Chemical Hygiene by Mohamed Elsayed

Society of Exploration Geophysicists-Benha University student chapter

Objectives l

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Explain how the HAZCOM standard relates to laboratory work. Explain the NFPA diamond. Describe the sections of an MSDS. Tell basic lab safety rules.

This Course l

This training course is designed for your benefit and protection. You will receive information on chemicals in the workplace and how best to handle them.

Goals of the Program l l l l

Locate potentially hazardous chemicals in your workplace. Describe the procedure for obtaining an MSDS. Recognize chemical labeling. Discuss exposure control methods with your supervisor. Locate the MSDS book in your workplace.

A Part of Our Lives l l l

Chemicals are a part of our lives. Modern life would be impossible without them. Plastics, drugs, and â&#x20AC;&#x153;miracleâ&#x20AC;? fibers are just a few examples of the many chemically manufactured products used every day.

Respect! l l

Chemicals must be treated with caution and respect. Many chemicals can cause illness, injury, or even death if improperly used.

In the Past l

Before the advent of government regulation, there was no guarantee that workers would be informed of chemical hazards. Container labels and warning sheets often did not give enough information on: â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Potential hazards. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Emergency action.

In the Present l

Chemical manufactures are required to determine the hazards of their products. Through labels and material safety data sheets, chemical manufacturers make users aware of possible dangers.

HAZCOM l

In 1987, OSHA issued a regulation to help control workplace exposure to chemicals. This regulation is known as the Hazardous Communication Standard, but more commonly as HAZCOM or the Right-to-Know law.

Chemical Hygiene l

In 1990, OSHA released the Chemical Hygiene standard to replace HAZCOM. This new standard is specifically designed to meet the needs of laboratories that deal with a large variety of chemicals. This standard also mandates training in chemical safety.

Employer Responsibility l

Your employer has a big responsibility: to educate you on chemical hazards and safety procedures in the workplace.

Your Responsibility l

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Read the label and MSDS for each chemical with which you work. Talk to your supervisor about safety information. Contact your supervisor about potential safety hazards in your work environment.

Format of a Label l

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The manufacturer labels every chemical container that it produces. The format differs from company to company. To meet OSHA and DOT regulations, every label contains similar information. The label contains the basic steps you need to protect yourself against hazards. The label is an easy source of basic information.

Identification l

Name of the chemical, indicated by words or symbols. Information about the manufacturer, including name, address, and emergency telephone. Physical hazards, such as reactivity and flammability, that are associated with the chemical.

Instructions l

The label describes: â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Important safety and handling instructions. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Personal protective equipment you must wear while handling the chemical.

Read the Label! l

Before moving, handling, or working with a chemical, make sure to read the label. If you have any questions, ask your supervisor.

NFPA Numerical Ranking l

NFPA ranks chemicals numerically and displays these values within the NFPA diamond. The diamond indicates: – Health hazards. – Fire hazards. – Reactivity hazards. – Special hazards.

NFPA & Health Hazards l l l l l l

The blue diamond represents health hazards. 0=no health hazard. 1=slight hazard. 2=dangerous hazard. 3=extreme hazard. 4=deadly hazard.

NFPA & Fire Hazards l l l l l l

The red diamond indicates fire hazards. 0=non-flammable. 1=flash point > 200 F. 2=flash point < 200 F. 3=flash point < 100 F. 4=flash point < 73 F.

NFPA & Reactivity l

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The yellow diamond represent the chemicalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reactivity. 0=chemical is stable. 1=chemical is normally stable. 2=chemical is unstable. 3=chemical is explosive. 4=chemical may detonate.

NFPA & Special Hazards l

The white diamond indicates special hazards of the chemical, such as: – Reaction with water. – Oxidation potential. – Corrosive potential. – Radioactivity.

Right to Know l

As an employee, you have the right to know the types of hazardous substances in use at your workplace. Material Safety Data Sheets, or MSDS, are available in each laboratory section. Ask your supervisor for the exact location of MSDS.

Before Working l

Review the MSDS for each chemical with which you will be working. Identify heath hazards associated with the chemicals. Obtain necessary protective equipment.

Requesting an MSDS l l

Make a written request to your supervisor for an MSDS. The MSDS will be made available within 15 days.

MSDS: Sections l

MSDS are divided into sections for you to find information faster. As an example, this program uses the MSDS for methyl alcohol.

MSDS: Identification l

Like the manufacturer’s label, this section of the MSDS lists: – Chemical name and formula. – Shipping name of the chemical. – Name, address, and telephone number of the manufacturer.

MSDS: Identification l l l l l l

Manufacturer product number. An emergency phone number. CAS identification number. DOT shipping name and hazard class. Chemical family name and synonyms. Chemical formula and molecular weight.

MSDS: Hazardous Ingredients l

This section includes the eight-hour occupational exposure limit, or TLV. On some MSDS, the shortterm exposure limit (STEL) will also be listed.

MSDS: Physical and Chemical Data l l l l l

Boiling point Specific gravity Solubility Appearance Odor

MSDS: Fire and Explosion Data l l

Special precautions for firefighting. Methyl alcohol is still flammable when diluted and can be extinguished by an ABC fire extinguisher. Special firefighting procedures may not necessarily apply to a laboratory setting.

MSDS: Reactivity Data l l

Describes the stability and reactivity of the chemical. Lists which substances and situations should be avoided to prevent chemical reactions.

MSDS: Health Hazard Data l

Answers the following important questions: – Is the chemical a carcinogen? – How could it enter your body? – What are the symptoms of overexposure? – What first aid procedures should be followed in case of an accident?

MSDS: Spill and Removal Data l l

Spill cleanup procedure. Proper chemical disposal.

MSDS: Handling and Storage l

Eye, skin, and respiratory protection needed. (Safety goggles and gloves are the minimum precaution when handling any chemical). Any special ventilation that may be needed.

MSDS: General Information l

You won’t find the same amount of information on every MSDS. You will find everything you need to work safety with a chemical, including: – The hazards of the chemical. – Preventative measures.

Be Prepared! l l

Read the MSDS before working with the chemical. In case of emergency, you want to be prepared to think quickly and act appropriately.

General Laboratory Precautions l

Laboratory safety includes a number of general precautions to protect you and your coworkers. Remember that the following are prohibited in the presence of chemicals: – Eating. – Drinking. – Smoking. – Apply cosmetics or lip balm.

Ingestion Prevention l l

Don’t sniff or taste chemicals. Don’t store food or drink in areas where chemicals are present. Don’t consume food or drink where chemicals are in use.

Spills l

Promptly clean up spills using the right methods and protective equipment. Dispose of chemicals properly. The correct disposal procedure appears on the MSDS.

Wash Your Hands! l

After removing gloves, remember to wash your hands thoroughly. Hand washing prevents accidental chemical exposure.

Common Sense Rules l l l l l

Identify hazards before you start a job. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take chances. Ask your supervisor when in doubt. Be prepared. Know how to get help.

Common Sense Rules l l l l l l

Learn basic first aid. Read labels. Read the MSDS. Follow warnings and instructions. Use correct protective equipment. Practice safe, sensible work habits.

Keep It Safe! l

Your laboratory has provided you with training to protect yourself from hazardous chemicals. But the only one who can â&#x20AC;&#x153;keep it safeâ&#x20AC;? everyday is you. As a member of a laboratory team, it is up to you to practice good work habits and safety measures.