CHE 10 Chapter 1: Chemical Safety

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Questions and Answers

What are the three essential components required to start a fire?

Fuel, Carbon Dioxide, Spark

Heat Source, Oxygen Source, Fire Extinguisher

Flammable Liquid, Oxygen Source, Heat Sink

Heat Source, Oxygen Source, Fuel (correct)

What is defined as the lowest temperature at which a liquid can give off enough vapor to ignite?

Flash Point (correct)

Combustion Point

Ignition Temperature

Vaporization Temperature

Which flammable liquid has the lowest flash point?

Acetone

Diethyl Ether (correct)

Ethyl Alcohol

Benzene

What term describes the temperature at which a substance can ignite without an external heat source?

Autoignition Temperature Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is likely to cause spontaneous combustion?

Oily Rags Signup and view all the answers

Which ignition source is commonly used in a laboratory setting?

Bunsen Burner Signup and view all the answers

At what temperature does Carbon Disulfide ignite?

90 deg C Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a typical ignition source in the laboratory?

Laser Cutter Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'Hazard' in the context of chemical safety?

Something that has the potential to harm. Signup and view all the answers

Which route of entry is most commonly associated with workplace chemicals?

Inhalation Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Risk' refer to in chemical safety?

The probability of a hazard causing harm. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor does NOT affect the potential health effects of chemical exposure?

The color of the chemical. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of chemical safety practices?

To ensure safety and health of humans and protect the environment. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a route of entry for chemicals into the body?

Evaporation Signup and view all the answers

What are potential consequences of improper management of chemical exposure?

Serious health issues and environmental damage. Signup and view all the answers

How might chemicals enter the bloodstream through ingestion?

By swallowing contaminated food or hands. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern regarding chemical exposure in the workplace?

It can result in organ damage. Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario best exemplifies acute exposure to toxins?

Exposure to a chemical spill leading to burns. Signup and view all the answers

Considering chemical absorption, what is a common effect of contact with skin or eyes?

Possible tissue damage or blindness. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes chronic exposure from acute exposure to toxins?

Chronic exposure lasts over an extended period at lower levels. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between hazard and risk?

Hazard cannot be reduced, while risk can be managed or diminished. Signup and view all the answers

What can be a consequence of working with hazardous materials without proper precautions?

Potential long-term health damage or disease. Signup and view all the answers

What might happen if a substance only causes harm upon acute exposure?

It has no harmful effects during prolonged exposure. Signup and view all the answers

What is a typical example of a chronic effect caused by a toxic substance?

Development of lung cancer from asbestos exposure. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of personal protective equipment (PPE) is considered to be the lowest level of protection?

Personal protective equipment (PPPE) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following strategies is part of the 'Reduce Risk' category in the hierarchy of control?

Substitution Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of using a chemical fume hood in a laboratory setting?

To minimize exposure to airborne chemicals Signup and view all the answers

In the event of a chemical spill, what is the most effective control measure?

Eliminating hazards and risks Signup and view all the answers

Which component of the NFPA hazard diamond indicates the severity of hazards?

Number values Signup and view all the answers

Within the hierarchy of controls, which control method involves using administrative actions to minimize exposure to hazards?

Administrative Controls Signup and view all the answers

What must be worn in addition to standard PPE when handling airborne chemicals?

Additional personal protective equipment if indicated Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following represents the lowest level of reliability in control measures according to the hierarchy of controls?

Personal Protective Equipment Signup and view all the answers

What should be done immediately after a chemical spill occurs?

Remove contaminated clothing and wash the skin Signup and view all the answers

Which absorbent product is recommended for cleaning acid spills?

Calcinated absorbent products, such as Oil-Dri Signup and view all the answers

What method is suggested for cleaning up spilled mercury?

Using an aspirator bulb or vacuum device Signup and view all the answers

How should white/yellow phosphorus spills be managed?

Blanketing with wet sand or absorbents Signup and view all the answers

What constitutes hazardous waste?

By-products that are unstable and pose health threats Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following types of waste does NOT fall under hazardous waste?

Usable-product excess materials Signup and view all the answers

What is the risk associated with sodium potassium (NaK) in handling spills?

Greater hazards than sodium or potassium alone Signup and view all the answers

What is the appropriate action for disposing of hazardous waste?

Controlled burning outdoors Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chemical Safety Overview

Essential for environments involving chemical use to prevent health issues and environmental damage.
Chemical safety encompasses the entire lifecycle of chemicals: manufacture, transport, use, and disposal.
Distinction between hazard (potential to cause harm) and risk (likelihood of harm).

Routes of Entry

Inhalation: Most common entry; can lead to effects from irritation to severe lung damage.
Ingestion: Occurs when contaminated food or hands transfer chemicals into the bloodstream, potentially harming organs.
Absorption: Chemicals can irritate or destroy skin and eyes upon contact.
Injection: Occurs via sharp objects contaminated with toxic chemicals, leading to potential internal damage.

Acute and Chronic Effects

Acute Effects: Immediate health impacts from high-level short-term exposure (e.g., chemical burns), often at high concentrations.
Chronic Effects: Long-term damage from low-level exposure over time (e.g., lung cancer from asbestos); may be irreversible.

Classification of Chemicals

Hazards are inherent properties of materials; risk is the potential for harm based on exposure.
Example: Gasoline is hazardous but can be handled safely with proper precautions.
Fire Triangle: Essential components for fire are heat source, oxygen, and fuel.

Flash Points and Ignition Temperature

Flash Point: Lowest temperature at which a liquid emits flammable vapor (e.g., Benzene: -11°C, Diethyl ether: -45°C).
Ignition Temperature: Minimum temperature for self-sustained combustion independent of external heat (e.g., Carbon disulfide: 90°C).

Causes of Ignition

Spontaneous Combustion: Occurs when a substance reaches ignition temperature without heat application (e.g., oily rags).
Ignition Sources: Common in laboratories include Bunsen burners and electrical equipment.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Mandatory safety gear includes eye protection, gloves, laboratory coats, and closed-toe shoes.
Ventilation systems, like chemical fume hoods, crucial for reducing exposure to airborne chemicals.

Hazard Control

Effective management of spills minimizes risks of injury and environmental harm.
Hierarchy of Control:
- Eliminate Hazards: Most effective method.
- Reduce Risk: Through substitution, isolation, or engineering controls.
- Administrative Controls: Less reliable methods to reduce exposure.
- PPE: Last line of defense against hazards.

NFPA Hazard Diamond

System for identifying specific hazards and severity of materials for emergency responses.
Focuses on health, flammability, instability, and special hazards related to short-term exposure.

Chemical Spill Management

Immediate removal of contaminated clothing and washing skin with soap and water.
Specific cleanup methods:
- Acids: Use calcined absorbents (e.g., Oil-Dri).
- Mercury: Requires immediate vacuum cleanup to avoid toxic vapor exposure.
- Alkali Metals: Smother with graphite and handle with care.
- Phosphorus: Use wet sand or absorbent for safe disposal.

Disposal of Chemicals

Waste: Unwanted materials that need disposal.
Hazardous Waste: Materials posing threats to health and environment, often generated in industrial or healthcare settings.
Types of Hazardous Wastes:
- Industrial Wastes: From industrial processes.
- Infectious Wastes: Containing pathogens that could cause disease.

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Description

Explore the essential principles of chemical safety from routes of entry to disposal of chemicals. This quiz covers the classification of chemical hazards, safe storage and handling practices, and effective hazard control measures. Prepare yourself to work safely in environments involving chemicals.