Chemical Safety Overview and HazComm

Chemical Safety Overview

• Chemical safety is crucial for handling and using chemicals safely.
• A case study involved petroleum ether (PE) stored in a freezer, which leaked and ignited, causing significant damage.
• Another case involved hydrogen buildup in an anaerobic hood, leading to an explosion.
• Four workers were affected in this second case, one critically.
• Personnel ignored warning systems.

Hazard Communication

• Allows workers to understand the hazards and identities of the chemicals they are exposed to.
• Describes the protection measures workers can use to protect themselves
• HazComm is communicated through labels and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).
• Education and training are complementary components of HazComm.

Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)

• A document prepared by chemical manufacturers describing chemical properties.
• It details physical and health hazards and exposure routes.
• Guidance for safe handling and use and emergency/first-aid procedures.
• Control measures are also detailed within this safety document.

Globally Harmonized System (GHS)

• A "non-binding" system adopted globally for hazard communication.
• Defines and classifies chemical hazards, creating standardized labels and safety data sheets (SDSs).
• Provides safe and consistent methods of communication across jurisdictions.
• GHS includes pictograms to represent varied hazards.

Toxicity and Risk

• Toxicity is a chemical's ability to cause harm. Risk is how likely a material is to cause harm in use conditions.
• Proper handling can ensure the safe use of highly toxic chemicals.
• Improper handling can lead to hazards even with less toxic chemicals.

Chemical Exposure

• Four routes for chemical exposure include inhalation, ingestion, injection, and absorption.
• Classification of exposure is based on duration, distinguishing acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term) exposures; this determines short vs. long-term effects.
• Acute exposure symptoms include eye irritation, nausea, dizziness, skin rash, burns, and headache.

Protection Measures

• The hierarchy of risk controls emphasizes hazard elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Engineering controls such as fume hoods, engineered sharps, and eye washes greatly reduce exposure risk.
• Administrative controls like education, training, procedures, and scheduling minimize risks through improved awareness of potential hazards.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• PPE is worn to minimize hazards, injuries, and illnesses resulting from exposure to chemicals, radiation, physical, electrical, and mechanical hazards.
• Approprite PPE includes, but is not limited to, gloves (correct size and material), lab coats, eye protection, safety shoes, respirators, and face shields.

Chemical Storage

• Proper procedures for chemical handling involve routine inspections and maintaining stringent inventory control.
• Minimizing the quantity of chemicals on hand, including the prompt removal of expired chemicals, reduces overall hazard.
• Storage areas must be inspected at least annually to ensure correct conditions for storing chemicals.
• Segregation (physical barriers and distance) is necessary to prevent incompatible materials from interaction.

Chemical Spill Response

• Do not respond beyond your training level.
• Proper safety measures depend on whether it's a large or small spill.
• Small spills involve removing contaminated clothing, using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Contain the spill, notifying workers. Seek advice from material safety data sheets (MSDS) and inform your supervisor/security.
• Large spills require evacuation; notify authorities and use the appropriate safety procedures.

Chemical Fire

• Stop, think, and only try to extinguish the fire if you are trained to do so, otherwise evacuate the area.
• If safe, extinguish open flames, turn off gas or electricity as soon as possible.
• Notify workers, ventilate and inform supervisor/security.

Hazardous Waste

• Minimize waste generation and dispose of hazardous waste properly using appropriate containers.
• Know your chemical classification.
• Use flame-resistant containers with labels.
• Dispose of broken thermometers using proper mercury disposal techniques.

General Safety Rules

• Store chemicals in their original containers.
• Wear appropriate safety gear in a controlled environment.
• Properly dispose of chemicals.
• Be cautious when handling contaminated glassware.
• Familiarize yourself with chemical properties and toxicity.
• Avoid eating, drinking, or applying cosmetics near chemicals. Avoid mouth pipetting.

Lab Safety Rules

• Dress appropriately (safety gear).
• Be careful when handling hot glassware (turn off heating appliances immediately).
• Know locations for emergency numbers and safety equipment.
• Keep the area clean and free of obstructions.
• Handle glassware carefully.
• Report cuts, spills, and broken glass immediately.
• Avoid using food or drinks. No food in the lab.