HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

MANAGEMENT
TRAINING

ANN BROUWN
2014-06
SAPA GROUP EHS
COURSE OBJECTIVES AND DELIVERABLES
Definition of Hazardous Substances and Risk Factors
Sapa and Legal Requirements
Chemical Exposures: Physical and Health Hazards
How is Harm Caused
CLP regulations (EU Regulations on Classification, Labelling and Packing of
substances and mixtures)
Material Safety Data Sheets (From MSDS to SDS)
Employee training
PPE including respirators
Health Surveillance
WHAT IS A HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE
• Any workplace substance which by way of its specific properties poses
a risk to human health or safety, e.g. liquid, gas, powder, fibre, chemical,
dust.

• If the risks of using hazardous substances are not properly managed,

employees’ health can be harmed in a variety of ways with effects
ranging from mild eye and skin irritations to asthma, reproductive
problems, birth defects, to cancer.

• Hazardous substances may also cause harm to

the environment.
THE HAZARD BECOMES A RISK

Exposure to substances at levels that exceed approved

Occupational Exposure Limits (OEL)
Exposure to gases, vapors and dusts (particularly very fine dusts
which are capable of penetrating the lungs such as asbestos
fibres)
Exposure to
 Carcinogens (cancer-causing substances),
 Mutagens (substances which may induce heritable genetic defects)
 Reproductive toxins (non-hereditary progeny and/or an impairment of
reproductive functions or capacity)
 Asthmagens which may cause asthma and to which people can become
sensitized
 Asbestos or asbestos-containing materials
CARCINOGEN
A carcinogen is a substance that encourages the growth of cancer.
Ill effects can occur by exposure via various routes of entry into the
body such as inhalation (eg of dust, vapors, gases), skin absorption and
ingestion into the gut.
Disease may include respiratory illness, contact dermatitis and cancer.
Examples include :
 Mesothelioma – from asbestos
 Lung cancer – from asbestos, silica, and diesel engine exhaust
 Bladder cancer – from exposure to mineral oils, diesel engine exhaust, and work as a
painter.
 Nose and nasal cavities (sinonasal) – exposure to wood, leather and chromium dusts
plus contact with nickel and formaldehyde
 Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) – minerals and exposure to sunlight.
 leukaemia – exposure to electromagnetic fields, exposure to non-arsenical pesticides,
formaldehyde, and benzene.
CARCINOGENS - THREE CATEGORIES

Type 1 (Carc 1) substances are known to cause

cancer on the basis of human experience.
 Examples include benzene, chromium (hexavalent)
compounds, asbestos, benzidine, coal tar and soot,
vinyl chloride, aflatoxin.

• Type 2 (Carc 2) substances which, it is

assumed, can cause cancer, on the basis of
reliable evidence.
 Examples include beryllium compounds, styrene oxide,
ethylene dibromide, sodium dichromate.

• Type 3 (Carc 3) Production of cancers has

been shown in animals, but not in humans.
Examples include trichloroethylene, heavy fuel oil,
potassium bromate and hydrazine.
CARC 1 – EXAMPLES OF SUBSTANCES

Type 1 (Carc 1) substances are known to cause

cancer on the basis of human experience.
Examples include
 Benzene,
 Chromium (hexavalent) compounds
 Asbestos
 Coal tar
 Vinyl chloride
 Aflatoxin.
CARC 1 – EXAMPLES OF SUBSTANCES
BENZENE
Where is it found and how is it used
 Natural sources include volcanoes and forest fires.
 Natural part of crude oil, gasoline, and cigarette smoke.
 Ingredient for other chemicals eg plastics, resins, nylon and synthetic fibers.
 Ingredient for some types of lubricants, rubbers, dyes, detergents, drugs, pesticides.

How could you be exposed

 Outdoor air: tobacco smoke, gas stations, motor vehicle exhaust, and industrial
emissions.
 Indoor air: glues, paints, furniture wax, and detergents.

 Air around hazardous waste sites or gas stations can contain higher levels of
benzene than in other areas.
 Leaks from underground storage tanks or from hazardous waste sites containing
benzene can contaminate well water.
 A major source of benzene exposure is tobacco smoke.
CARC 1 – EXAMPLES OF SUBSTANCES
CHROMIUM (HEXAVALENT) COMPOUNDS

Where found and how used

 Large group of chemicals with varying chemical properties, uses, workplace
exposures.
 Production of chromates from chromite ore
 Manufacturing of other products, eg chromate-containing paints, electroplating
 Welding; chromate painting, electroplating

How could you be exposed

 Welding, electroplating, chromate painting
CARC 1 – EXAMPLES OF SUBSTANCES
ASBESTOS
Where is it found typically:
 roofs and walls
 Ceilings
 Insulation and lagging
 fire resistant boarding
 textured decorative coatings
 older ceiling and floor tiles
 Ventilation systems
 water tanks

• How could you be exposed

 Inhalation: airborne microscopic-size particles

• Life-threatening diseases, including asbestosis, lung cancer

and mesothelioma.
CARC 1 – EXAMPLES OF SUBSTANCES
COAL TAR
Where is it found and how is it used
 Brown or black liquid of extremely high viscosity.
 Among the by-products when coal is carbonized to make coke or gasified to
make coal gas
 Complex and variable mixtures of phenols, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
(PAHs), and heterocyclic compounds.
 Incorporated in parking-lot sealcoat product
 Graphite industry: binders for making green blocks.
 Manufacturing of paints, synthetic dyes, photographic material
 Medical shampoo, soal, ointment against dandruff, psoriasis, head lice
 Analgesic (paracetamol)
 Heating or firing boilers
CARC 1 – EXAMPLES OF SUBSTANCES
VINYL CHLORIDE (PVC)
Where is it found and how is it used
 Vinyl chloride is a colourless flammable gas that evaporates very quickly.
 It’ is used to make polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes, wire coatings, vehicle
upholstery, and plastic kitchen ware.
 Higher than normal levels of vinyl chloride may be present inside new cars
as the chemical evaporates from new vinyl products.

• How could you be exposed

 Breathing: Most exposure to vinyl chloride occurs when people breathe
contaminated air. If a water supply is contaminated, vinyl chloride can enter
household air when the water is used for showering, cooking or laundry.
 Drinking/Eating: People can be exposed to vinyl chloride if they drink or
cook with contaminated water.
 Touching: Vinyl chloride can be absorbed through the skin. This can occur
when people handle vinyl products, contaminated soil, or bathe in
contaminated water. However, skin absorption is probably a minor route of
exposure.
CARC 2 – EXAMPLES OF SUBSTANCES

Type 2 (Carc 2) substances which, it is assumed,

can cause cancer, on the basis of reliable
evidence.
Examples include:
 beryllium compounds
 styrene oxide
 ethylene dibromide
 sodium dichromate
CARC 2 – EXAMPLES OF SUBSTANCES
BERYLLIUM COMPOUNDS
Where is it found and how is it used
 Beryllium is odourless, gray-white metal
 Hexagonal structure
 Highly permeable to x-rays
 Resistant to oxidation at ordinary temperatures.

• How could you be exposed

 Inhalation of beryllium dust or fumes .
 Non cancer: Acute inhalation of high levels  inflammation of the lungs in
humans; these symptoms may be reversible after exposure ends.
 Long-term exposure may cause chronic beryllium disease (berylliosis
 Cancer: Inhalation exposure to beryllium compounds has been shown to
cause lung cancer in rats and monkeys
CARC 3 – EXAMPLES OF SUBSTANCES

•T ype 3 (Carc 3) Production of cancers

has been shown in animals, but not in
humans.
Examples:
trichloroethylene
heavy fuel oil
potassium bromate
hydrazine
CARC 3 – EXAMPLES OF SUBSTANCES
TRICHLOROETHYLENE
Where is it found and how is it used
 Trichloroethylene is a clear colourless volatile liquid
 Degreasing, solvent, chemical intermediate
 Can ignite if strongly heated
 Formation of hazardous decomposition products

• How could you be exposed

 Inhalation: Respiratory irration, drowsiness, dizziness
 Skin contact; eye contact : skin/eye irritation

• Cancer hazard: May cause cancer

• Mutagen: may cause genetic defects (based on animal testing)
CARC 3 – EXAMPLES OF SUBSTANCES
HEAVY FUEL OIL (RESIDUAL OIL)
Where is it found and how is it used
 Byproduct of crude oil refining process
 Marine engine fuel (cheap)
 Contains many impurities
 Must be kept at high temperature

• How could you be exposed

 Inhalation: nausea, headache, vomiting, diarrhoea, other central nervous
system effects
 Skin contact; irritation, swelling; may cause skin dryness or cracking
 Eye contact: irritation, redness
 Ingestion: abdominal discomfort, nausea, diarrhoea

• Cancer hazard: May cause cancer

REPRODUCTIVE TOXICITY

Reproductive toxicity includes adverse effects on sexual

function and fertility in adult males and females, as well as
developmental toxicity in offspring.
Substances (‘teratogens’) cause damage, often serious, to the
foetus of a pregnant worker such that the body is aborted, still
born, small or malformed.
A teratogen may cause serious damage to the unborn child
without having any noticeable adverse effect on the mother
exposed to the substance during her work activity.
Examples include carbon monoxide, ethylene glycol monoethyl
ether, various lead compounds and ethylene oxide.
These substances may be labelled ‘toxic’ or ‘harmful’ according
to the degree of risk.
MUTAGEN
Mutagen means an agent giving rise to an increased
occurrence of mutations in populations of cells and/or
organisms.
Capability of modifying the genetic make-up of cells without
destroying the cells.
Conversion of healthy cells to cancer cells (believed)
Mutagenic change of cells within the reproductive system of
both female or male workers giving rise to permanent change
and interference with the person’s reproductive system
(leading to sterility, miscarriages, stillbirth, birth abnormalities
and permanent genetic abnormalities in children).
Examples include nitrobenzene, acrylamide, carbon
disulphide and vanadium pentoxide.
These substances may be labeled ‘toxic’ or ‘harmful’
according to the degree of risk.
SAPA AND LEGAL REQUIREMENTS: EMPLOYER DUTIES

• Carry out suitable and sufficient risk assessment: identify routes of

entry and ill-health effects.
• Include risk assessment for new expectant mothers, paying
particular attention to substances containing mutagens and
reproductive toxins which may affect an unborn child.
• Establish precautions to control workforce and others.
• Prevent and control exposure
• Monitor use of control measures
• Monitor exposure
• Provide health surveillance
• Establish plans and procedures for accidents, incidents and
emergencies
• Provide training, Information and Communication to employees
SAPA AND LEGAL REQUIREMENTS: EMPLOYEE DUTIES
Cooperate with employer, eg by attending training courses
Always use control measures designed to reduce exposure
Correctly use the PPE provided
Report any issues with PPE or other equipment
Report non compliance with safe systems of work
Attend occupational health checks
Participate in the risk assessment process
HIERARCHY OF CONTROLS
The following measures control the RISK
Elimination of the hazard
Substitution: use a safer substance
Enclose the process
Engineering systems
Safe systems of work
PPE (Last Resort)

Paramount:
Maintenance, examination and testing of control systems
Monitoring exposure levels
Health surveillance
CHEMICAL EXPOSURES – PHYSICAL HAZARDS
• Flammables (gases, aerosols, liquids, solids)
• Combustibles
• Compressed gases
 Flammability/toxicity/asphyxiation

• Oxidizers (oxidizing gases, liquids, solids)

• Pyrophorics
• Self-reactive substances (emit flammable gases or
ignite on contact with air or water)
Organic peroxides
Self-Heating Substances
Organic Peroxides
Corrosive to Metals
CHEMICAL EXPOSURES – HEALTH HAZARDS AND EFFECTS
Toxicity through inhalation, ingestion of, Dermatitis, Leukaemia
or skin contact
Eye irritation
Serious Eye Damage/Eye Irritation:
Headaches
irreversible/reversible
Dizziness
Skin Irritation: reversible adverse
effects in dermal tissue. Nausea
Skin Corrosion: destruction/irreversible Lung disease
damage of dermal tissue
Liver or kidney dysfunction
Respiratory or Skin Sensitization
Cancer
Germ Cell Mutagenicity
Miscarriages
Carcinogenicity
Damage to the fetus or DNA
Reproductive Toxicology
HOW IS HARM CAUSED
Substances can enter the body
• through the mouth (inhalation or ingestion) or

• through the skin (absorption).

Damage can occur through
• single short exposure
• multiple exposures
• long-term accumulation of substances in the body.
Health effects may develop quickly and be easily detectable or
may take years to develop, thus making the link between ill health
and exposure difficult to establish.
ROUTES OF ENTRY
Inhalation; breathing in the substance as a gas, vapor Inhalation
or dust may lead to absorption into the body via the
bronchial system.
 Inhalable dust is airborne material which is breathed into
the respiratory tract and is usually cleared by mucus.
 Respirable dust is a finer material and therefore capable
of penetration of the lungs
Ingestion; this can lead to direct absorption into the
body through the stomach or gut and onward
transmission to the rest of the body via the Ingestion
bloodstream.
Skin Contact; the substance may be absorbed
through the skin into the bloodstream or directly affect
the skin itself
ROUTES OF ENTRY

Inhalation: the substance is

breathed into the lungs and
absorbed into the
bloodstream

Ingestion: the substance is

swallowed and absorbed into
the body via the stomach

Absorption: the substance is

absorbed into the bloodstream
via the skin
INVENTORY OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
Inventory data base
Begin and End date of use
Link with SDS (Safety Data Sheet)
Physical inventory if needed
Communication to affected employees
CLASSIFICATION AND LABELLING OF CHEMICALS
Changes to hazard symbols and labels

• According to GHS (Globally Harmonized System of

classification and labeling of chemicals)

• Newly designed pictograms and new wording

• Hazard statement and precautionary statement
• Transitional period ends 1 June 2015 for substances;
st

1st June 2017 for mixtures

CLASSIFICATION AND LABELLING OF CHEMICALS (GHS)
Globally Harmonized System Label Element includes:
• Symbol (Hazard pictogram) : conveys health, physical and environment
hazard information (GHS hazard class and category);

• Signal Word: “danger” or “warning” used to emphasize hazards and indicate

the relative level of severity of the hazard, assigned to a GHS hazard class
and category.

• Hazard Statements: Standard phrases assigned to a hazard class and

category that describe the nature of the hazard.
LABELS ENTERING WORKPLACE
Must meet local regulatory requirements
Each container must be labeled (original and secondary).
 Identity of the hazardous chemical(s)
 Appropriate hazard warnings
 Consistent format
 Label created in words, picture and/or symbols as long as total information
available to employee (including MSDSs) provides specific information on
physical or health hazards
 Local language, if words are used

May use alternative methods (signs, placards, process sheets) as long

as same information is communicated
 Employee must understand
SAFETY DATA SHEET (SDS)
PREVIOUSLY CALLED MSDS

• Physical and chemical characteristics

• Health hazards
• Precautions for use
• Safe handling and storage information
• Emergency procedures and contacts
• Disposal of substance

• Additional information

• Adopted by REACH
SAFETY DATA SHEET (SDS) – REACH
• Adopted by REACH June 2007 - Usual 16 headings format (similar to
previous MSDS)
• Must take into account Classification Labelling Packaging (CLP) regulation
• CLP regulation in force since January 2009 with transitional period closing 1
June 2015 for substances; 1 June 2017 for Mixtures.
• Section 2 – Hazards Identification – to include new pictograms, signal words,
hazard statements and precautionary statements.
• SDS used for chemical risk assessment for the workplace. example risk
assessment
• SDS update required (REACh) :
 when new information on the chemical becomes available
 When authorization is granted or refused or restriction imposed under
REACH
• Sapa requires SDS update every 3 years
SAFETY DATA SHEET (SDS) HEADINGS
1. Identification of the substance/preparation and of the
company/undertaking.
2. Hazards identification.
3. Composition/information on 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.
13. Disposal consideration.
14. Transport information.
15. Regulatory information.
16. Other information.
SAFETY DATA SHEET (SDS) DIFFERENT SYMBOLS

Until 1° June 2015, section 2 of

the SDS to contain classifications
according to :
• CLP Regulation and
• Dangerous Substances
Directives

Most locations have already

started and/or completed
implementation.
SAFETY DATA SHEET (SDS) - SUMMARY

Supplier
• Determine if the substance is hazardous
• Label each container Employer
• Provide an up-to-date SDS • Develop and maintain a Hazardous Substance
Inventory
• Obtain SDS for each substance, PRIOR to
purchase.
• Risk Assessment based on SDS (how and
Employee where used)
• Ensure New Material Review procedure in
place with EHS and Procurement staff
involved.
• Understand SDS • Make SDS readily available at point of use (full
or 1-page extract)
• Ensure SDS are frequently revised and not
older than 3 years (Sapa requirement)
• Train employees
EMPLOYEE TRAINING
Specific on hazardous substances in their work area
Prior to their initial work assignment
Whenever a new physical or health hazard is introduced
Hazard-class specific training (e.g. flammables, corrosives)
How to access, read and utilize Material Safety Data Sheets and labels
Appropriate response to accidental release of a hazardous material, eg
corrosive gas, radioactive material. (emergency plan – spill drills)
EMPLOYEE TRAINING CONTENTS
Sapa and legal requirements
Methods and observations to detect presence or release
Physical and health hazards associated with materials
Protective measures
Labeling system
Explanation of SDSs
Signs and symptoms of exposure
How to act in the event of a spill or leak
PERSONAL HYGIENE
You must never:
• Smoke at the work place
• Eat or drink while handling a hazardous
substance
• Take foodstuffs or eating utensils into a
hazardous substances area
• Store hazardous substances next to foodstuffs.

Always:
• Wash your hands before eating drinking or
using the toilet
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
Personal Protective Equipment must be:
Suitable for the hazard
Looked after and maintained
Suitable for the user
Used by the worker
Worn by affected people!
HEALTH SURVEILLANCE
Health surveillance to be provided to employees who work with
hazardous substances.
 On a regular basis
 Whenever employee develops signs and symptoms associated with a material
in use
 Whenever monitoring reveals that Occupational Exposure Levels have been
exceeded
 An event occurs (spill, leak) with the likelihood of a hazardous exposure

Exposure assessment results must be shared with the facility doctor.

Health surveillance to be in line with Sapa and local legal requirements.
Communication of health surveillance results communicated to
employees