Module 4

• Chemicals are part of our daily life. All living and inanimate matter is made up of chemicals and virtually every manufactured product involves the use of chemicals.
• Many chemicals can, when properly used, significantly contribute to the improvement of our quality of life, health and well-being. But other chemicals are highly hazardous and can negatively affect our health and environment when improperly managed.
• The production and use of chemicals continues to grow worldwide, particularly in developing countries. This is likely to result in greater negative effect on health if sound chemicals management is not ensured.
• 10 chemicals or groups of chemicals of major public health concern


  • Air pollution
  • Arsenic
  • Asbestos
  • Benzene
  • Cadmium
  • Dioxin and dioxin-like substances
  • Inadequate or excess fluoride
  • Lead
  • Mercury
  • Highly hazardous pesticides
• Chemical Safety


  Undertaking all activities involving chemicals in such a way as to ensure the safety of human health and the environment
• Chemical safety


  • Covers all chemicals, natural and manufactured, and the full range of exposure situations from the natural presence of chemicals in the environment to their extraction or synthesis, industrial production, transport use and disposal
  • Has many scientific and technical components including toxicology, ecotoxicology and the process of chemical risk assessment which requires a detailed knowledge of exposure and of biological effects
• Substances which accumulate in the human body, animals and plants and which are dispersed by air water or passed on through the food chain are particularly hazardous.
• Persistent organic pollutants (POP) is a global problem which can only be solved at international level.
• Chemicals can also cause damage at the local or regional level.
• If information on chemicals does not provide sufficient protection, hazards must be limited through restrictions, bans and authorisation provisions.
• Nanomaterials are an issue as they offer a plethora of possibilities, but they may also pose risks. As they are new materials and there are still gaps in the knowledge about their effects, they are a particular challenge for chemicals safety.
• Chemical


  Any substance with a molecular identity
• pH


  Power of Hydrogen, value that represents the acidity or alkalinity of a certain solution
• Acid


  Organic or inorganic compound that has pH less than 7.0
• Acids


  • HCl - hydrochloric acid, muriatic acid
  • H2SO4 - sulfuric acid, dipping acid
  • HNO3 - nitric acid, aqua fortis
• Alkaline; Caustic; Base


  Organic or inorganic compound that has pH greater than 7.0
• Alkaline; Caustic; Base


  • NaOH - sodium hydroxide, caustic soda
  • KOH - potassium hydroxide, caustic potash
• Solvent


  Chemical that can dissolve other materials to form mixture
• Corrosive


  Substance that causes visible destruction to human skin tissue at the site of contact; liquid that has a severe reaction rate on steel/metal
• Corrosive


  • acid, caustic
• Flammable


  Any liquid having a flashpoint below 100 oF (37.8 oC)
• Flammable


  • acetone, IPA, methanol, paint thinner
• Combustible


  Those with flashpoint above 100 oF but below 200 oF (93.9 oC)
• Combustible


  • Fuel
• Flashpoint


  The lowest temperature at which vapors from volatile liquid will ignite momentarily upon application of a small flame under specified conditions
• Volatility


  The tendency or ability of a liquid to quickly vaporize
• Volatile


  • acetone, IPA, methanol
• Explosive


  Material that produces a sudden, almost instantaneous release of pressure, gas and heat when subjected to abrupt shock, pressure or high temperature
• Explosive


  • acetylene compressed gases
• Responsibilities of Supervisors


  • Maintain a complete LIST and MSDS of chemicals used in his/her area
  • Acquire MSDS from the manufacturer/supplier or get assistance from P&L
  • Have his/her PS properly trained on chemical safety
  • Assist in evaluating chemicals used in his/her area
• Responsibilities of All Employees

  • Be informed on the potential hazard of chemicals he/she may come in contact with and the other proper precautions
  • Follow all Environment, Safety & Health requirements when working with chemicals
  • Read label on the container of every chemical used
  • Check the MSDS for detailed information or when in doubt and follow instructions stated therein
• All chemicals must be approved by ESH before the chemicals enter the plant.
• No chemicals can be brought in visitors' lobby or any other employee entrance.
• An information update should occur whenever a new chemical is introduced into the work area, including those to be used in construction.
• A current inventory list of chemicals used must be posted in the work area and is also maintained by ESH coordinators.
• Physical Hazard


  A chemical for which there is valid evidence that it is a combustible liquid, a compressed gas, explosive, flammable, an organic peroxide, an oxidizer, pyrophoric, unstable (reactive) or water-reactive. Affects the body physically like cuts, burns, eye injury, skin irritation, etc.

  
• Health Hazard


  The term "health hazard" includes chemicals which are skin irritants, corrosives, sensitizers, toxins, and agents which can damage lungs, skin, eyes, or mucous membranes.
• Chronic Health Hazard


  Affect the body through long-term exposure.
• Acute Health Hazard


  Affect the body through short-term exposure.
• Exposure Routes


  • Inhalation
  • Ingestion
  • Skin Absorption
  • Injection