TOOL BOX TALK

CHEMICAL SAFETY

Introduction

What is a Chemical Hazard?

Answer: Any chemical that can cause illness,
injury, or an emergency.
Chemical Hazards
Physical
Health

Chemical Hazards

Chemical Hazards

Pyrophoric - A pyrophoric substance

ignites spontaneously in air at or below 55 C
(130 F). (Eg. Uranium, iron sulphide)
Flammable Chemicals
Combustible Chemicals
Oxidizers

Employers
Employers are required to provide information
to their employees about the hazardous
chemicals to which they are exposed using:

A hazard communication program

labels and other forms of warnings
material safety data sheets (MSDS)
information and training

Warehouse and Retail Operations

In work operations where employees only handle
chemicals in sealed containers, which are not
opened under normal conditions
Employers must only do the following:
Ensure labels on incoming chemicals are not
defaced or removed
Maintain copies of any material safety data
sheets that are received with incoming
shipments
Obtain MSDS a.s.a.p. for shipments
received w/out MSDS

Warehouse and Retail Operations

Provide employees with information and
training (no written program required) to the
extent necessary to protect them in the
event of a spill or leak of a hazardous
chemical from a sealed container

Employer RequirementsWritten Program

Employers must develop a written program
that covers at least:
Labels and other forms of warnings
Material Safety Data Sheets
Employee Information and Training

Employer RequirementsWritten Program

Employers must develop a written program that
covers at least:
A list of the hazardous chemicals known to be
present at the facility along with MSDSs for
each chemical.
The methods the employer
will use to inform employees
of the hazards non-routine tasks.
The hazards of chemicals
in unlabeled pipes.

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
are one of the most important tools available to employers
for providing information, and protection to workers from
hazardous chemicals which are used in the workplace.

Material Safety Data Sheets - DATA AVAILABLE :

Identity of the chemical

Physical and chemical characteristics
Physical hazards
Chemical hazards
Primary routes of entry
PELs or other exposure limits
Control measures
Emergency procedures
Whether the hazardous chemical is listed in the
National Toxicology Program (NTP) Annual
Report on Carcinogens
precautions for safe handling and use
Date of preparation
Name, address and telephone of the
manufacturer

Forms of Chemical Hazards

Solids, Liquids, Gases, Vapors, Mists, Dusts, and Fumes.
Exposure Routes

Eye hazards
Chemicals which affect the eye or visual
capacity
Signs and symptoms: Conjunctivitis, corneal
damage, blurred vision, burning or irritation
Chemicals: Solvents, corrosives

Cutaneous hazards
Chemicals which effect the
dermal layer of the body
Signs and Symptoms:
Defatting of the skin, rashes,
irritation
Chemicals: Ketones,
chlorinated compounds

Agents which damage the lungs

Chemicals which damage pulmonary tissue
Signs and Symptoms: Cough, tightness in
the chest, loss of breath
Chemicals: Asbestos, silica

Agents which act on the Blood

Decrease hemoglobin function, deprive the
body tissues of oxygen
Signs and Symptoms: Cyanosis, loss of
consciousness
Chemicals: Carbon monoxide, cyanides

Control of Chemical Hazards and Exposures

Engineering and Mechanical Controls
Personal Protective Equipment
Administrative and Procedural Controls

First Aid for Chemical Exposure