1. Working Safely With Solvents
Today, we’re going to talk about solvent safety. Solvents are extremely useful substances. They help us perform many important tasks. But they can also be hazardous to your health and safety. That’s why you need to understand the hazards and know the precautions you need to take to avoid accidents and illness when you work with or around solvents.
This presentation is focused on the hazards of organic solvents, which are a dangerous group of solvents that can be hazardous to your skin and other organs of your body.

2. Session Objectives You will be able to:
Identify solvent safety and health hazards
Access vital information about solvents
Take proper precautions to prevent accidents and illness
Respond effectively in the event of an emergency involving solvents
The main objective of this session is to describe solvent hazards and talk about the steps you need to take to work safely with these common workplace materials. By the time this session is over, you should be able to:
Identify solvent safety and health hazards;
Access vital information about solvents;
Take proper precautions to prevent accidents and illness; and
Respond effectively in the event of an emergency involving solvents.

3. Examples of Solvents Acetone Methylene chloride Toluene
Methyl ethyl ketone
Trichloroethylene
Isobutyl Alcohol
Acetone
Methylene chloride
Toluene
Methyl ethyl ketone
Trichloroethylene
Isobutyl Alcohol
Solvents are used for jobs such as cleaning and degreasing, softening paints and inks, dissolving other substances, and polishing and waxing. In fact, solvents are one of the most common chemical substances found in the workplace.
A few examples of the many different solvents used in industrial processes include:
Acetone;
Methylene chloride;
Toluene;
Methyl ethyl ketone;
Trichloroethylene; and
Isobutyl alcohol
Think of the solvents used in our workplace and the jobs for which they are used.

4. Single-Exposure Health Hazards
Eyes— irritation, burning
Skin—rashes, dryness
Ingestion—nausea
Although solvents are common in the workplace and very useful, they can also be hazardous to your health. Health hazards vary depending on the particular solvent, but in many cases, even a single exposure can cause some problems.
Solvents can damage your eyes. Mild symptoms of eye exposure include irritation and burning sensation. More severe exposure could result in permanent eye damage and even lead to blindness. Eyes can be affected by both solvent liquids and solvent vapors.
Almost every type of solvent can be absorbed into your skin. Most solvents will remove oils from your skin, which results in your hands becoming dry and chapped. Some solvents could cause other skin problems such as itching, rashes, or swelling. If some strong solvents penetrate your skin and get into your bloodstream, they can cause internal damage to your organs. Even the slightest contact can be detrimental.
Finally, ingesting—or swallowing—solvents will likely make you feel sick to your stomach. Ingested solvents can also get into your bloodstream and result in fatigue and drowsiness. Of course, you wouldn’t intentionally swallow solvents. But if you have solvents on your hands and eat or drink without washing first, you could end up unintentionally swallowing some of the solvent.

5. Inhaling Vapors Headache and dizziness Nausea and vomiting
Fatigue and drowsiness
Sore throat and respiratory irritation
Blurred vision
Unconsciousness and death
Another possible health hazard is inhaling solvent vapors. Many solvents evaporate quickly, which results in harmful solvent vapors in the air you breathe. Once inhaled, solvent vapors can quickly move into the bloodstream.
Inhalation of solvent vapors will often start with symptoms such as headache or dizziness.
You might also feel nausea and might vomit.
After being exposed to solvent vapors, you might feel tired and drowsy for a while.
Many people will also experience a sore throat along with respiratory irritation and trouble breathing.
Blurred vision may also occur after breathing a heavy concentration of solvent vapor.
And, if you’re exposed to high concentrations of solvent vapors for too long, you could become unconscious and eventually, you could die.

6. Long-term Health Hazards
Throat or lung damage
Liver and kidney damage
Central nervous system damage
Cancer
Workers who are exposed to solvent liquids and vapors for many years can suffer permanent, long-term health problems. The long-term effect of solvent exposure depends on the type of solvent as well as the length of exposure. Examples of long-term health hazards include:
Throat and lung damage;
Liver and kidney damage;
Central nervous system damage; and
Cancer, which can occur in the liver, kidneys, and lungs.

7. Physical Hazards Fire Explosion Contamination
In addition to being hazardous to your health, solvents can be hazardous in other ways.
Some solvents, like acetone, are very flammable. Flammable solvents tend to evaporate at lower temperatures and give off more vapors, which are easily ignited, resulting in fire.
Solvents can also be explosive. If a container of solvent is left open in an unventilated room, the solvent will evaporate until the air in the room reaches a saturation point. At that time, the entire room is filled with solvent vapors and any spark or other ignition source could ignite all the vapors and create a fireball type of explosion; and
Solvents can also cause a lot of contamination if they aren’t controlled. Solvent vapors cause air contamination. Liquid solvents can contaminate both surface water and groundwater if they are disposed of improperly or if there is a spill.

8. Solvent Flash Point
Flash point = Temperature at which vapors can be ignited
Low flash point means high flammability
Flammable solvents have a flash point < 100ºF
Nonflammable solvents (flash point > 100ºF) still burn
Whether a solvent is likely to cause a fire depends on the solvent’s flash point.
The flash point is the lowest temperature at which a liquid will give off enough vapors, in high enough concentration, so that the vapors can be ignited.
A low flash point indicates a more flammable solvent. For example, acetone has a flash point of 50 degrees Fahrenheit. This means that the solvent vapors could easily ignite and burn at room temperature. A solvent with a high flash point—say, 300 degrees Fahrenheit—would have to be heated before it would give off enough vapors to be ignited.
Solvents are considered flammable when they have a flash point of less than 100 degrees Fahrenheit. In addition, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) classifies a material as hazardous waste if its flash point is less than 140°F.
Nonflammable solvents, with flash points above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, are still dangerous. Although they often do not give off enough vapors to be ignited under normal conditions, they will burn easily and readily when heated and ignited.
Do you know which solvents in our workplace are flammable and could easily start a fire? You should be aware of all fire hazards.

9. Ignition Sources Lit cigarettes Welding and cutting Static electricity
Sparks from machinery or combustion engines
Hot surfaces, machinery, or electrical equipment
Be cautious of toxic by-products
There are many potential sources of ignition for solvents. For example, lit cigarettes are an obvious concern. Even in outside areas, smoking is not permitted within 25 feet of a flammable solvent storage or dispensing area.
Welding and cutting operations could also ignite solvents and should therefore never be conducted near solvents. Generally, a 30-foot area around a welding location should be cleared of solvents and other flammable and combustible materials.
Static electricity can also ignite flammable liquids. Special precautions must therefore be taken when dispensing flammable solvents. We’ll talk more about that later in the session.
Sparks from machinery or combustion engines such as grinders or backfiring forklifts could also ignite solvents.
Finally, heat from hot surfaces or machinery could ignite solvents as well and so could a short circuit in electrical equipment, including electrical panels, conduits, and outlets.
Remember that when some solvents burn, they produce a hazardous by-product that can be highly toxic.
Can you think of any other potential sources of ignition that could ignite solvents in our workplace?

10. Hazard Information: Signs and Labels
Warning signs
HazCom GHS labels
DOT labels
HMIS® labels
Warning signs and labels provide vital safety and health information about solvents. Make sure you read and heed them.
Warning signs are posted wherever solvents are stored, dispensed, or used. Labels are attached to every solvent container. You might see different kinds of labels, but they all provide similar information.
OSHA’s Hazard Communication, or HazCom, Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling, or GHS, requires each container of hazardous chemicals to be labeled with a GHS-compliant label with appropriate hazard warnings and pictograms.
DOT labels made by the U.S. Department of Transportation use colors, symbols, and numbers to warn about solvent hazards. For example, the DOT label for a flammable solvent has a red background with a white flame in the center and the number 3, which is the hazard identification number for flammable liquids.
Finally, another kind of label is called a Hazardous Material Information System label, or HMIS® label. HMIS labels are often found on small containers such as drums. These labels have colors in horizontal bars that represent different hazards. Blue represents a health hazard. Red represents a flammability hazard. And yellow represents a reactivity hazard. The numbers in each color indicate the degree of hazard—4 means a severe hazard, 3 means a serious hazard, 2 means a moderate hazard, 1 means a minor hazard, and 0 means a minimal hazard. HMIS® also has a new system with a blue health bar, red flammability bar, orange physical hazards bar, and a white PPE bar.

11. Hazard Information: Labels and Signs
NFPA labels
Examine labels carefully
National Fire Protection Association labels, or NFPA labels, are similar to HMIS® labels. The colors on NFPA labels represent the same hazards, except that on an NFPA label, yellow is called “instability” instead of “reactivity.” The numbers represent the same degrees of hazard as they do on the HMIS® label. The main difference is that the NFPA labels have colors in the shape of diamonds and are usually found on larger containers and tanks. Also, the bottom white diamond is used to specify additional information, not just recommended PPE.
Note that the GHS labels are opposite of those used under NFPA—GHS has hazard numbers ranging from 1 to 4, with 1 being the most hazardous and 4 being the least hazardous. Remember this to avoid confusion.
Whichever type of label you see on a container of solvents, be sure to examine it carefully. Read the fine print and look for information such as special handling or storage instructions, inhalation hazards, recommended personal protective equipment, engineering controls such as ventilation, and other warnings.
Do you always read labels and watch for warning signs posted around our facility? Do you use the information from labels and warning signs to protect your health and safety? You should.

12. Hazard Information: SDS
Identity of solvent
Safe exposure levels
Fire, explosion, and reactivity
Health hazards and symptoms of exposure
PPE and first aid
Safe storage and handling
Spills and leaks
The safety data sheet, or SDS, provides a wealth of safety and health information about the solvents. In addition to reading labels and signs, you must also consult the SDS. The SDS will tell you:
The identity of the solvent, including product name, trade name, and chemical formula as well as an emergency phone number;
Permissible exposure level, known as PEL, and threshold limit value, known as TLV, both of which tell you how much solvent you can safely be exposed to averaged over an 8-hour workday;
Fire, explosion, and reactivity hazards;
Health hazards and symptoms of exposure;
Personal protective equipment required to prevent harmful exposures as well as first aid in case of exposure;
Safe storage and handling recommendations; and
Information about how to deal with spills and leaks.
Do you know how to find the hazard and precaution information you need in the SDSs for the solvents you use?

13. Solvent Hazards: Match Your Knowledge
Inhalation symptom
Physical hazard
Eye hazard
Flash point < 100ºF
Long-term hazard
Burning sensation
Cancer
Headache, dizziness
Now let’s try a little matching test to see how much you remember about what we’ve just discussed concerning solvent hazards. Take a minute and match the items in the column on the left to the correct answer in the right column.
OK, now let’s see if you match them correctly.
The inhalation symptom is headache and dizziness,
The physical hazard is fire,
Solvents splashed in the eyes can cause a burning sensation,
A flash point of less than 100 degrees Fahrenheit means that the solvent is highly flammable, and
A long-term health hazard of unprotected exposures to solvents could be cancer.
Fire
Highly flammable

14. Solvent Hazards Do you understand: Physical and health hazards?
How flash point affects fire safety?
How solvent vapors can be ignited?
The importance of labels, SDSs, and signs?
How to find information on labels and SDSs?
Now it’s time to ask yourself if you understand the information presented in the previous slides. Do you understand:
Solvent physical and health hazards?
How flash point affects fire safety?
How solvent vapors can be ignited?
The importance of solvent labels, SDSs, and warning signs?
How to find the information you need on labels and in SDSs?
Your safety and health depend on understanding and using all of this information on the job.
Now let’s continue to the next slide and begin talking about the precautions you need to take when working with solvents. We’ll start with fire prevention.

15. Fire Prevention Use solvents in well-ventilated areas
Remove ignition sources
No smoking
Keep containers closed
Be careful with empty containers
To prevent fires when using solvents you must remember several important steps.
First, use solvents only in well-ventilated areas to prevent the buildup of vapors.
In addition, be sure to keep solvents away from ignition sources such as flames, sparking tools, hot equipment, exposed electrical wires, and so forth.
Another major fire hazard is smoking. Never smoke when using or dispensing solvents—or anywhere near areas where solvents are stored.
Keep solvent containers tightly closed when not in use to prevent the buildup of vapors in the area and to protect the solvent from any sparks or other ignition sources.
Also, be careful with empty solvent containers. Empty containers are still hazardous because they contain air that is saturated with solvent vapors, which means the vapors are concentrated and can burn easily. Never weld on an empty solvent drum. And before re-using a container that once held solvents, be sure it is thoroughly cleaned and ventilated.
Think about the precautions you take to prevent fires when working with or around solvents.

16. Control of Solvent Vapors
Ventilation
Enclosed process
Condensing refrigeration
Tools to avoid contact
Engineering controls are the best way to control exposure to solvent vapors.
Ventilation systems play a key role in protecting against solvent vapors by preventing vapors from building up to dangerous concentrations. Also, ventilation helps to protect against potentially toxic by-products produced from combustion. Always check ventilation systems to make sure they’re working properly, and report any ventilation problems immediately.
Another engineering control used to keep solvent vapors at safe levels is the enclosed process. An enclosed process keeps vapors contained so that they can’t escape into the general work environment. Vapors generated are captured and then condensed into liquids for re-use.
Some vapor degreasers, which are used to clean oil and grease from metal parts, use refrigeration to condense the vapors into liquid. This prevents vapors from escaping the system into the work environment.
Finally, tools such as tongs and wire dunk baskets or buckets used to place parts for cleaning into solvent vapors or liquids also help prevent direct contact with solvents.
Are you aware of the controls that are available to keep solvent vapors down to safe levels? Do you always use them when necessary?

17. Personal Protective Equipment
Goggles or Safety Glasses
Respirator
Chemical-Resistant Gloves
Protective Clothing
Because engineering controls alone can’t prevent all exposures, personal protective equipment—PPE—is also necessary.
Safety glasses or goggles are required to protect your eyes from liquid splashes and harmful vapors. A face shield might also be necessary to protect your face from liquid splashes.
Respirators may be required when ventilation systems alone can’t keep solvent vapors down to safe levels.
Chemical-resistant gloves made of neoprene or rubber are the most common protective gloves for working with solvents. However, you should always check the SDS to make sure. Some solvents can dissolve rubber or neoprene. Other glove materials such a butyl, nitrile, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl alcohol, or viton may be required. We’ll talk more about gloves in the next slide.
Finally, protective clothing made of chemical-resistant materials may also be required to protect your skin and your work clothes.
Do you know which type of PPE you need to use for the solvents you work with? If not, ask your supervisor.

18. Solvent Gloves Abrasion and cut resistance
Length and cuff requirements
Dexterity and grip
Thermal protection
Proper fit
As we mentioned in the previous slide, the type of glove you need to protect your hands depends on type of solvent you’re using and the contact you have with solvent. For example, one type of glove might be excellent for paint thinner but it could melt if used with acetone. Likewise, if your hands will be immersed in solvents for long periods, certain glove materials are better than others.
Other important considerations include:
Abrasion and cut resistance if there is the potential for punctures, cuts, snags, or tears while working;
Length and cuff type if you will be immersing your hands or entire arm into a solvent liquid, or just using a solvent on a rag to wipe parts;
Dexterity and grip if you are working with small, intricate parts or if the solvent is slippery;
Thermal protection if the solvents are very cold; and
Proper fit so that gloves are comfortable and allow sufficient dexterity and grip.

19. Solvent Storage Areas No Smoking signs Ventilation
Explosion-proof lighting and electrical equipment
Secondary containment
Solvent storage areas are posted with No Smoking signs to remind everyone of the danger of smoking around solvents.
Storage areas may also have special ventilation systems to prevent buildup of vapors and to prevent sparks.
Explosion-proof lighting and electrical equipment is also required to prevent an electrical short circuit from igniting vapors.
Some solvent storage areas will also have a secondary containment system to keep a solvent spill from entering a nearby drain or escaping into the environment. These systems also make it easier for cleanup crews to deal with spills.
Think about all the precautions that we take to make sure solvents are stored safely.

20. Safe Storage Tips Free of combustible materials
Avoid stacking containers
No incompatible materials
Cool area, no direct sunlight
Away from ignition sources
Here are some other safe storage tips:
Keep storage areas free of combustible materials such as chips, leaves, rags, pallets, paper, and so on.
Avoid stacking containers to prevent a tip-over and spill. OSHA allows a maximum of two drums stacked with a pallet between to prevent excess stress on the walls of the drums.
Don’t store solvents with incompatible materials such as oxidizers.
Make sure storage areas are cool and out of direct sunlight to prevent high temperatures from increasing the amount of vapor in the air.
And finally, don’t store or dispense solvents near electrical panels, furnaces, or other ignition sources.

21. Safe Handling Use only approved containers
Ensure that containers are properly labeled
Take only the amount needed for the job
Dispose of solvent-soaked rags in closed containers
Do not weld or torch empty containers
In addition to storing solvents safely, you also have to handle them safely. Here are tips for safe handling of solvents.
Keep small supplies of solvents to be used during the workday in UL-listed approved, fire-resistant safety containers that have self-closing lids.
Make sure that containers are properly labeled with the name and hazards of the solvent.
Take only the amount of solvent you need for the job. That way if a spill or fire does occur, the damage will be minimal.
Practice good housekeeping by disposing of solvent-soaked rags in designated closed containers.
And finally, never weld or torch cut a drum that once contained a solvent. Vapors remaining in the drum could ignite and cause and explosion.
Think of other safe handling practices you use to work safely with solvents.

22. Dispensing Flammable Solvents
Static electricity
Containers grounded and bonded
Pumps grounded
Sparkproof tools
Dispensing solvents safely is another important task that must be done according to specific procedures.
Static electricity is the main concern when dispensing flammable solvents. The flow of solvent generates static, which could build up to the point where it might spark and ignite the solvent vapors.
This means containers must be properly grounded and bonded. The storage container must be attached to a grounding rod, usually by a wire with alligator clips. Then the container must be connected—or bonded—to the smaller container into which the solvent is being dispensed. This procedure prevents static from building up.
Pumps used to dispense solvents from storage containers must also be grounded to prevent static buildup.
And finally, sparkproof tools, such as drum wrenches used to open containers or shovels used to clean out sludge from a tank, are typically made of nonsparking bronze alloy or even plastic. Only sparkproof tools should be used around flammable solvents.
Think about the steps you must take to dispense solvents safely.
Image credit: GlobalSecurity.org

23. Safe Work Practices Don’t eat, drink, or keep food in solvent areas
Don’t wash with solvents
Wear required PPE
Remove contaminated PPE carefully
Wash up after handling solvents
Substitute less hazardous solvents
When you work with solvents, you also need to follow safe work practices to prevent accidents and illness.
Don’t eat, drink, or keep food and beverages in solvent areas. This increases your chances of accidentally ingesting solvents.
Don’t wash your hands with solvents. Exposing your skin to solvents could result in a rash, dryness, or other skin problems. Worse, dangerous solvents to get through your skin into your bloodstream and make you sick.
Always wear required PPE to prevent hazardous exposures to solvents.
Remove PPE carefully when you’re done, to avoid getting solvents on your skin.
Wash thoroughly after working with solvents—and before eating, drinking, or using the rest room. You should also wash before leaving your work area for other parts of the facility. Failing to do so could spread chemical contamination to other parts of the facility and put other employees at risk.
Finally, whenever possible, substitute less hazardous solvents to minimize the risk of exposures. Of course, you should check with your supervisor before making any substitutions.

24. Spill Prevention Keep containers closed
Inspect containers regularly for damage and leaks
Clean up spills promptly and thoroughly
Label containers
Dispose of waste solvents properly
Because a sizeable spill of some of the more hazardous solvents could be hazardous to your health, could start a fire, or could contaminate the environment, we must be very careful to take proper precautions to prevent spills.
To prevent spills keep solvent containers closed when not in use.
Inspect containers regularly for corrosion, dents, and other damage, as well as for small leaks.
Clean up small solvent spills promptly and thoroughly. Large spills should be handled by the emergency response team. We’ll talk more about emergency response for spills in a few minutes.
Be sure all containers—including waste containers—are properly labeled.
Finally, dispose of waste solvents and material such as rags contaminated with solvents properly. Waste solvents should only be put into designated containers for recycling or disposal. Never put solvents into storm drains, sanitary sewers, down sink drains, or in the trash. Soaked rags and other cleanup materials should be put in designated closed containers to prevent fires.
Think about what you can do to help prevent solvent spills.
Image Credit: Spillcontainment.com

25. Solvent Precautions: True or False?
Solvents should be stored in a well ventilated area.
The only required PPE for solvents are chemical-resistant gloves.
It’s safe to keep up to a week’s supply of flammable solvent at your workstation.
Most waste solvents can be safely poured down the drain.
Now let’s test your knowledge of the information about solvent precautions presented in the previous slides. Decide if the statements on the screen are true or false.
Solvents should be stored in a well-ventilated area. True or false?
The correct answer is true. This prevents vapors from building up and creating a health or fire hazard.
The only required PPE for solvents are chemical-resistant gloves. True or false?
The correct answer is false. You should also wear eye protection, protective clothing to keep solvents off your skin, and a respirator when hazardous solvent vapors can’t be controlled safely by ventilation alone.
It’s safe to keep up to a week’s supply of flammable solvent at your workstation. True or false?
The correct answer is false. This could create a health or fire hazard. Take only as much as you need for a task to minimize risks.
Finally, most waste solvents can be safely poured down the drain. True or false?
The correct answer is false. Only dispose of wastes in designated closed containers.

26. Solvent Precautions Do you understand requirements for:
Fire prevention?
Safe storage?
PPE?
Dispensing, handling, and working with solvents?
Spill prevention?
Emergency response and first aid?
Do you understand the requirements discussed in the previous slides concerning:
Fire prevention?
Safe storage?
PPE?
Dispensing, handling, and working with solvents?
Spill prevention?
Emergency response and first aid?
You need to understand all this information in order to work safely with solvents.
Now let’s go on the next slide and talk about emergency response for solvent spills.

27. Emergency Response: Spills and Leaks
Evacuate the area
Notify others
Remove ignition sources
Stay away
Small spills of solvents during the course of work can generally be wiped up with a rag or absorbent wipe and disposed of properly—usually in a correctly marked safety can. However, only properly trained and equipped employees are authorized to respond to and clean up large solvent spills. If you are not a member of our special response team, you should get away from the spill as fast as possible.
Evacuate the area and move to a safe area, either within the facility or outside the building, depending on the hazards.
Notify others of the spill. Tell co-workers in the immediate area so that they can evacuate as well. Notify a supervisor and the emergency response team.
If it’s safe to do so, remove ignition sources. Turn off motors and machines. If a highly flammable solvent has spilled, the power to electrical boxes in the area should also be cut. Be aware that throwing an electrical switch may create a spark, therefore, it may be safer not to power off and wait for an expert to arrive.
And finally, stay away from the spill area until you are told by the emergency cleanup team that it’s safe to return.
Would you know what to do in the event of a serious solvent spill? If not, find out now. You’ll have to act fast and effectively in a real emergency.

28. Emergency Response: First Aid
Eyes—flush with water
Skin—wash with soap and water
Inhalation—move to fresh air
Swallowing—get medical assistance
The first-aid procedures discussed in this slide are appropriate for most solvents. However, you should always consult the label and MSDS for specific first-aid procedures for the particular solvent.
If solvent splashes into your eyes, go immediately to an eyewash station, hold you eyelids open, and flush the eye with water for at least 15 minutes. If the eye still burns or you have difficulty seeing, seek medical attention.
If solvent gets on your skin, wash the area immediately with soap and water. Remove any clothing that was also splashed. If you later experience skin irritation or a rash, see your doctor.
If you begin to feel symptoms associated with breathing solvent vapors—such as dizziness or upset stomach—move away from the work area and get some fresh air. If that doesn’t help, seek medical attention.
Finally, if you accidentally swallow solvent, you need to seek medical attention right away. First aid for ingestion of solvents varies depending on the substance involved. Check the label and MSDS. But even if you apply first aid, get to a doctor right away.

29. Key Points to Remember
Solvents can also be hazardous to your health and may cause fires, explosions, and contamination
Understand the health and safety hazards of solvents you work with
Follow safe practices for storing, dispensing, handling, and working with solvents, as well as for disposing of waste solvents
Here are the main points to remember from this session on working safely with solvents:
Solvents are useful materials but can also be hazardous to your health and may cause fires, explosions, and contamination.
You need to understand the health and safety hazards of the solvents you work with.
And finally, you must also follow safe practices for storing, dispensing, handling, and working with solvents, as well as for disposing of waste solvents.
This concludes the Working Safely with Solvents training session.