GHANA INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT AND PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION (GIMPA) Programme: post graduate diploma, occupational safety, health and environmental management(DOSHEM)

course: OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY LEGAL FRAMWORK TOPIC: Chemical Safety FACILITATOR: PETER AGBO-GANDEE (SHEQ Mgr.)

Topics Chemical Hazards Chemical Procurement Chemical Storage Chemical Transporting Chemical Handling Chemical Disposal/Recycling Chemical Effects

CHEMICAL SPILL

Chemical hazard A chemical hazard is a type of occupational hazard caused by exposure to chemicals in the workplace. The first rule of chemical safety is… "Know what you are working with and how to protect yourself and others“ Never sniff a chemical for identification Exposure to chemicals in the workplace can cause short (acute) or long-term (chronic) detrimental health effects.

chemical hazard Acute effect - Effects that are usually of short duration. (Minutes, hours, days) An adverse effect on a human or animal body resulting from a single exposure with symptoms developing almost immediately or shortly after exposure occurs. Chronic effects - Effects that occur after a longer period of time (months, years) an adverse effect on a human or animal body resulting from repeated low level exposure, with symptoms that develop slowly over a long period of time or that recur frequently.

Types of Chemical Hazards Physical - Health- Environment-

Chemical Hazards Chemicals are classified as being a health hazard if they: Can cause cancer Are poisonous (toxic) Cause harm to your skin, internal organs, or nervous system Are corrosive - such as acids Cause allergic reactions after repeated exposure

Chemical Hazards Chemicals are classified as having Physical Hazards if they are Explosive Compressed Gas fire Combustible Liquids Flammable Unstable Water Reactive Oxidizers

Industrial Safety Lecture Three

Chemical Hazards There are many types of hazardous chemicals, including neurotoxins, immune agents, dermatologic agents, carcinogens, reproductive toxins, systemic toxins, asthmagens, pneumoconiosis agents, and sensitizers

Chemical Hazards Chemicals comes in: Solids, Liquids, Gases, Vapors, Mists, Dusts, and Fumes. Chemicals can change their physical state depending on temperature, moisture or pressure

Routes of exposure Inhalation-breathing in gases, fumes, mist or dust Ingestion-swallowing Skin Contact-skin puncture-Burns Ocular-Eye Contact

Chemical Procurement

Chemical Procurement Before chemicals are ordered, the following questions should be considered: What is the least hazardous chemical available that can be used? How should the chemical be stored? CHEMICAL STORAGE AREA Is the laboratory equipped to handle a spill? Spill kits are in each lab. What is the minimum quantity needed to complete the experiment? Is the chemical already available? Check chemical inventory. Are personnel trained on how to safely handle the chemical?

Chemical Storage

Chemical Storage Requirements for chemical storage. Specific information for the storage of chemicals by hazard class.

Bad Practice

Chemical Storage- Requirements There must be an inventory list of hazardous chemicals as defined in Chemical Hygiene Plan. Chemical containers must be labeled with a minimum of chemical name, hazard warnings and target organs. Containers shall be dated when received and opened. Accompanying safety data sheets must be kept.

Chemical Storage General Considerations: Plan ahead for spills, accidents or emergencies. Be aware of special storage conditions such as temperature, relative humidity or limited shelf life. Segregate chemicals by hazard class or compatibility.

Chemical Storage General Considerations: If available, use ventilated cabinets for volatile toxics and odoriferous chemicals. Use approved flammable storage cabinets for flammable liquids. Use secondary containers or trays for corrosives and toxic solvents.

Chemical Storage General Considerations: When refrigerating flammables, only use refrigerators specifically designed for flammable materials. Do not store food in chemical storage refrigerators. Label chemical storage refrigerators with the following: No Food – Chemical Storage Only

Chemical Storage General Considerations: Avoid storing liquid chemicals above eye level. Avoid storing chemicals in aisle ways. Avoid over stocking shelves. Avoid storing heavy containers above shoulder level. Avoid storing chemicals in fume hoods or on counter tops. Avoid storing chemicals near sources of heat or in direct sunshine.

Chemical Storage General Considerations Avoid overhead storage of hazardous liquids and dangerous solids. Maximum separation of reactive chemicals minimizes risk.

Chemical Storage General Considerations Therefore, don't store chemicals in alphabetical order--store by category. Do not store mutually-reactive chemicals near each other - e.g. sodium near the sink or in a sprinkled storage area, acids near bases, organometallics near alcohols.

Chemical Storage General Considerations Date ethers and other peroxide-forming compounds upon arrival and follow directions for storage, testing and disposal given in this manual. Respiratory assailants and "stench" compounds should be stored in a properly vented storage cabinet. Store cleanup kits close to storage areas

Chemical Storage – Hazardous Characteristics At a minimum, chemicals should be segregated as: Corrosives Flammable Liquids Oxidizers Poisons or Toxic Chemicals Reactive (water or time sensitive)

Chemical Storage – Corrosives Store concentrated acids and bases separately. ACIDS BASES Sulfuric acid Nitric acid Keep corrosives away from organic chemicals and combustible materials. Use secondary catch basins for concentrated acids and bases. OH- H+

Chemical Storage – Storage based on occupancy, classification, building construction, availability of flammable storage cabinets, quantities and location of the laboratory. Solids: Phosphorus, yellow Calcium carbide

Chemical Storage As a general rule of thumb, no more than 10 gallons of flammable liquids should be stored outside of an approved flammable storage cabinet. Hospital patient areas are typically much less (1 to 2 gallons). Liquids: Acetone Benzene

Chemical Storage – xidizers Store oxidizers away from flammable and combustible materials. Store oxidizers away from reducing agents. Maintain the minimum quantity needed and dispose of unneeded material immediately. Potassium permanganate Potassium dichromate

Chemical Storage – Toxic Chemicals Store highly toxic materials in a dedicated storage fume hood. Maintain the minimum quantity needed and dispose of unneeded material immediately. Store in unbreakable containers or use secondary containers. Label storage areas with designated area signs.

Toxic Chemicals Carbon tetrachloride Chloroform Cyanides Heavy metals compounds, i.e., cadmium, mercury

Chemical Storage – Reactive Examples of reactive chemicals would include, but not be limited to: Water reactive chemicals. Pyrophors, which react with air. Peroxide forming chemicals, which form shock sensitive explosives. ETHER

Chemical Storage – Reactive Consult the SDS and labels for storage information. Bring only quantities needed for immediate use into the laboratory. Date all reactive chemicals as soon as they are received. Do not open material after the expiration date.

Chemical Storage – Reactive Store pyrophoric chemicals away from flammables. Store perchloric acid away from reducing agents. Store perchloric acid bottles in glass or ceramic trays. Store peroxidizable materials away from heat and light.

Chemical Storage – Reactive Store water reactive chemicals away from all sources of water or in water tight containers. Store thermally unstable chemicals in approved refrigerators. Consider explosion relief boxes for highly sensitive materials. Restrict access to the storage area.

Reactive Metals Sodium metal   Potassium metal

Chemical Transporting

Transporting Chemicals If chemicals are transferred to a second container, make sure the new container is labeled with the chemical name. Use secondary containers, with handles, made of rubber, plastic or metal. Secondary containers should be large enough to contain all of the chemical contents.

Transporting Chemicals Make sure the pathway is clear of obstructions and tripping hazards. Plan ahead for spills. Transport only the quantity needed to complete the experiment. Use sturdy carts when transporting heavy containers or transporting over long distances.

Chemical Handling

Chemical Handling Be familiar with chemical properties and products of chemical reactions. Be prepared for chemical spills and clean up spills immediately. Plan ahead – have apparatus and associated equipment ready before chemicals are used. Use the appropriate equipment, such as funnels, beakers and spatulas when transferring chemicals.

Chemical Manipulation                            Chemical Manipulation Use chemical fume hoods to control exposure as chemicals are transferred. Use chemical fume hoods to control exposure during the experiment. Wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (chemical splash goggles, gloves, etc.). Have disposal containers ready ahead of time.

First Aid In case of emergency, it is recommended to understand the first aid procedures in order to minimize any damages The different types of chemicals will cause a variety of damages but the majority of sources recommend that it is best to rinse any contacted skin or eye with water for at least 15 - 20 minutes, immediately flush the affected area

Recommended flush time is as follows: 5 minutes - non to mild irritants 15 - 20 minutes - moderate to severe irritants and chemical that cause acute toxicity 30 minutes - most corrosives 60 minutes - strong alkalis such as sodium, potassium or calcium hydroxide

First Aid cont, Transport the affected person to a health care facility is important depending on the victim's condition. In the case that the victim needs to be transported before the recommended flush time, then flushing should be done during the transportation process. It is to note that some chemical manufacturers may state the specific type of cleansing agent that is recommended

Chemical Disposal & Recycling

Chemical Disposal… Each chemical and container must be disposed off properly No container is truly "empty" unless properly cleaned Follow SDS requirements for container disposal

Chemical 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

Target Organ Effects

Target Organ A specific organ on which chemical, or other Substance that (in contrast to a systemic toxin) generally does not affect the entire body, but instead attacks a particular organ.

Health Hazards Category A-Biological Agents-eg. Category B-Physical Agents-eg. Category C-Chemical Agents-eg. Industrial Safety Lecture Three

Chemical Health Effects Irritants: Inflame skin tissue on contact. Corrosives: Destroy skin tissue at point of contact. Sensitizers: Cause allergic reactions. Target-Organ Chemicals: Damage specific body organs and systems. Reproductive Hazards: Change genetic information in egg or sperm cells and/or damage fetus after conception. Carcinogens: Cause cancer. Industrial Safety Lecture Three

Hepatotoxins Chemicals which produce liver damage Signs and Symptoms: Jaundice, liver enlargement Chemicals: Carbon Tetrachloride, nitrosamines

Nephrotoxins Chemicals which produce kidney damage Signs and Symptoms:Edema Chemicals: Halogenated Hydrocarbons, uranium Edema abnormal accumulation of fluid in joints, but can be caused by a variety of other exposures, tight bandages etc...

Neurotoxins Chemicals which produce their primary toxic effects on the nervous system Signs and Symptoms: Narcosis, behavioral changes, decreased motor function Chemicals: Mercury, carbon disulfide, lead

Hematopoietic system Agents which act on the blood Decrease hemoglobin function, deprive the body tissues of oxygen Signs and Symptoms: Cyanosis, loss of consciousness Chemicals: Carbon monoxide, cyanides Cyanosis: blue skin

Agents which damage the lungs Chemicals which damage pulmonary tissue Signs and Symptoms: Cough, tightness in the chest, loss of breath Chemicals: Asbestos, silica

Reproductive toxins Chemicals which damage reproductive capabilities Includes chromosomal damage (mutations) and damage to fetuses (teratogenesis) Signs and Symptoms: Birth defects, sterility Chemicals: Lead

Cutaneous hazards Chemicals which effect the dermal layer of the body Signs and Symptoms: Defatting of the skin, rashes, irritation Chemicals: Ketones, chlorinated compounds

Eye hazards Chemicals which affect the eye or visual capacity Signs and symptoms: Conjunctivitis, corneal damage, blurred vision, burning or irritation Chemicals: Solvents, corrosives

Control of Chemical Hazards and Exposures Engineering and Mechanical Controls Administrative and Procedural Controls Personal Protective Equipment Industrial Safety Lecture Three

Protecting Yourself… Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) may be needed to protect yourself from chemical hazards Use the PPE our Company has required for each chemical Check the PPE before use to make sure it is not damaged

Protecting Yourself… Use face shield and Goggles if there is a splash hazard Use the proper respirator for dusts, mists and fumes

Protecting Yourself… 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?

THINK SAFETY BE SAFE, NOT SORRY!

1.Before purchasing new chemicals you should? Part A 1.Before purchasing new chemicals you should? A. Check to see if chemical is already available. B. Determine the minimum quantity needed. C. Search for a less hazardous substitute. D. All the above.

2.The chemical hygiene plan requires? A. Inventory list of hazardous chemicals. B. Labels C. Requires chemicals to be dated when opened and received. D. All the above.

3.Chemicals should be stored? A. Alphabetically B. By hazard class or compatibility. C. In the chemical fume hood. D. Randomly

4.Devices used to store chemicals include? A. Flammable storage cabinets. B. Specially designed refrigerators. C. Laboratory drawers. D. Both A & B

5.Chemicals can be segregated as? A. Corrosives B. Flammable Liquids C. Oxidizers D. All the above.

6.Acids and bases should be stored together? A. True B. False

7.Which is an example of a reactive chemical? A. Ethyl Ether B. Benzene C. Sodium D. Both A & C

8.Chemical storage information can be found in? A. SDS B. Labels C. Dictionary D. Both A & B

9.An example of a secondary container is? A. Plastic Tray B. Glass Beaker C. Rubber Pail D. All the above.

10.Chemical fume hoods can be used to control exposure. A. True B. False

11.Store chemicals in alphabetical order A. True B. False

12.Store chemical by category A. True B. False

Part B 1. Give the names of the two chemical hazards. 2. What name is given to a chemical which will burst into flame when contacted by air? 3. What term is given to chemicals which can cause and /or support fire in other materials? 4. What is a health hazard? 5. Which kind of health hazard destroys skin on contact? 6. Chemicals that cause sterility, fetal death, and birth defects are called ____________. 7. What is a carcinogen? 8. Give the three states in which a chemical can exist. 9. Give the three ways employees can be exposed to health hazards. 10.What are the most common skin contact hazards? 11.What is an SDS? 12.What kind of information is found on the SDS? Industrial Safety Lecture Three

Answer A 1. All the above (D). 6. False (B) 2. All the above (D). 7. Both A & C (D) 3. By hazard class or compatibility(B). 8. Both A & B (D) 4. Both A & B (D) 9. All the above (D) 5. All the above (D) 10. False (A) 11. False (B) 12. True (A) Click here to receive certificate:

Answer B 1.Physical and Health hazards 2.Reactive Chemical 3.Flammable Chemical 4.Any chemical that have adverse effect on human health 6.Tetratogenes 7.Cancer 8.Solid,liquid And Gas 9.Inhalation,ingestion,skin Contact, Eye Injection 10.Acids,bases, 11.Safety Data Sheet 12.Chemical information and characteristics (physical and chemical properties)