BASIC CHEMICAL SAFETY

 BASIC CHEMICAL SAFETY

CHEMICAL SAFETY:-

Being secure from undergoing or causing hurt, injury, or loss when working with elements, chemical compounds, or mixtures of elements and/or compounds. 

CHEMICAL HAZARDS:-

Solvents, acids/caustics, metals(lead, cadmium, mercury), dusts(asbestos, silica, wood), pesticides, air pollutants, paints, lubricants, cleaning agents, glues etc., 

CATEGORIES OF CHEMICALS:-

Toxic	Chemicals that can have a poisonous effect on a person
Carcinogen	Chemicals believed to cause cancer after overexposure
Corrosive	Chemicals causing visible destruction or alteration
Irritant	Chemicals causing an inflammatory effect
Sensitizer	Chemicals causing an allergic reaction in tissues
Flammable liquid	A liquid that emits vapors that may catch fire
Combustible liquids	A liquid that combusts after being exposed to high temperatures

 

HOW TO USE CHEMICALS SAFELY

Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) :-

Always read these first to learn about how to use the chemical safely and the hazards of the chemical.The information in an MSDS is provided in 16 sections.

01	Identification	09	Physical and chemical properties
02	Hazard(s) identification	10	Stability and reactivity
03	Composition and ingredient information	11	Toxicological information
04	First aid measures	12	Ecological information
05	Fire-fighting measures	13	Disposal considerations
06	Accidental release measure	14	Transport information
07	Handling and storage	15	Regulatory information
08	Exposure controls and PPE	16	Any other relevant information

 Substitution - Use a less hazardous chemical to do the job.

Ventilation - Use ventilation or work in a well-vented area when using inhalation hazards.

Storage - Segregate incompatible chemicals and protect flammable chemicals from ignition sources.

 

CHEMICAL CLASSIFICATION:

Chemicals are classified into various hazard classifications in accordance with their physiochemical properties and health hazards. 

Each class of chemical has a pictorial symbol called a danger symbol. Addressing the risks posed by a chemicals classification is key to its safe use.

 

DUTIES OF OFFICERS:-

Ø Maintaining a register of hazardous chemicals 

Ø Identifying risk of physical or chemical reaction of hazardous chemicals and ensuring the stability of hazardous chemicals 

Ø Ensuring that exposure standards are not exceeded 

Ø Provision of health monitoring to workers if required 

Ø Provision of information, training, instruction and supervision to workers – and records kept 

Ø Provision of spill containment system for hazardous chemicals if necessary 

Ø Obtaining the current Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) from the manufacturer, importer or supplier of the chemical

Ø Ensuring chemicals are correctly labeled (controlling ignition sources and accumulation of flammable and combustible substances 

Ø Provision and availability of fire protection, fire fighting equipment and emergency and safety equipment  

Ø Preparing an emergency plan if the quantity of a class of hazardous chemical at a workplace exceeds the manifest quantity for that hazardous chemical 

Ø Stability and support of containers for bulk hazardous chemicals including pipe work and attachments 

Ø Decommissioning of underground storage and handling systems, and notifying the regulator as soon as practicable of abandoned tanks in certain circumstances 

Ø DUTIES OF WORKERS:-

§  Follow health and safety instructions.

§  Follow safe work practices.

§  Take reasonable care for their own health and safety.

§  Take reasonable care that their actions do not adversely affect the health and safety of others.

§  Participate in training and/or inductions.

§  Assist in identifying, assessing and managing risks.

§  Use appropriate safety systems, equipment and personal protective equipment as required.