Hazard Communication MSDS Understanding Hazards Chemical Storage Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Waste Disposal Chemical Spill Response General Safety Rules Outline 2009 Family Health International Hazard Communication - Allows workers to know the hazards and identities of the chemicals they are exposed to while working. Describes measures they can take to protect themselves. Hazards are communicated by: Labels Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) Education and Training Hazard Communication 2009 Family Health International Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) MSDS a document prepared by the chemical manufacturer that describes the: physical and chemical properties physical and health hazards routes of exposure precautions for safe handling and use emergency and first-aid procedures control measures 2009 Family Health International Using MSDS Upon receipt of a new chemical: Print and store hardcopy in a single binder Highlight chemical name first aid section Organize alphabetically (may also serve as chemical inventory) Must be accessible to everyone all the time Check for updates annually 2009 Family Health International Chemicals Class A Compressed gas Class B Fumable and combustable Class C Oxidising material Class D Poisonous and Infectious Class E Corrosives Class F Dangerously reactive material D1 Immediate and Serious Toxic effects D2 Other Toxic Effects D3 Biohazardous and Infectious Material Classification of Chemicals and their Labels 2009 Family Health International Understanding Hazards Toxicity: the ability of a chemical substance to cause harm Hazard: likelihood a material will cause harm under the conditions of use With proper handling, even highly toxic chemicals can be used safely Less toxic chemicals can be extremely hazardous if handled improperly 2009 Family Health International Examples of Chemical Hazards Carcinogen cancer (long time exposure) Corrosive - burns Hepatotoxin - liver damage Mutagen damage genetic material in cells Nephrotoxin kidney damage Neurotoxin damage to the nervous system Teratogen birth defects http://www.scorecard.org/health-effects/index.tcl 2009 Family Health International Routes of Chemical Exposure Inhalation breathing (e.g., powders, fumes) Absorption skin or mucus membranes Ingestion entry through mouth Injection through skin by foreign body Acute Exposure (short term): eye irritation, nausea, dizziness, skin rash, burns, headache Chronic Exposure (long term): long-term illness 2009 Family Health International Examples of Toxic Effects 2009 Family Health International Chemical Hygiene Plan A written document addressing: Standard operating procedures (SOP) Exposure control measures Fume hood & protective equipment Information & training Chemicals that require prior planning & approval Work with particularly hazardous substance Medical consultations and examinations 2009 Family Health International Protection Measures Engineering controls - fume hoods, ventilated enclosure, glove box PPE - gloves, lab coats/uniforms, eye protection, safety shoes, respirators, face shields Ventilated Enclosure Glove Box 2009 Family Health International Gloves Do not re-use gloves Use proper size Use proper glove material (i.e., latex) Chemical Resistance Guide http://www.microflex.com/ 2009 Family Health International Good PPE 2009 Family Health International Safety Shower 2009 Family Health International Eye Wash Eye wash station Must flush regularly Identify with sign Expensive Disposable Eye Wash Check solution for expiration Identify with sign Inexpensive 2009 Family Health International Chemical Storage - Acids Examples: Hydrochloric Acid, Acetic Acid, etc. Store acids in separate acid cabinet Segregate acids from bases and active metals such as sodium, potassium, etc. Segregate oxidizing acids from organic acids and flammables Never store bottles above eye level Do not abbreviate labels Use bottle carrier for transporting large bottles Use secondary containment (plastic tray) 2009 Family Health International Chemical Storage - Bases Examples: Sodium Hydroxide, KOH, etc. Store bases in separate Base cabinet Store strong bases in polyethylene containers Do not abbreviate labels Use ventilated storage cabinet Use secondary containment (plastic tray) 2009 Family Health International Chemical Storage - Flammables Examples: Methanol, Ethanol, etc. Store in approved metal safety cans or cabinets Segregate from oxidizers Keep away from source of ignition: flames, heat or sparks Know about fire fighting equipment and its use Store small amounts of volatile flammables in a lab-safe refrigerator 2009 Family Health International Chemical Storage - Oxidizers Examples: Nitric Acid, Permanganates Store in a cool, dry place Away from flammable and combustible materials such as paper or wood Away from reducing agents such as zinc, alkaline metal, formic acid. 2009 Family Health International Chemical Storage- Pyrophorics Example: n-butyl lithium Can spontaneously combust with air Do not store with flammables Store in containers that omit air Store in a cool, dry place Beware of low humidity circumstances in which static electricity may be high. 2009 Family Health International Chemical Storage Light Sensitive Examples: bromine, silver salts Can form dangerous radicals Avoid exposure to light Store in amber bottles in a cool, dry place. Do not place near a window 2009 Family Health International Chemical Storage - Carcinogens Examples: ethidium bromide, acrylamide, formaldehyde, chloroform) Store in a well ventilated cabinet, such as under a fume hood with exhaust vent Label all carcinogens as cancer suspect agents Remember: Harmful exposure to carcinogens may not be immediately noticeable 2009 Family Health International Gas Cylinders Chain or strap cylinder to wall/bench. Always use a cart & safety chain when transporting cylinder. Never transport a cylinder without its metal cap. Store flammable gas bottles in appropriate storage cabinet. Store multiple cylinders by nesting. No more than 3 flammable, oxygen or hazardous gas cylinders per lab. 2009 Family Health International Chemical Incompatibility Matrix Red = Incompatible White = OK 2009 Family Health International Chemical Spill Response Do not respond beyond your training level! Stop, think Is this a Major spill? No Remove contaminated clothing Use proper PPE Contain spill Notify workers in your area Seek MSDS for advice Notify supervisor / security Yes Rescue Avoid the chemical Find the MSDS Telephone for help 2009 Family Health International Chemical Fire Response Stop, think Can I extinguish this fire? Yes Extinguish open flames (Fire extinguisher Class A,B, C, or D) Turn off gas / electricity Notify workers in your area Ventilate work area Notify supervisor / security No Evacuate area immediately and pull alarm Call emergency number 2009 Family Health International Hazardous Waste Minimize waste in the first place Do not pour chemical waste down the drain Know your chemical classification Segregate chlorinated and non-chlorinated waste Use flame resistant container with label Dont leave funnel on top of waste container Use proper mercury disposal (broken thermometers) Call for pick up 2009 Family Health International General Safety Rules Store chemicals in their original containers Always wear appropriate safety gear and work in a controlled environment Always dispose of chemicals properly Use care in handling contaminated glassware or needles Always dispose of chemicals properly 2009 Family Health International General Safety Rules Dont buy chemicals you do not need Dont eat, drink, smoke, chew gum or apply cosmetics in lab Dont mouth pipette Dont use unlabeled containers Know chemical properties as well as toxicity 2009 Family Health International Keys to Working Safely Read your Chemical Hygiene Plan Review MSDS for each chemical Read all labels Know your protocol / procedures Remember, some chemicals may have delayed toxic effects on the body 2009 Family Health International Acknowledgement Asia-Pacific Biosafety Training Network (http://apbtn.com) The University of Floridas Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) (http://disaster.ifas.ufl.edu/agroChem/che m-safe1.)