SAFE

HANDLING
OF
CHEMICALS
(SHOC)
By
A.K. JOHNSON, (MNISP, MASSE, GNSChE)

NIGERIAN INSTITUTE OF SAFETY PROFESSIONALS

Objective
By the end of this course, you will be able to know:
What are dangerous chemicals
Some properties of dangerous chemicals
How to safely handle dangerous chemicals

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Ice Breaker:
1. Think of any chemical you know or you have
used in your workplace and write it down.
2. Write one hazardous effect of the
chemical.
3. Write the Personal Protective Equipment
you can use to handle the chemical.

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Introduction
The world we live in today has over 30,000
chemicals and it is certain that many more will
still be discovered or manufactured.
Chemicals are vital to our existence despite
the fact that they can hazardous or nonhazardous.
Chemicals must not be handled carelessly.

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WHAT ARE DANGEROUS CHEMICALS?

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Chemicals that have toxic effects on plants,

animals, humans.
Examples are:
Acacia gum
Acetylene
Benzene
Bromine
Carbon monoxide
Chlorine
Hydrochloric acid
Hydrogen sulphide
Sulphuric acid
Sawdust etc.
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Hazards of Chemicals
There

are 2 basic types of chemical

hazards

Physical Hazards

Health Hazards
The first rule of chemical safety is
"Know what you are working with and
how to protect yourself and others
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Physical Hazards

Chemicals are classified as having Physical

Hazards if they are

Explosive
Compressed Gas
Combustible Liquids
Flammable
Unstable
Water Reactive
Oxidizers

Note: Some chemicals may be safe by

themselves, but become dangerous when in
contact with other substances.
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Health Hazards
Chemicals

are classified as being a

health hazard if they:

Can cause cancer

Are poisonous (toxic)
Cause harm to your skin, internal organs, or
nervous system
Are corrosive - such as acids
Cause allergic reactions after repeated
exposure

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Effects of chemicals and Routes

of entry into the body

NOTE: The effects of chemicals can be

reversible or irreversible. Organs that may be
affected include the kidneys,
liver, reproductive or central nervous system

Nose

Mouth

Skin

your lungs (Inhalation) if you

breath fumes, mists or dust
your skin (Absorption) if liquid or
dust touches or spills on you or
splashes in your eyes
your mouth (Ingestion) if you eat
after handling chemicals

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Lungs

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 HOW CAN WE HANDLE

DANGEROUS CHEMICALS?

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Control Strategies
Hierarchy of Controls

Engineering Controls: Methods include using

Engineering controls such as ventilation or
substitution of a safer chemical.
Administrative Controls: This is accomplished by
incorporating safer work practices through such
items as written safety policies, rules, supervision,
training, work breaks and rotating work shifts.
Personal Protective Equipment: When engineering and
administrative controls are not adequate, personal
protective equipment becomes the last form of
defense from exposure.
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Other Methods of Handling

Chemicals

- Labeling HMIS - Hazardous Material

Identification System and NFPA - National Fire

Protection Association. Both types must identify the

chemical name and hazards

Note: Pictures may be used to identify hazards and

required protection. This information may also be on
manufacturers label.

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Personal Protective Equipment

required by HMIS
A Safety glasses

B Safety glasses, gloves

C Safety glasses, gloves,

chemical apron
E Safety glasses, gloves, dust
respirator

D Face shield, gloves, chemical

apron
F Safety glasses, gloves,
chemical apron, dust
respirator
H Splash goggles, gloves,
chemical apron, vapor
respirator
J Splash goggles, gloves,
chemical apron, dust and
vapor respirator
X Ask Supervisor

G Safety glasses, gloves, vapor

respirator
I Safety glasses, gloves, dust
and vapor respirator
K Air line hood or mask, gloves,
full chemical suit, boots
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Material Safety Data Sheets

(MSDS)

Show chemical safety information

Written and are provided by the chemical
manufacturer.
MSDS are kept in the workplace for employees use
Common name and chemical name of the substance
Hazardous ingredients
Physical & health hazards of the chemical
Identification of chemical and physical properties
First aid / emergency information
Safe handling and use information

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Employee Information and

Training

Every employee will need to attend a health, safety

induction course prior to starting work. The course will
address:
Chemicals present in the workplace
Location and availability of written HAZCOM program
Physical and hazardous effects of the hazardous
chemicals
How to reduce or prevent exposure to dangerous
chemicals
Company contingency plan put in place to protect or
prevent employee exposure to the chemicals
How to read labels and review MSDSs to obtain
appropriate hazard information
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What is SHOC?
It means Safe Handling Of Chemicals:
-

Safety: in terms of Health and

Environment

Purchase, Transportation, Usage and

Disposal

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Why SHOC?
Due

care
Due diligence
Statutory requirements
i. Factories Act
ii. Petroleum Decree
iii. Group SPDC Policy
1V. HSE-MS
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What is contained in SHOC?

Product

identity
Product composition
Physio-chemical properties
Toxicology information
Safety hazards and First Aid
Environmental Hazards and precautions
Spillage mitigation and disposal options
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Project Managers Responsibilities

Ensure

SHOC cards are available on

operation sites.
Ensure compliance with SHOC
guideline/regulation
Report any new chemicals to SHOC
custodians (ERE-ENVW)

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Benefits of SHOC
1. Identification of HSE hazards
2. Basis first aid measures

Fire fighting
Chemical handling and storage
Exposure controls and PPEs
Disposal consideration
Transport Information
Regulatory and other information

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Conclusion
Chemicals are useful and dangerous.
Having knowledge of the properties of
any chemical before using it is very
important.

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THANK YOU