CHEMICAL HAZARD AWARENESS 

Prepared By:

Hansa Vyas

 

•Chemical Hazard.- Hazards caused by any  chemical  which we use in routine and non-routine work in our plant and which causes  injury and sickness to Flora and Fauna. •Fire Hazard. •Heat . •Noise/ Sound. •Falling Object / Crane operation . •Electric Shock. •Spillage . •Traffic accident / vehicle movement. •Pressure 

Kind of Hazards in the Plant Site

Why should you know about Chemical Hazards  By knowing about chemical hazards and

following  all instructions    Will help to stop injuries, sickness, accidents,

deaths, medical costs, fires, save environment, exploisions from unsafe use of  Hazardous chemicals.

  Protect all employees  in their workplace

As a Operation person we should know 

All operations in the work area where hazardous chemicals are present.

The location and availability of the written facility hazard communication plan,

including the inventory of hazardous chemicals and the use and location of material safety data sheets.

Methods and techniques that may be used to detect the presence or release of a hazardous chemical in the workplace.

As a Operation person we should know  Physical and health hazards of the

chemicals used in the work area. The measures employees are to follow to

protect themselves from recognized hazards,

-- such as appropriate work practices, emergency and spill response procedures, and use of personal protective equipment. 

---This would include routine and non-routine work tasks. 

Employer Responsibilities 

Identify and list hazardous chemicals in their workplaces.

Obtain Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) and labels for each hazardous chemical.

Implement a written HazCom program, including labels, MSDSs, and employee training.

Communicate hazard information to employees through labels, MSDSs, and formal training programs.

•Know where to obtain information about hazardous chemicals used in your work area.•Know hazards  before staring job and take corrective actions •Read/Understand labels/MSDSs before you start working •Ask questions if you are not sure •Keep your work area  clean •Use required protective equipment/clothing •Take all safety precautions before doing a job •Practice good personal hygiene practices, e.g. wash hands before eating, drinking, or smoking •Learn emergency procedures for your area •Follow procedures for disposal and spill clean-up •Follow employer instructions and warnings

Employee Responsibilities

Hazard or Risk?  Hazard means the potential to cause injury

or illness and can apply to substances, methods or machines

Risk means the probability and consequences of occurrence of injury or illness.  Risk will depend on such factors as the nature of the hazard, the degree of exposure and individual characteristics. 

Eliminate the Hazard at its Source  Substitute for something less hazardous  If it is not possible to eliminate the hazard, it may be

possible to substitute it for something less hazardous Engineering  It may be possible to bring in engineering controls such as

exhaust ventilation hoods or isolation methods. SOP  

Safe Operating Procedures PPE   

Personal Protective Equipment  Personal protective equipment should be seen as a last

resort. PPE is useful for emergencies  

You are the expert on the hazards of materials in your possession

know properties of chemicals you use before you handle them

Know what appropriate work practices are & use them

know what the worst case scenario is for a spill of the chemicals you use

Think about how you will react to a spill of the materials you use

know what appropriate clean-up procedures are for the materials you use

Importance of Labels  The identity of the chemical Name, address, and emergency  

phone number of the manufacturer Physical and health hazards Special handling instructions Basic PPE recommendations First aid, fire response, spill cleanup

MATERIAL SAFETY DATA  SHEET (MSDS)Helps determine :-

-Product identification and uses of product-Hazardous ingredients -Physical data-Fire and Explosion Data-Reactivity Data-Toxicological Properties-Preventive Measures-First Aid Measures

Hazardous Materials First Aid 

Eyes:  Flush with  water for 15 minutes

Skin:  Wash with  soap and water

Inhalation:  Move to fresh air Swallowing:  Get emergency medical

assistance

In Case you get chemical splash  Soon wash your body in safety shower

Chemical burns

Most often caused by strong acids or alkalis. They can cause progressive injury until the agent is inactivated.

Flush the injured area with a large  amount of water while at the scene of the incident. Don’t delay or waste time looking for or using a neutralizing agent. These may in fact worsen the injury by producing heat or causing direct injury themselves. 

Summary Identify chemical hazards by reading  

labels and MSDSs Minimize exposure of hazardous materials Do not underestimate risks Follow warnings and instructions, or  

ask your supervisor if any  doubt Use the correct PPE Practice safe work habits Learn emergency procedures