosive or
ignitable mixtures
• Class II – combustible dust
Class II hazardous locations are areas where combustible dust, rather than
gases or liquids, may be present in varying hazardous concentrations.
• Class III – ignitable fibers or flyings
• Class III hazardous locations contain easily ignitable fibers or flyings,
but the concentration of these fibers or flyings are not suspended in
the air in such quantities that would produce ignitable mixtures.
Confined spaces:
• Limited or restricted means
for entry/exit; not designed
for continuous occupancy
• PRCS contains or has
potential to contain
hazardous atmospheres
 Hazards Control
There are a number of ways that can safeguard our health and
.physical safety when using hazardous materials
Product Substitution
Engineering Controls
Safe Work Practices
Personal Protective Equipment
Training and Communication
Environmental Monitoring
Personal Monitoring
 Product Substitution
Because many chemicals do similar jobs, it
is important to select chemicals that do a
.good job, while being less toxic
 Engineering Controls
Well designed work areas minimize exposure to
materials which are hazardous. Examples of
engineering controls would include exhaust
.systems and wetting systems to control dust
 Administrative Controls
Safe Work Practices
Safe work practices will insure
that chemicals are used correctly
.and safely
Controlling Health Hazards

Source: NIOSH
Controlling Health Hazards

Source: NIOSH
Controlling Health Hazards
Controlling Health Hazards
 Controlling Health Hazards
Process Safety Management (PSM) of highly hazardous chemicals:

Regulations designed to prevent the

release of toxic, reactive, flammable
and/or explosive chemicals.
Contains a list and threshold limits
for when employers must comply.
Anhydrous Ammonia - 10,000 lbs
Chlorine - 1,500 lbs
 Controlling Health Hazards
Hazardous Waste Operations and
Emergency Response (HAZWOPER):
Applies to employers and their
employees who are exposed to
hazardous substances and who are
engaged in several operations including
clean-up, treatment, storage and
disposal of hazardous waste.
 Labeling
NFPA Labeling Systems
NFPA = National Fire Protection Association

Blue = Health
Red = Flammability
Yellow = Reactivity
White = Other hazards or special handling

Scale: 0 (No Hazard) to 4 (Extreme Hazard)

 Labeling
Health Hazards 2.3.1
The first hazard class is Health Hazards. This hazard class is
.colored BLUE
:The rating scale for Health Hazards is listed below
No Hazard - 0
Slight Hazard - 1
Dangerous - 2
Extreme Danger - 3
Deadly - 4
 Labeling
Flammability Hazards
.The second hazard class is Flammability Hazards
.This hazard class is colored RED
The rating scale for flammability hazards is based on the flash
point of the material. The flash point is the temperature at which
.the material gives off enough vapors to sustain ignition
Will Not Burn - 0
Ignites Above 200 Degrees Fahrenheit - 1
Ignites Below 200 Degrees Fahrenheit - 2
Ignites Below 100 Degrees Fahrenheit - 3
Ignites Below 73 Degrees Fahrenheit - 4
 Labeling
Reactivity Hazards
The third hazard class is the Reactivity of the material.
.This hazard class is colored YELLOW
:The rating scale for Reactivity is listed below
Stable - 0
Normally Stable - 1
Unstable - 2
Explosive - 3
May Detonate - 4
 Labeling
Some Examples of Hazard Coding

Hydrogen Liquefied Hydrogen

Cyanide Petroleum
Gas

4
4 4

Gasoline Diesel
 Labeling: Basic Label Information
The following information be included on ALL
:labels
;The product name .1
A warning statement, message or symbol; and .2
On commercial labels, manufacturers of hazardous.3
.materials must include their name and address

Many manufacturers also include a statement

.describing safe handling procedures
 Labeling-Key Words
As you read labels, you will see key words which signal you that
you should take extra care when handling a particular hazardous
:material. These key words include
CAUTION MODERATE RISK WARNING
DANGER SERIOUS RISK MAJOR RISK

:For example, the key word "DANGER" means

;Protective equipment and/or clothing is required before use .1

Misuse can result in immediate harm, long term effects, or .2

death; and

.The chemical may be toxic, corrosive, or flammable .3

：Labeling 2.3
An example
 HAZARDOUS MATERIALS & WASTES
Knowledge of the proper procedures in
the special handling, use, storage, and
disposal of hazardous materials
(hazmats) and wastes.
 TYPES OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
 INFECTIOUS SUBSTANCES
 Some infectious substances (such as some viruses) can be
transmitted by blood and other body fluids, equipment,
containers, paper goods, glassware, linens and by people.

 RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS
 These require special handling techniques to prevent exposure to
personnel and visitors.

 FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS AND GASES

 For example, chemicals, such as ether or alcohol, can burn or
explode.

 TOXIC CHEMICALS
 A person may be exposed over a long period of time before
effects are noticed.
 ROUTES OF ENTRY
• Absorption- soaks
through skin
• Inhalation- you
breath it; most
common
• Ingestion- you eat it
• Injection- puncture
wound
 OSHA Hazard Communication
Update
• OSHA has adopted Globally
Harmonized System of Classification
and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS)
 Globally Harmonized System of
Classification and Labeling of
Chemicals (GHS); What is it…or is Not?
– This is not a new Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA) standard
• It’s a revision to the existing OSHA Hazard Communications
Standard/Right-To-Know Law
• The United Nations system of labeling classification of chemicals
– Implemented to improve worker understanding of labels
and safety data sheets
– By December 1, 2015 all chemical manufacturers had to
comply with the new 16 label elements.
• Manufacturers, employers and end users work to meet the new
requirements of the revised standard
 GHS – Major Changes
– Container Labeling
– Classification and hazard identification of chemicals
– Safety Data Sheet (SDS), formerly known as Material Safety Data
Sheet (MSDS), format and content
 GHS – What will Not Change
• We still have to keep chemical inventories

• We still have to maintain safety data sheets

• We still have to train new people on the

potential hazards of what they will be working
with

• We still have to maintain our records for 30

years, per OSHA
Labels Are Required to have:
– Pictograms
– Signal Words
– Hazard Statement
– Precautionary Statements
– Product Identifier
– Supplier Identification
– Supplemental Information (as required)
 GHS Pictograms
– Nine pictograms will be utilized in identifying hazards of ALL
chemicals

– Each chemical will have AT LEAST one pictogram, often

multiple pictograms – to visually convey the hazards
associated with it

– We need to be familiar with the meaning(s) of each

pictogram
• Labels and safety data sheets will not always include that
information, understanding these is critical
• Radiological & Environmental Management (REM) will provide
pictogram reference cards to post in work areas for future
reference
GHS Pictograms
 Labels – Signal Words Describe
the Severity of a Hazard

– Danger
• This is reserved for the more severe hazards

– Warning
• This is used on less severe hazards

– If there is no significant hazard, a signal word won’t

be used
 Labels – Hazard Statements
•Phrases that
describe the nature
of the hazard:

– Examples:
• Highly flammable
liquid and vapor
• May cause liver
and kidney damage
• Fatal if swallowed
Labels – Examples of PPE Pictograms
 Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
 These are chemical fact sheets that contain all the information
an employee would need to know about a hazardous chemical

 Keep current MSDS available until new SDS are received.

Archive old MSDS as new SDS are collected.

 Each SDS is broken down into 16 universal sections

 Sections 1 - 11 will be of most concern

 GHS Action Plan
• Chemical containers, bottles, etc. will begin to arrive
with the newly-formatted labels. These new labels will
include more information than ever before. Read them
thoroughly to get used to the new format and content,
even if it’s not the first time you’ve used the product.
• Be sure you understand the meanings of the pictograms
that will appear on the labels. REM will have laminated
cards available, or an online resource such as the OSHA
website, to check if you are unsure of what something
means.
 GHS Action Plan
You must keep any MSDS you already have

Watch for new GHS-compliant (16-section) SDS to arrive

They may come from the manufacturer or
distributor with a shipment of the products you
order
You may go online or contact the manufacturer
yourself to get it
Replace old MSDS with new SDS in the active binder
along with your current chemical inventory. Archive
old MSDS for 30 years. SDS may not be available right
away from all manufacturers.
 Safety Data Sheets
A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) provides
detailed information about a specific
.hazardous material
A SDS contains the following
:information
Identity (name of substance)
Physical Hazards (target organ)
Health Hazards
Routes of Body Entry
Permissible Exposure Limits (PEL)
 Safety Data Sheets
Carcinogenic Factors (cancer causing)
Safe-Handling Procedures
Date of Sheet Preparation
Control Measures (personal protective
equipment)
Emergency First Aid Procedures (emergency
telephone number)
Contact Information (for the preparer of the
sheet)
.Special Instructions
 ?When Do You Use an SDS
You should use an SDS whenever you need additional
information about a hazardous material that is not
.included on the product label

For example, you have spilled nitric acid on the floor,

and you need to know how to clean it up safely. You
need only refer to the "Safe-Handling Procedures"
.section of the nitric acid MSDS
 When Do You Use an SDS? (cont.)
The Safe-Handling Procedures section of the Nitric Acid SDS
:provides the following information
Isolate or enclose the area of the leak or spill. Clean-up personnel should
wear protective clothing and respiratory equipment suitable for toxic or
.corrosive fluids or vapors
:For small spills
Flush with water, and neutralize with alkaline material (soda ash, lime, et
.cetera). Sewer with excess water
:For larger spills and lot sizes
Neutralize with alkaline, pick up with absorbent material (sand, earth,
vermiculite) and dispose in a RCRA - approved waste facility or sewer the
neutralized slurry with excess water if local ordinances allow. Provide
.forced ventilation to dissipate fumes
Reportable Quantity (RQ) (CWA/CERCLA): 1000 pounds
YOUR ATTITUDE --- AND ACTIONS --- COUNT!

You must want to do your job safely and you must

understand and use safe practices and methods.
That’s what being part of an effective safety team is all
about!
 KNOW THE POTENTIAL HAZARDS
• In each area of the
facility where you
work:
• Observe signs
• Take precautions when
entering an area
identified as hazardous
• Know what’s inside a
container before you
handle it!
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

• Gloves
• Goggles
• Masks
• Respirator
• Gowns
• Aprons
• Footwear
• Good hygiene
IN CASE OF SMALL SPILLS
• Act Quickly
• Contain the spill
• Wear PPE
• Notify proper
personnel
BE SURE TO WASH YOUR HANDS
•Before entering or leaving the work area
•Before and after contact with a patient
•After handling items such as bedpans,
dressings, etc.
•After removing gloves
•After using the toilet, blowing your nose or
covering a sneeze
•Before eating, drinking or handling food or
smoking
 PREVENT INJURIES FROM SHARPS
• Let falling objects fall
• Practice safe handling
techniques
• Don’t reach into
containers
• Dispose of sharps
carefully
 How to Protec Yourself ?
Knowing what is in the
product you work with

Using the smallest amount of a

chemical to do the job

Maintaining machinery and

equipment to prevent leaks or
releases

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47
 ? How To Protect Yourself
Using ventilation to 
reduce amounts of
chemicals in the air
Enclosing a chemical process 
as much as possible

Wearing necessary 
personal protective
equipment
.
48
 ? How To Protect Yourself
Informing your supervisor of unusual 
odors, spills, or releases
Leaving an area of a large spill or 
.chemical release

.
49
 ? How To Protect Yourself
,Let your supervisor know 
,Find out what the chemical was 
Follow the first aid directions in the 
,MSDS
,Get medical attention as needed 
Check your PPE before going back to the 
.area

.
 IMPORTANT TIPS
• Take training seriously
• Avoid taking shortcuts
• Report unsafe conditions
• Know emergency
procedures
 Knowledge Check
1. The most common route of entry by
which hazardous materials are
introduced into the body is ___.
a. inhalation
b. absorption
c. ingestion
d. injection

Answer: a. inhalation
 Knowledge Check
2. Flammability is which type of
hazard?
a. Carcinogenic
b. Health
c. Physical
d. Mutagenic

Answer: c. Physical
 Knowledge Check
3. Which of the following hazards is an
example of a physical hazard?
a. Oxidizer
b. Exposure to carcinogen
c. Chronic toxicity
d. Acute toxicity

Answer: a. Oxidizer
 Knowledge Check
4. Which of the following hazards is an
example of a health hazard?
a. Fire hazard
b. Acute toxicity
c. Explosive
d. High pressure

Answer: b. Acute toxicity

 Knowledge Check
5. Which of the following is the preferred order of
controlling hazards, or “hierarchy of controls,” for
hazardous materials?
a. PPE, Administrative Controls, Engineering Controls,
Elimination
b. Administrative Controls, Engineering Controls,
Elimination, PPE
c. Engineering Controls, Elimination, PPE, Administrative
Controls
d. Elimination, Engineering Controls, Administrative
Controls, PPE
Answer: d. Elimination, Engineering Controls,
Administrative Controls, PPE
 Knowledge Check
6. When transferring a flammable liquid from
one container to another, the containers
should be ___ to prevent static electricity
from creating a fire hazard.
a. ventilated or pressurized
b. ventilated and pressurized
c. bonded or grounded
d. bonded and grounded

Answer: d. bonded and grounded

 Knowledge Check
7. Which of the following hazard controls is an
example of an engineering control?
a. Enclosing an operation to prevent contact with the
hazardous material
b. Training employees on the proper handling and storage
of a hazardous material
c. Implementing a procedure for the proper use of a
hazardous material
d. Requiring personal protective equipment to be worn
when working with a hazardous material

Answer: a. Enclosing an operation to prevent

contact with the hazardous material
 REMEMBER……
• Many hazmats are
odorless, colorless and
tasteless
• You may be exposed before
you know it
• Approach safely
!Thank you