1. Controlling Chemical Hazards

2. Reducing Exposure: Hierarchy of Controls

3. What is a HAZARD CONTROL?
Modification/addition of equipment, procedural or other changes made to a process or operations that results in the reduction of exposure to hazards associated with that process or operation.
Explain the Hierarchy of controls

4. Example: Using the Hierarchy of Controls
The Situation:
Worker is required to clean work pieces with cyclohexanone before they are glued together

5. Example: Using the Hierarchy of Controls
Is there a less toxic alternative available that can achieve the same desired cleaning effect?
Are there any tools or work methods that would reduce exposure risk?
Consider PPE
Note that it is a hierarchy not a choice. Other Control options must be considered before moving to PPE
Gravity-fed solvent applicator

6. Elimination or Substitution
Most Effective and Reliable

7. Common Solvents Used Process Examples Glues / Adhesives
Acetone, 3-methylpentane, 2-methylpentane, n-hexane, cyclohexane, ethyl acetate and methyl ethyl ketone (MEK)
Glue diluents
Acetone, ethyl acetate, dichloromethane and methyl ethyl ketone
Printing Inks
N-hexane, cyclohexane, cyclohexanone, ethyl acetate and methyl ethyl ketone (MEK)
Degreasing and cleaning
cyclohexanone, naphtha, dichloromethane

8. Organic Solvents
Many solvents can lead to a sudden loss of consciousness if inhaled in large amounts
Other narcosis effect on brain include dizziness, nausea, sleepiness
Some solvents are toxic to bone marrow, kidney, liver, and nervous system
Allergy to eye, nose, throat and lung
Dermatitis
Benzene can cause cancer (leukemia)

9. Examples of Chemical Alternative / Substitution
Process
Common Chemicals/Ingredients
Examples of Safer Alternatives
Glues / Adhesives
Acetone, 3-methylpentane, 2-methylpentane, n-hexane, cyclohexane, ethyl acetate and methyl ethyl ketone (MEK)
Water based adhesives, Safer solvent alternatives
Glue diluents
Acetone, ethyl acetate, dichloromethane and methyl ethyl ketone
Safer solvent alternatives
Printing Inks
N-hexane, cyclohexane, cyclohexanone, ethyl acetate and methyl ethyl ketone (MEK)
Solvent free inks, Diethylene glycol series ethers; Propylene glycol series ethers (ink removal)
Degreasing and cleaning
cyclohexanone, naphtha, dichloromethane
Cleaning Detergent, Water, Vegetable and plant-based cleaners, Safer solvent alternatives

10. Switching to Water-Based Chemicals
Significant reduction in Organic Solvents
Reduced VOC exposure and environmental discharge
Reduced Fire/explosion risk
Reduced health hazard to workers
IN general water based solvent are safer, however water-based does not mean “Hazard Free” explain this with next slide

11. Switching to Water-Based Chemicals
Assess the Alternative Chemical:
False sense of Security
The common misbelief that “water based” means there are no associated hazards
May be less harmful, but can contain additives and curing agents that cause sensitization (skin, respiratory tract)

12. Switching to Water-Based Chemicals
Sample of Water based adhesive SDS

13. This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4
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