Managing Risks with Chemicals Chemicals can be divided

Managing Risks with Chemicals

Chemicals can be divided into hazardous chemicals and non-hazardous chemicals: Hazardous chemicals is a term that collectively describes substances, mixtures or articles which are classified according to the hazard they present. A chemical’s hazardous nature is stated on its label and safety data sheet. Specific legislation applies to hazardous chemicals but all chemicals need to be managed safely at your workplace. Non-hazardous chemicals generally do not represent a threat to the health and safety of employees if used correctly and safely.

Dangerous Goods ØHazardous chemicals are those that, following worker exposure, can have an adverse effect on health. ØThey are classified according to the nature of the hazard into nine classes (Explosives, Gases, Flammable Liquids, Flammable Solids, Oxidizing Substances, Toxic & Infectious Substances, Radioactive Material, Corrosives, Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods), some of which are divided into sub-classes. These classes are denoted by specific labels (or diamonds).

Responsibilities- Officer in Charge Officers in charge are to ensure that: �Risks of exposure to chemicals are controlled �Information, instruction and training are provided – and records kept �Resources and time are provided to support the safe management of chemicals �Safe work practices are developed and implemented �Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are made available to users �A register of hazardous chemicals is maintained �Risk assessments on hazardous chemicals are recorded and reviewed �Hazardous chemicals are labelled �Prohibited chemicals are not purchased or used

Responsibilities – Workers & Others As a worker you are required to: �Follow health and safety instructions �Follow safe work practices �Take reasonable care for your own health and safety �Take reasonable care that your actions do not adversely affect the health and safety of others �Participate in training �Assist in identifying, assessing and managing risks �Use appropriate equipment and personal protective equipment �Not purchase or use prohibited chemicals.

Implementation Locate chemicals in your workplace: �Determine if they are ‘hazardous’ or ‘non-hazardous’ �by accessing the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and labels �For ALL chemicals – �ensure correct labelling �follow safety instructions on label and MSDS �inform users of correct use, storage and disposal �In addition, for hazardous chemicals – �ensure the MSDS is accessible �add details of the hazardous chemicals to the register �complete and record a risk assessment �Provide information and training to ensure safe practice

What is a MSDS? A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS): �identifies if the product is classified as ‘hazardous’ or ‘nonhazardous’ �helps make an assessment of the risk to the health of people at your workplace from chemical exposure �provides safe use advice including recommended control options �provides emergency information including first aid advice and spills treatment

What is GHS? �The Globally Harmonized System (GHS) is an international approach to chemical labels and safety data sheets (SDS). �OSHA’s Hazard Communication standard has adopted the GHS to improve safety and health of workers through more effective communications on chemical hazards.

Labeling Every container of hazardous chemicals is labeled by the manufacturer. Labels make it easy to find at a glance the chemical’s possible hazards and basic steps to take to protect yourself against those risks.

Requirements of a GHS Label

Pictograms �A symbol plus a red diamond border intended to convey specific information about the hazards of a chemical. � 4 Health Hazard Pictograms � 5 Physical Hazard Pictograms

Health Hazard Pictogram. Corrosion �Skin Corrosion/Burns �Eye Damage

Health Hazard Pictogram. Exclamation Mark �Irritant (skin and eye) �Skin Sensitizer �Acute Toxicity �Narcotic Effects �Respiratory Tract Irritant �Hazardous to Ozone Layer (non-mandatory)

Health Hazard Pictogram. Health Hazard �Carcinogen �Mutagen �Reproductive Toxicity �Respiratory Sensitizer �Target Organ Toxicity �Aspiration Toxicity

Health Hazard Pictogram. Skull & Crossbones �Acute Toxicity (fatal or toxic)

Physical Hazard Pictogram. Flame �Flammables �Pyrophorics �Self-Heating �Emits Flammable Gas �Self-Reactives �Organic Peroxides

Physical Hazard Pictogram. Flame Over Circle �Oxidizer – a substance that is not necessarily combustible, but may, generally by yielding oxygen, cause or contribute to the combustion of other material

Physical Hazard Pictogram. Gas Cylinder �Gases under pressure

Physical Hazard Pictogram. Exploding Bomb �Explosives �Self-Reactives �Organic Peroxides

Physical Hazard Pictogram. Corrosion �Corrosive to Metals

Non-mandatory Pictogram. Environment �Aquatic Toxicity

Signal Words �“Danger” – more severe hazards �“Warning” – less severe hazards

HMIS/NFPA Labeling Systems Blue - Health Red – Flammability Yellow – Reactivity White – Protective Equipment and Other Scale 0 -4 0 = no danger 4 = highest danger

Safety Data Sheets (SDS) �SDS are multi-page documents that contain more detailed information about a chemical than the container label. �The revised Haz. Com standard requires that the information on the SDS is presented using consistent headings in a specific order.

Safety Data Sheets Detailed information sheet prepared by manufacturer or importer Available for every hazardous chemical or substance Contains Enables information that: you to prepare for safe day-to-day use Enables you to respond in emergencies

16 -Section SDS Format 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Identification Hazard(s) Identification Composition/Information on Ingredients First-Aid Measures Fire-Fighting Measures Accidental Release Measures Handling and Storage Exposure Controls/Personal Protection

16 -Section SDS Format 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. Physical and Chemical Properties Stability and Reactivity Toxicological Information Ecological Information Disposal Considerations Transport Information Regulatory Information Other Information

Location of SDS In your work area Your Office supervisor will inform you of the specific location of Environmental Safety and Health

Some effective controls We can eliminate or minimise the risk of injury or illness by preventing chemicals entering our body or reducing our exposure: Chemicals can only enter our body by Inhalation Effective controls Good ventilation, face masks e. g. breathing in vapours, particles or gases Ingestion Wash hands after use, gloves e. g. swallowing residues after failing to wash hands after using chemicals and before eating Absorption e. g. through the skin or eyes Good ventilation, eye protection and other PPE Injection Use tongs, gloves, handle items with care e. g. unintentional skin penetration by needles or other sharp objects