Download - ENERGY INDUSTRY FUNDAMENTALS: MODULE 2, UNIT C — HAZARDS AND RESPONSES

ENERGY INDUSTRY FUNDAMENTALS: MODULE 2, UNIT C — HAZARDS AND RESPONSES

THE SCIENCE BEHIND HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE LABELING

IS THAT CHEMICAL HARMFUL?


Regulations

The Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) is enforced by the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA)

OSHA is authorized by the Occupational Safety & Health Act-- a law passed by the United States Congress


The Hazard Communication Standard (HCS)

Requires employers to: Develop and follow a written hazard

communication program Use labels and other forms of warnings Retain Material Safety Data Sheets

(MSDS), and Provide information and training for

employees


Employees’ Right-to-Know

HCS is based on a simple concept--that employees have both a need and a Right To Know the hazards and identities of the chemicals they are exposed to when working

The information is communicated on a document called a Material Safety Data Sheet, an MSDS


Normal vs. Hazardous Use

The application of the HCS is based on normal conditions of use A product is used as it was intended With the same regularity for which it was marketed

Example: Normal Condition of Use:

An office worker uses WD40 to loosen the lock of a desk

Hazardous Material Exposure: An automotive technician uses two cans of

WD40 per day


Under the HCS, Employers…

Must develop a written program that covers at least: Labels and other forms of warnings

Material Safety Data Sheets

Employee Information and Training


Labels, Tags and Markings

All materials regulated under the HCS must be identified by label, tag or marking to communicate:

Identity of the hazardous chemical

Appropriate hazard warnings


Two Labeling SystemsNFPA HMIG


NFPA and HMIG/HMIS Labels

Use same criteria except: HMIG: designed for employee to know

hazards of materials they work with and how to protect themselves

NFPA: designed for transportation to know how to store material and respond to an emergency situation.

NFPA does not comply with the HCS requirements


HEALTH = BLUE

0 Minimal No significant health risk

1 Slight Irritation or minor reversible injury possible

2 Moderate

Temporary or minor injury may occur

3 Serious Major injury requiring prompt medical attention possible

4 Extreme Life threatening injury from single exposure


FLAMMABILITY = RED

0 Minimal Will not burn at room temperature

1 Slight Flashpoint higher than 200° F

2 Moderate

Flashpoint between 100°F and 200°F

3 Serious Flashpoint between 73°F and 100°F

4 Extreme Flashpoint is lower than 73° F


REACTIVITY = YELLOW

0 Minimal Stable, will not react with water

1 Slight May become unstable at elevated temperature or pressure. Will not react with water.

2 Moderate Unstable. Will not detonate but will react violently with water

3 Serious Unstable. Capable of explosion and reacts violently with water.

4 Extreme Detonates at room conditions.


How to Remember 0 to 4 0 = Minimal Risk

Slight irritation 1 = Going to need a bandage 2 = Going to see a Doctor 3 = Going to the hospital… for a while

It is surprising what you can live through 4 = Death

Can kill with one time exposure


Chemical Exposure, Severity, and Duration

“Acute” effects usually occur rapidly as a result of short-term exposures, and are of short duration

“Chronic” effects generally occur as a result of long-term exposure, and are of long duration


Corrosives

Visible destruction, or irreversible

damage to body tissue

Acids or

Caustics (or bases)

1 7 14

pH scale


Hazardous Chemicals Target Human Organs


Hepatotoxins

Chemicals which produce

liver damage

Signs and Symptoms: jaundice, liver

enlargement

Chemicals: Carbon Tetrachloride,

nitrosamines


Nephrotoxins

Chemicals which produce

kidney damage

Signs and Symptoms: edema

Chemicals: Halogenated Hydrocarbons,

uranium


Neurotoxins

Chemicals which produce their primary toxic effects on the nervous system

Signs and Symptoms: unconsciousness, behavioral changes, decreased motor function

Chemicals: mercury, carbon disulfide, lead


Toxins to the Blood

Decrease hemoglobin function,

deprive the body tissues of

oxygen

Signs and Symptoms: cyanosis,

loss of consciousness

Chemicals: carbon monoxide, cyanides


Toxins to the Lungs

Chemicals which damage

pulmonary tissue

Signs and Symptoms: cough,

tightness in the chest, loss of breath

Chemicals: asbestos, silica


Reproductive Toxins

Chemicals which damage

reproductive capabilities

Includes chromosomal

damage (mutations) and

damage to fetuses (teratogenesis)

Signs and Symptoms: birth defects, sterility

Chemicals: Lead


Cutaneous Hazards

Chemicals which effect the

dermal layer of the body

Signs and Symptoms: defatting

of the skin, rashes, irritation

Chemicals: ketones,

chlorinated compounds


Eye Hazards

Chemicals which affect the eye or visual capacity

Signs and symptoms: Conjunctivitis, corneal damage, blurred vision, burning or irritation

Chemicals: Solvents, corrosives


Take Proper Precautions Know the substances with which you

are working Recognize hazards in the workplace Wear personal protective equipment

when needed Prevent illness and injury

Download - ENERGY INDUSTRY FUNDAMENTALS: MODULE 2, UNIT C — HAZARDS AND RESPONSES

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