SAFE LABS FOR SCIENCE MSDS and RISK ASSESSMENT

SAFE LABS FOR SCIENCE MSDS and RISK ASSESSMENT Surfaces & Structures Lab, TCD 1

Essential Definitions ØHAZARD The intrinsic property of a chemical agent with the potential to cause harm. ØRISK The likelihood , should exposure occur, that the potential for harm will be attained under the condition of use and/or exposure and also the extent of that harm. Surfaces & Structures Lab, TCD 2

Hazards, risks etc. Information on hazards - and control measures n Supplier – MSDS (MUST be provided by the supplier and MUST be kept close to point of use/storage) – Label (!) (R & S numbers/phrases & hazard symbols) n Sigma-Aldrich – catalogue – web site n n n Handbooks www Me (!!) Surfaces & Structures Lab, TCD 3

Surfaces & Structures Lab, TCD 4

Hazards, risks etc. It is a legal requirement that a properly documented risk assessment is available for ALL “hazardous chemical agents” A risk assessment is MORE than just a statement of hazards – it includes the measures required to MINIMIZE risks involved Surfaces & Structures Lab, TCD 5

Hazards, risks etc. This requires : • Up to date inventory keeping • Details of the hazards, exposure limits, control measures initiated, and assessment of the residual risk • Consideration of potential exposure(s) in normal use and in “worst case” accidents • Who is at risk? In EVERY location!! Surfaces & Structures Lab, TCD 6

Toxic & Dangerous Chemical Substances n n All chemical substances and preparations are toxic to some degree to humans if sufficient material is ingested, inhaled, injected or absorbed through skin. “Toxic” means that cells or sub-cellular systems are damaged by the chemical. Common salt (sodium chloride), sugar and a drug such as aspirin are toxic in large amounts but many compounds are toxic in very small amounts (nerve -gas, insecticides, cyanide, etc. ). Some chemicals are explosive; others are detonators – ? ? KABOOM!!! Surfaces & Structures Lab, TCD 7

Toxic & Dangerous Chemical Substances n n n Some chemicals have highly flammable properties – a fire-ball will result from their ignition (petrol is an example here). Other chemicals have corrosive properties – caustic soda, sulphuric acid, etc. – and skin or mouth tissue may be destroyed upon contact. All departments hold stocks of toxic and dangerous chemical substances - no exceptions! Surfaces & Structures Lab, TCD 8

Toxic & Dangerous Chemical Substances Acute response Ø Response to HIGH exposure Ø “One-off” Ø Effect is immediate Chronic response Ø Response to “LOW” exposure Ø Prolonged or repeated exposure Ø Effect may take YEARS Surfaces & Structures Lab, TCD 9

Chemical Agents : Routes for Contamination Routes for contamination spread: · Airborne into lungs · By mouth · Through skin · Open wounds · Conjunctivae of eyes · Injection Surfaces & Structures Lab, TCD 10

Chemical Agents : Control Measures : I n Control Measures · Flammables kept in special storage cabinets and containers · Toxic materials kept and used in fume cupboards · No ignition sources when using flammables (naked lights, static electricity, electrical switches) · Wearing of appropriate and suitable PPE (gloves, laboratory safety coat, goggles, respirators) · Personal hygiene Surfaces & Structures Lab, TCD 11

Chemical Agents : Control Measures : II n Control measures are more or less the same for all hazards under the headings: – understanding of hazard and modes of spread – understanding and use (!) of engineering controls available. – having and using right PPE Surfaces & Structures Lab, TCD 12