Environmental & Chemical Safety Presented by: Samar Khalil Environmental & Chemical Safety Officer
Objectives To introduce chemical hazards To give insights on proper handling of chemicals starting from their identification all the way to their proper disposal to protect human health and the environment.
Outline Categories of Environmental Hazards The wake up call: Environmental Catastrophes Chemicals in the Environment Typical hazards of chemicals How chemicals can enter the body Health effects of chemicals Household chemicals Chemicals Management
Categories of Environmental Health Hazards Physical Biological Chemical Mechanical Psychosocial
Physical Hazards Outcome of Exposure Categories of Environmental Health Hazards Heat Lighting Noise Vibration Ionising Radiation Dust Pressure Electricity Heatstroke, cramp, fatigue Headaches, eyestrain Hearing loss White finger disease Lung cancer Silicosis Decompression sickness Heart failure, burns
Chemical Hazards Outcome of Exposure Categories of Environmental Health Hazards Acids, alkalis Metals Non-metals Gases Organic compounds Dusts Vapours Dermatitis, eye injury Cadmium/lead/mercury poisoning Arsenic/cyanide poisoning Carbon monoxide poisoning Cancer, nerve damage Lead poisoning Mercury poisoning
Mechanical Hazards Outcome of Exposure Categories of Environmental Health Hazards Manual handling over exertion, lifting or pulling Unguarded machines Hydraulic pressure Gravitational energy falls of people or objects Musculoskeletal injury spinal injury, muscle strains, sprains Acute physical injuries severed/crushed limbs Acute injury crushed limbs Acute injury broken bones, brain damage
Psychosocial Hazards Outcome of Exposure Biological Hazards Outcome of Exposure Categories of Environmental Health Hazards Animal-borne Human-borne Vegetable-borne Anthrax, Q fever AIDS Aspergillosis (farmers lung) Violence, harassment or abuse Stress Physical harm, stress Psychosomatic disorders (eg stomach ulcers brought about by stress)
The Wake-up Calls: Environmental Catastrophes Safety Wardens
Chemicals in the Environment Chemical Industry Output: Developed Regions Chemical Industry Output: Developing Regions & Countries with Economies in Transition
If you do not handle CHEMICALS carefully They can be hazardous to your health & safety
Chemicals can cause serious injuries through Physical hazards Fires Explosions Health Hazards Burns Poisoning Irritation
Typical hazards from chemicals include Corrosive (can burn eyes or skin) Explosive (violent expansion of gases) Flammable Oxidizing (may, generally by yielding oxygen, cause or contribute to the combustion of other material) Radioactive (emits harmful radiation) Toxic (causes illness or death) Dangerous to the environment
How can chemicals enter your body? Skin and eye contact Burns Rash Dermatitis Allergies Irritations Blindness Injection Cuts Wounds Needles Inhalation Dizziness Nausea Headache Could harm nose, throat, and lungs Ingestion Damage stomach Liver Other organs
Health Effects of Chemicals Acute (immediate or fast action) Drinking poison Burns Sudden illness Chronic (long time exposure) Smoking cigarettes Cancer Reproductive problems
Household Chemicals: What s in Your House Safety Wardens In the garage Product Antifreeze Motor oil Batteries Paint Hazardous Ingredient Ethylene glycol Heavy metals Hydrocarbons Sulfuric acid Lead Organic solvents Possible Effects Poisonous if swallowed -- can cause severe damage to heart, kidneys, brain. Inhalation can cause dizziness. Can cause nerve and kidney damage; is thought to cause cancer Some forms thought to cause cancer. Can cause severe skin burns, and blindness Can cause nerve and kidney damage; is thought to cause cancer Can irritate eyes and skin; cause cracking of skin. Inhaling paint fumes can result in headaches, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue
Household Chemicals: What s in Your House Safety Wardens In the kitchen Product Dishwashing detergents Oven cleaners Antibacterial cleaner Hazardous Ingredient Cationic, anionic, or non- ionic solutions plus phosphates (automatic dishwasher detergents) Lye (consisting of either sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide) Ammonia, Detergents, Lye Cresol Phenol Possible Effects Automatic products can cause skin irritation or burns; hand dishwashing products are milder, though can cause irritation to mouth, throat, and GI tract Extremely corrosive, burns skin and eyes; can be fatal if swallowed; aerosols disperse chemicals, increasing inhalation dangers see descriptions above Can be corrosive to tissue; damages liver, kidneys, lungs, pancreas and spleen Can cause central nervous system depression; severely affect circulatory system; corrosive to skin; suspected of causing cancer
Household Chemicals: What s in Your House Safety Wardens Product Toilet bowel cleaners Hazardous Ingredient Sodium bisulfate Oxalic acid 5-dimethyldantoin Hydrochloric acid Phenol Possible Effects Forms sulfuric acid, which is corrosive, burns skin Can damage kidney and liver; irritate eyes and respiratory tract; corrodes mouth and stomach Forms hypochlorite in water, which is corrosive to skin and mucous membranes Fumes are extremely corrosive; burns skin Can cause central nervous system depression; severely affect circulatory system; corrosive to skin; suspected of causing cancer In the bathroom Mold removers Drain cleaners Chlorine and alkyl ammonium chlorides Lye and sulfuric acid Can cause breathing problems; if swallowed, can burn throat Can cause burns to skin and in severe cases, blindness if splashed in eye
Household Chemicals: What s in Your House Safety Wardens In the laundry/utility room Product Laundry detergent All-purpose cleaners Hazardous Ingredient Cationic, anionic, or non- ionic solutions Ammonia Possible Effects If swallowed, cationic detergents can cause nausea, vomiting, shock, convulsions, and coma. Non-ionic detergents can irritate skin and eyes Fumes can irritate eyes and lungs; can cause burns or rashes on skin; can produce deadly chloramine gas if mixed with chlorine containing products NEVER mix ammonia with chlorine (bleach). This mixture produces a gas that can cause serious breathing problems and be potentially fatal Bleach Ethylene glycol monobutyl acetate Sodium hypochlorite Sodium hypochlorite solution Poisonous if swallowed -- can cause severe damage to heart, kidneys, brain. Inhalation can cause dizziness. Corrosive to skin and lining of nose mouth and throat; fumes irritating to eyes and respiratory tract Corrosive to skin and lining of nose mouth and throat; fumes irritating to eyes and respiratory tract NEVER mix bleach with other cleaners especially ammonia and also toilet bowl cleaners and drain cleaners. A gas can be produced that can cause serious breathing problems and even death
Chemicals Management Identification Storage Transportation Disposal Emergency response Handling
IDENTIFICATION OF CHEMICALS
To avoid problems be prepared!! Read the LABEL!! The label would tell you What is in the container What are the hazards Health Fire Reactivity Special instructions How to protect yourself Basic first aid
Read the LABEL!!
Read the LABEL!!
Read the LABEL!!
Next step to safety is the MSDS
STORAGE OF CHEMICALS
Chemical Storage- Requirements Always keep products in Original Containers. It is very dangerous to put products in food and beverage containers. Children think that something in a familiar juice or soda bottle is good to drink. If you throw away the original container, you throw away important information needed in case of an emergency. Keep all hazardous chemicals out of the reach of young children or locked up. Be aware of special storage conditions such as temperature, relative humidity or limited shelf life. Avoid storing liquid chemicals above eye level. Avoid storing chemicals near sources of heat or in direct sunshine. Never store hazardous chemicals near food or food products. Keep hazardous chemicals away from items used to prepare and cook foods in, such as pans and silverware. Never contaminate pots, pans and cooking utensils with a hazardous substance.
Chemical Storage When refrigerating flammables, only use refrigerators specifically designed for flammable materials. Do not store food in chemical storage refrigerators. Label chemical storage refrigerators with the following: No Food Chemical Storage Only Segregate chemicals by hazard class or compatibility.
TRANSPORTATION OF CHEMICALS
Transporting Chemicals Use secondary containers, with handles, made of rubber, plastic or metal. Secondary containers should be large enough to contain all of the chemical contents. Make sure the pathway is clear of obstructions and tripping hazards. Plan ahead for spills. Use sturdy carts when transporting heavy containers or transporting over long distances.
CHEMICAL HANDLING
Do Not Mix Chemicals What Not to Mix Mixing chemicals can create explosions and noxious gases, both of which could cause injuries or death. The following list is chemicals that DO NOT mix well: Bleach and acidic toilet bowl cleaners can create a poisonous gas. Bleach and vinegar create a toxic vapor. Bleach mixed with ammonia also create dangerous vapors. Mixing acids with bases create a violent reaction which can cause chemical burns. Mixing different brands of the same type of product can produce reactions.
Personal Protective Equipment When handling chemicals, PPE might be required such as: Safety glasses/ goggles Gloves Special shoes Protective suits Respirators Always check the MSDS to find out what protective equipment you will need
Chemical Handling Use the Right amount of the product for the job. After using, immediately wash hands - or any other part of the body that may have come into direct contact with the substance. Follow safety recommendations when using hazardous substances. Properly ventilate the area by turning on the fan and opening the windows.
Chemical Handling Never smoke while using household chemicals. Don't use hair spray, cleaning solutions, paint products, or pesticides near the open flame of an appliance, pilot light, lighted candle, fireplace, wood burning stove, etc.
Chemical Handling Use chemical fume hoods to control exposure during the experiment. Wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (chemical splash goggles, gloves, etc.). Have disposal containers ready ahead of time.
Chemical Handling- Fume Hoods Verify hood is working. If fume hood is not working, inform your supervisor. Set up equipment at least 6 (15 cm) into hood. Operate the hood at the proper sash height, as indicted on the EHSRM profile sticker located on the front of the hood. Reduce pedestrian traffic in front of hoods. Never place your head inside the hood. Keep sash closed when not in use. Do not use for chemical storage. Clean up.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE
In Case of Personal Contamination (Eyes) Don t rub the eyes. Hold eyelids open and flush with water for 15 minutes. Be careful not to contaminate the other eye. Get medical attention promptly. Transport to Emergency Department.
In Case of Personal Contamination (Skin) Flush area with lukewarm water for 15 minutes. Remove clothing and jewelry from burn area. Get medical attention promptly. Transport to Emergency Department.
In Case of Personal Contamination (Inhalation of smoke, vapor or fumes) Anyone overcome with smoke or chemical vapors or fumes should be removed to uncontaminated air and treated for shock. Do not enter the area if you expect that a life threatening condition still exists. If CPR certified, follow standard CPR protocols. Get medical attention promptly. Transport to Emergency Department.
In Case of Personal Contamination (Ingestion of chemicals) Induce vomiting only if told to do so by Professional medical attendant. Get medical attention promptly. Transport to Emergency Department.
DISPOSAL OF CHEMICAL WASTE
Disposal of Chemical Waste Buy only as much of a chemical as you think you will use. If you have product left over, try to give it to someone who will use it. Take care to dispose of it properly. Improper disposal can result in harm to yourself or members of your family, accidentally contaminate our local water supply, or harm other people.
Disposal of Chemical Waste- AUB If you have chemicals that need disposal, a hazardous chemicals waste disposal form should be filled out and sent to the EHSRM department. The EHSRM team will arrange for hazardous chemicals waste pickup and disposal.
Questions