Chemical Handling Safety (The Basics)

Summary

This script emphasizes the omnipresence of chemicals in daily life and their potential dangers. It underscores the importance of understanding chemical hazards, proper handling, and emergency response. The video instructs on identifying hazards through labels and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), and stresses safe practices like using personal protective equipment (PPE) and adhering to storage guidelines. It also highlights the significance of facility-specific emergency plans and training for effective incident management, ensuring workplace safety.

Takeaways

• 🚗 Chemicals are integral to our daily lives, from transportation to food and leisure activities.
• ⚠️ Chemicals can be hazardous or even deadly, with corrosives being a notable example used in life-saving pharmaceuticals but also causing severe harm.
• 🔍 Understanding the nature of chemicals, how to handle them, and emergency procedures is crucial for safe management.
• 📜 The Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is a vital resource for information on chemical hazards, handling, and safety.
• 🏷️ Chemical labels and hazard labels are essential for identifying the risks and proper handling of chemicals.
• 🧪 Chemicals can present in various states—solids, liquids, or gases—and can have acute or chronic effects on health.
• 🧯 Proper handling and storage techniques, such as using appropriate containers and avoiding high temperatures, reduce the risks associated with chemicals.
• 🔥 Flammable materials require special handling, including the use of static bonding, proper storage, and adherence to no-smoking regulations.
• 👨‍⚕️ Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is essential when working with hazardous chemicals to prevent skin absorption, inhalation, or eye contact.
• 🛠️ Employers provide PPE, but it's the worker's responsibility to use it correctly to ensure safety.
• 🚨 Familiarity with the workplace's emergency action plan and knowing how to respond to chemical spills or fires is critical for safety.

Q & A

What is the significance of chemicals and chemical processes in our daily lives?

Chemicals and chemical processes are integral to our daily lives, from the cars we drive to the foods we eat and the ways we relax. They make life easier, safer, and more convenient by providing a vast array of products and services.

How can one identify potential chemical hazards in the workplace?

Potential chemical hazards can be identified through the type of hazards presented, the physical state of the chemical, and its health effects. Workplace chemicals can be fire hazards, toxic, corrosive, or reactive with other materials.

What are the four basic types of hazards that chemicals can present in the workplace?

The four basic types of hazards chemicals can present are fire hazards, toxicity or poisonous effects, corrosiveness on contact, and dangerous reactions when in contact with other materials.

How do acute and chronic effects of chemical exposure differ?

Acute effects occur rapidly due to short-term exposure and typically do not last long, while chronic effects develop over time, sometimes appearing years after exposure, and are usually the result of repeated or long-term exposure.

What is the role of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) in handling chemicals?

MSDS provides crucial information on the hazards of chemicals, proper handling, use, and storage methods, as well as protective measures such as permissible exposure limits and emergency procedures.

What are the two major labeling systems used for identifying chemical hazards?

The two major labeling systems are the one developed by the US Department of Transportation (DOT) and the one by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

What precautions should be taken when handling flammable materials?

When handling flammable materials, one should carry glass bottles in a rubber cradle, keep ignition sources away, use static bonding and grounding procedures, and observe no smoking regulations.

Why is it important to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when working with hazardous chemicals?

Wearing PPE is crucial to reduce the risk of exposure to hazardous chemicals, which can be absorbed through the skin, inhaled, ingested, or introduced through contaminated objects that puncture the skin.

What should one do in case of a chemical spill or leak in the workplace?

In case of a chemical spill or leak, one should refer to the facility's emergency action plan, which includes contact information, evacuation and rescue procedures, and reporting guidelines.

How can one ensure the safe handling and storage of hazardous chemicals?

Safe handling and storage of hazardous chemicals involve knowing the chemical's identity, using proper containers, ensuring containers are labeled and leak-proof, and following general guidelines for the specific chemical.

Outlines

00:00

🧪 Understanding Chemical Hazards and Safety

This paragraph emphasizes the pervasive role of chemicals in our daily lives, from transportation to food and leisure activities. It highlights the potential dangers of chemicals, such as corrosives used in pharmaceuticals that can cause severe harm if mishandled. The paragraph stresses the importance of knowledge in safely managing chemicals, including recognizing their hazards, handling procedures, and emergency responses. It introduces the concept of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) as a crucial source of information on chemical properties and safety measures. The paragraph also discusses the four basic types of chemical hazards in the workplace: fire, toxicity, contact burns, and dangerous reactions with other materials. It explains the physical states of chemicals and the acute versus chronic health effects based on exposure duration and frequency, using benzene as an example to illustrate both short-term and long-term effects.

05:01

🏷️ Chemical Labeling and Handling Precautions

The second paragraph delves into the importance of chemical labeling for safety, outlining two major labeling systems: the US Department of Transportation (DOT) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). It describes the DOT system's diamond-shaped color labels and placards that indicate the nature of chemical hazards, including flammable and non-flammable gases, liquids, solids, and other hazardous materials. The NFPA system is also detailed, with its four-colored diamond sections representing flammability, health hazards, instability, and special hazards. The paragraph advises on becoming familiar with workplace-specific hazard identification systems and the need to be aware of all chemical hazards, not just the most prevalent ones indicated on labels. It provides general guidelines for handling and storing hazardous chemicals, such as using proper containers, ensuring containers are leak-proof and sturdy, and following specific procedures for compressed gases and flammable materials.

10:06

🛡️ Personal Protective Equipment and Emergency Planning

This paragraph focuses on the necessity of personal protective equipment (PPE) to reduce exposure to hazardous chemicals. It discusses various types of PPE, such as gloves, aprons, air purification devices, and eye protection, and the importance of selecting the appropriate PPE based on the specific chemicals being used. The paragraph advises on inspecting gloves for wear or failure and the proper fit of gloves to prevent injuries. It also covers the importance of rinsing gloves with clean water before removal to reduce chemical residue. Additionally, it touches on the employer's responsibility to provide PPE and the employee's duty to use it correctly. The paragraph concludes with a discussion on emergency preparedness, including facility emergency action plans, reporting guidelines, and the importance of training for hazardous waste operations and emergency response, as mandated by OSHA and SARA Title III.

15:06

🚨 Responding to Chemical Emergencies and Workplace Safety

The final paragraph underscores the importance of knowing how to respond to chemical emergencies, such as fires and spills. It advises on using the correct type of fire extinguisher and the PASS method for small fires, and the necessity of evacuation in case of larger fires. The paragraph also highlights the importance of knowing the locations of safety equipment like eyewash stations, safety showers, and the Poison Control Center. It emphasizes the power of knowledge in controlling hazardous materials and maintaining a safe workplace, not only for individual safety but also for co-workers and the community. The key takeaway is the responsibility of each worker to understand the chemicals they work with, follow safety procedures, and be prepared for emergencies.

Keywords

💡Chemicals

Chemicals are substances with a definite composition, often used in various industries and daily life. In the video, chemicals are portrayed as integral to modern life, from transportation fuels to food additives. They are essential but can also pose risks if not handled properly, highlighting the need for safety measures.

💡Chemical Processes

Chemical processes refer to the series of chemical reactions that occur to transform substances. The video emphasizes that these processes are prevalent in our lives, often unseen but critical, and they can involve both beneficial and hazardous chemicals, necessitating careful handling and understanding.

💡Hazardous Chemicals

Hazardous chemicals are those that can cause harm to health or the environment. The video discusses the potential dangers of such chemicals, including corrosives used in pharmaceuticals that can cause serious damage if mishandled, underscoring the importance of safety protocols.

💡Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)

An MSDS is a document that contains information on the properties of a chemical substance, including potential hazards and safe handling procedures. The video stresses the importance of MSDS as a primary source of information to understand the hazards of chemicals and how to manage them safely.

💡Hazard Labels

Hazard labels are visual indicators on chemical containers that warn of potential dangers. The video explains that labels, such as those from the US Department of Transportation or the National Fire Protection Association, are crucial for quickly identifying the risks associated with chemicals.

💡Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

PPE refers to equipment worn to minimize exposure to hazards and includes items like gloves, goggles, and respirators. The video highlights the necessity of using appropriate PPE when handling chemicals to prevent skin contact, inhalation, or other forms of exposure.

💡Acute and Chronic Effects

Acute effects are immediate and severe health impacts from short-term exposure to chemicals, while chronic effects are long-term health issues resulting from prolonged exposure. The video uses benzene as an example to illustrate how different exposure durations can lead to distinct health outcomes.

💡Flammable Materials

Flammable materials are substances that can easily catch fire. The video provides guidelines for handling flammables, such as using proper containers and avoiding ignition sources, to prevent fires and explosions in the workplace.

💡Oxidizers

Oxidizers are chemicals that can cause or enhance the combustion of other materials. The video warns about the dangers of storing oxidizers near flammable substances due to the risk of violent reactions, emphasizing the need for proper storage separation.

💡Emergency Response

Emergency response involves the actions taken to mitigate the effects of an accident or incident involving hazardous materials. The video outlines the importance of knowing the facility's emergency plan, including evacuation procedures and reporting guidelines, to ensure a swift and effective response.

💡Safety Equipment

Safety equipment includes devices like fire extinguishers, eyewash stations, and safety showers that are crucial in the event of chemical accidents. The video stresses the importance of knowing the location and proper use of such equipment to minimize harm in emergencies.

Highlights

Chemicals and chemical processes are integral to modern life, enhancing convenience and safety.

Understanding the nature of chemicals is crucial for safe handling, including their potential hazards, physical state, and health effects.

Chemicals can be hazardous due to fire risks, toxicity, corrosiveness, or dangerous reactions with other materials.

Chemical hazards can manifest as acute effects from short-term exposure or chronic effects from long-term exposure.

The Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is a vital resource for understanding chemical hazards and safe practices.

Proper chemical labeling is mandatory for safety, including information on hazards, ingredients, and manufacturer contact details.

The US Department of Transportation and the National Fire Protection Association have distinct labeling systems for chemical hazards.

Chemical containers must be properly labeled and stored to prevent accidents, including secure handling of compressed gas cylinders.

Flammable materials require special handling precautions, such as carrying in rubber cradles and avoiding ignition sources.

Oxidizers and flammables should be stored separately to prevent violent reactions.

Proper ventilation is necessary when working with hazardous chemicals to prevent the accumulation of harmful vapors or dust.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is essential for protection against chemical exposure, including gloves, goggles, and appropriate footwear.

The importance of inspecting PPE for damage before use to ensure effectiveness and safety.

Emergency preparedness is key, including knowing the facility's emergency action plan and how to respond to hazardous material incidents.

Training is mandatory for workers involved in hazardous waste operations and emergency responses to ensure safety.

The correct use of fire extinguishers is crucial for fighting small fires involving hazardous chemicals.

Knowing the location of safety equipment like eyewash stations and safety showers is vital for immediate response to chemical exposure.

Knowledge and adherence to safety guidelines are key to controlling hazardous materials and ensuring workplace safety.

Transcripts

that

chemicals and chemical processes form a

major part of our lives from the Cars we

drive to the foods we eat to the ways in

which we relax we depend on a vast array

of chemicals to make life easier safer

and more convenient chances are your

work brings you in contact with

chemicals and chemical processes even

the simple act of putting gasoline in

your vehicle means transferring a highly

flammable liquid from one container to

another and while the final product

provides enormous benefits chemicals may

be dangerous or even

deadly corrosives for example are often

used in the manufacturer of life-saving

pharmaceuticals these same chemicals

however can cause serious skin damage

blindness and even death

as dangerous as some of these chemicals

are you can handle them safely by

knowing what you're working with how to

handle it and what to do in an

emergency this program shows how to

identify certain chemical hazards handle

chemicals safely and how you should

handle emergencies involving these

chemicals you can identify a chemical

potential hazards in several different

ways including the type of Hazards it

presents its physical state and health

effects chemicals can present four basic

types of Hazards in the workplace they

can be fire hazards igniting and burning

easily they can be toxic or poisonous if

swallowed inhaled or absorbed through

the skin they can burn skin on contact

and they can react dangerously when they

come in contact with other

materials hazardous chemicals can be

solids such as sodium metal liquids like

gasoline or gases like chlorine the

effect a chemical has on your body can

be either acute or chronic depending on

the type frequency and length of your

exposure acute effects usually occur

rapidly as the result of short-term

exposure and typically do not last a

long time chronic effects develop over

time sometimes showing up many years

after the exposure they are usually the

result of repeated or long-term exposure

Benzene for example occurs naturally in

crude oil and natural gas is commonly

used as a solvent or raw material in the

manufacture of a number of products the

short-term or acute effects of benzene

exposure include severe skin irritation

a painful burning sensation and a

condition known as chemical pneumonia in

this condition Benzene is absorbed

rapidly through the skin causing your

lungs to

swell exposure to low concentrations of

benzene over a long period of time can

produce chronic effects including blood

disease chromosome damage and low birth

weight in

babies when handling chemicals knowledge

is your most powerful tool Begin by

recognizing the specific hazard or

hazards the chemical may present the

material safety data sheet or MSDS is

one of your best sources for information

on the chemicals you use it contains a

summary of a chemicals hazards as well

as proper handling use and storage

methods the MSDS also lists important

information for protecting you such as

permissible exposure limits the right

personal protective equipment fir

fighting techniques and emergency

procedures the first step in identifying

a chemical is to read the label each

chemical that arrives in your facility

must have accurate labels containing

specific information read the label to

discover a chemical's hazardous

ingredients the principal Hazard it

poses and the name and address of the

manufacturer who can provide further

information in addition the label

provides the chemical abstract service

or c number use this number when looking

up information about the chemical on a

computer or when there is a question

about the identity of the chemical it

may also be necessary when reordering

the

chemical in addition to identifying

labels each chemical container must have

a hazard label there are two major

labeling systems in use for identifying

a chemical's hazards one developed by

the US Department of Transportation or

do and one by the National Fire

Protection Association

NFPA the do system uses diamond shaped

color labels and placards that describe

the nature of the chemical Hazard

examples of do labels include both

flammable and non-flammable gases

flammable liquids and solids poisons and

infectious substances as well as

radioactive materials and miscellaneous

hazardous

materials the NFPA label is also diamond

shaped but is divided into four

different colored sections the red

section represents the material's level

of

flammability the blue section represents

the chemicals health hazards The yellow

section represents the chemicals

instability and the white section

indicates special hazards that cause the

chemical to become dangerous in a fire

such as reactivity with water or

oxidizers that cause fires to burn

violently for each of the primary colors

a number system on a scale of 0 through

four is used to describe the intensity

of the hazard for example when you see a

zero in the red flammability section it

means the chemical is

nonflammable however the number four in

the same section means the chemical is

highly flammable chemical manufacturers

or suppliers may have their own

customized Hazard identification so you

need to become familiar with the system

in your workplace also keep in mind that

while some chemical present multiple

hazards the label may only indicate the

most prevalent Hazard so stay informed

and take time to learn all hazards of

the chemicals you

use you can reduce the risks of

hazardous chemicals by using proper

handling and storage

techniques while specific requirements

vary from one chemical to another here

are some general guidelines that apply

to most hazardous

materials before you use any chemical

make sure you know what it is do not use

any chemical from an unidentified

container when transferring chemicals

use the proper container for each

material remember that the container you

are transferring the material to must

also be properly labeled make sure the

container is leak proof and sturdy stack

containers care so they won't fall be

sure they're not stacked too high

blocking aisles or obstructing emergency

exits treat cylinders containing

compressed gases as potential

explosives don't expose cylinders to

high temperatures excessive temperatures

can trigger rupture prevention devices

or cause

explosions when a cylinder is empty

promptly remove the regulator and

replace it with a protective cap and

mark the cylinder as

empty when moving or storing cylinders

secure them with straps or chains or

place them in an appropriate stand to

prevent them from falling never use a

cylinder that cannot be

identified flamable materials also

require special precautions here are

some rules for handling flammables carry

glass bottles containing flammable

liquids in a rubber Cradle to reduce the

risk of breakage keep keep ignition

sources away from the material use

static bonding and grounding procedures

when transferring flammables keep

flammables away from hot work or Sparks

and observe no smoking regulations in

areas where flammables are used or

stored oxidizers and flammables are a

dangerous combination store them well

away from each other to prevent violent

reactions in case of fire use NFPA

approved fireproof cabinets to store

flammable materials away from the work

area many accidents occur when chemicals

are being moved to and from storage

areas so use common sense and the

methods your facility has outlined when

moving hazardous

chemicals when working with any

hazardous chemical keep the area well

ventilated to prevent harmful Vapors or

dust from accumulating in the air

hazardous chemicals have four ways of

entering your body they can be absorbed

Through Your Skin inhaled ases dust

fumes or Vapors ingested or swallowed or

introduced on contaminated objects that

puncture your skin to reduce the risk of

exposure to hazardous chemicals you must

wear personal protective equipment or

PPE that is designed and tested for the

chemicals you're using some rubber

gloves for example can fall apart when

exposed to certain

corrosives some chemicals require aprons

or full body coverings to protect you

from splashes or

contamination you may need an air

purification device in areas where

normal ventilation will not protect you

from harmful Vapors these devices can

range from simple air filters to resp

operators or even a self-contained

breathing

apparatus in all cases protect your eyes

with safety glasses safety goggles or a

face shield protect your hands with

appropriate gloves neoprene gloves can

protect you from most corrosives or

solvents but don't guess your life and

health are at stake examine your gloves

for signs of wear or failure every time

you put them on glov can fail due to

permeation or a chemical seeping through

glove material or penetration when a

glove is torn or punctured look

carefully at the tips of the fingers and

between fingers for cracks pin holes or

excessive wear if there are any signs of

damage replace them make sure your

gloves fit properly gloves that are too

small can constrict the movement of your

hands while gloves that are too large

can get caught in machinery causing

major

injuries before removing your gloves

take the time to rinse them with clean

water to remove chemical residue this

will prevent your hands from coming in

direct contact with chemicals your

ordinary Safety Shoes may not protect

you against all chemicals corrosives for

example wear rubber boots rubber

overshoes or synthetic Rubber and acid

resistant work shoes to be safe check

the MSDS to ensure you are using the

correct combination of personal

protective equipment for your situation

your employer will provide the

appropriate PPE but it's up to you to

use it

properly no one plans accidents but you

can make plans to handle them your

facility's emergency action plan

contains spefic specific information for

handling hazardous material emergencies

including contact information evacuation

and rescue procedures and Reporting

guidelines learn the plan before you

have to use it your knowledge could save

lives and property if you apply it

quickly and properly in the case of

spills or leaks the haer standard along

with title three of the Superfund

Amendment reauthorization act or Sarah

May

apply has whopper or hazardous waste

operations and emergency response

establishes strict training level

guidelines when a dangerous spill or

leak threatens your workplace in

addition Sarah title 3 states that any

hazardous spill that releases more than

the threshold limit of a contaminant

into the environment must be reported

immediately to local authorities or

through approved notific ation

methods has whopper also prohibits

workers from participating in hazardous

waste operations and emergency response

activities unless they have received

proper training according to worker

protection standards in other words if

there is an emergency do what you're

trained to do and stay out of everyone

else's way if you don't you could make

things worse and become a casualty

yourself if a fire occurs that is small

enough to fight with a portable fire

extinguisher make sure you use the right

extinguisher for the type of fire you're

fighting and that you know how to use it

properly remember the pass system pull

the pin aim the nozzle squeeze the

handle and sweep from side to side at

the base of the

Flames if the fire becomes too large or

you start to run out of extinguishing

agent evacu valate the area

immediately finally when you're working

with or near hazardous chemicals always

make sure you know the location of

eyewash stations safety showers and the

number for the Poison Control Center if

your eyes are splashed by chemicals get

to the eyewash Fountain immediately hold

your eyes open in the water and flush

them continuously for 15 minutes for

larger splashes get to the safety shower

with without delay step into the running

water and remove contaminated clothing

while in the

shower you have the power to make

hazardous chemicals useful in many ways

you also have the power to use them

safely by following some basic

guidelines know what you're working with

read the label and MSDS and make sure

sure you understand the hazards and the

ways to avoid them know how to move

transfer and store the material safely

use the right PPE and use it the right

way know your role in case of emergency

know when and how to fight fires

involving hazardous chemicals just as

important know when not to fight them

and get help instead finally learn the

locations of safety equipment such as

fire extinguishers eyewash stations and

safety

showers knowledge your knowledge is the

key to keeping hazardous materials under

control you can make the difference and

keep your workplace safe for you your

co-workers and your community