1 Handling Dangerous Goods Using an MSDS Knowledge and Skills Needed for Competency Element 4 The information included in this document is to help you prepare for the evaluation of competency element 4. After studying this section you should: be able to correctly handle dangerous goods according to the specifications outlined in an MSDS (material safety data sheet) produced by manufacturers in Canada know what WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Material Information System) training is and why it is important know what GHS (Global Harmonization System) training is and why it is important Introduction It is important to know about MSDS (material safety data sheet), WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Material Information System) and GHS (Global Harmonization System) so that you can work with dangerous goods safely and effectively. A. MSDS This is a Material Safety Data Sheet. A MSDS gives you important information about the dangerous goods that you work with. It states the health risks associated with each product, explains how to protect yourself and what to do if you are exposed to the product. Information about MSDS is available on the CSST (Commission Santé Sécurité au travail) Quebec web site: http://www.reptox.csst.qc.ca/documents/simdut/guideang/htm/guideang 01.htm
2 An MSDS is a document that provides information on a controlled product, namely its toxic effects, the protective measures for avoiding overexposure or chemical hazards, and the procedures to follow in an emergency. A controlled product is a hazardous material meeting the hazard criteria defined in the Controlled Products Regulations. The information provided on the MSDS completes the information that is found on the label of a controlled product. The supplier sends the MSDS to the employer when the product is sold. It must be available in French and in English, be kept on the premises by the employer in a location known by the workers, and be easily and rapidly accessible to those who are likely to come in contact with the product. The material safety data sheet (in Quebec) must contain nine categories of information. They can be presented under the following headings or under equivalent headings: 1. product information 2. information on the preparation of the MSDS 3. hazardous ingredients 4. physical data 5. fire and explosion hazards 6. reactivity data 7. toxicological properties 8. preventive measures 9. first aid measures Below is an example of a material safety data sheet for a flammable liquid, N.O.S. from the CSST guide for UN1993. 1 - Product information Product name : Solvant X Supplier: XYZ Distributions enr. Usage: Multi-purpose solvent 123, rue XYZ Manufacturer : ABC Chemical Products Québec (Québec) inc. X0X 0X0 1234, rue ABC Montréal (Québec) Z0Z 0Z0 Emergency tel. no.: 1 800 123-4567 Emergency tel. no.: 1 800 987-6543
3 2 - Preparation information Data sheet prepared by: The Health and Safety Department Tél. : (514) 456-1289 Date of update: 2005-12-15 3 - Hazardous ingredients Hazardous ingredients Methyl isobutyl ketone % N CAS LD 50, Espèce, Voie CL 50, Durée, Espèce 15 to 40 108-10-1 1 900 mg/kg, mouse, oral 4 000 ppm, 4 hours, rat Xylene (o,m,p isomers) 60 to 100 1330-20- 7 4 300 mg/kg, rat, oral 5 000 ppm, 4 hours, rat 4 - Physical data Physical state and appearance: Nonviscous Vapour pressure: 9.2 mm Hg liquid Density: 0.855 g/ml Vapour density: 3.59 Colour and odour: Colourless, Aromatic Evaporation rate (ether =1) : 8.3 odour Odour threshold: 0.1 ppm Water/oil partition coefficient: 0.015 Freezing point: Unavailable ph : N/A Boiling point: 119 C Solubility in water at saturation: 6.7 g/l
4 5 - Fire or explosion hazard Flash point and method of determination: 22.8 C (closed cup, Tag method) Lower explosive limit: 1.1 % Upper explosive limit: 7.2 % Auto-ignition temperature: 463 C Conditions of flammability: Flammable liquid. It may burst into flame when it is near an ignition source or in the presence of oxidizing materials. Explosion conditions: May explode if its vapors are mixed with air. Explosion sensitivity to impact: Not available. Explosion sensitivity to static discharges: May accumulate an electrostatic charge when it is shaken or when it flows in pipes, which may result in ignition of the vapors. Means of extinction: Carbon dioxide (CO 2), dry chemical powder, water spray, alcohol foam. Special precautions: Wear a self-contained breathing apparatus. The vapors are heavier than air and can cover a great distance towards a source of ignition and thus cause a flashback. Hazardous combustion products: Carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. 6 - Reactivity data Conditions of chemical instability: Stable under normal conditions of use. When it is heated, there is the possibility of formation of explosive peroxides. Chemical incompatibility: Strong oxidizing and reducing agents. Conditions of reactivity: When it is heated. Hazardous decomposition products: Carbon monoxide and dioxide, low molecular weight aldehydes and carboxylic acids.
5 7 - Toxicological properties Routes of entry: Respiratory tract, skin and digestive tract. Effects of acute exposure: Headache, nausea, dizziness, vomiting. At higher concentrations: narcosis, confusion, cardiac impairment and death. Effects of chronic exposure: Headache, fatigue, anxiety, depression, sensation of inebriation, and balance, sleep and memory disorders. Irritancy of product: Slight eye irritation and moderate skin irritation. Exposure to vapors: eye irritation and upper respiratory tract irritation. Repeated or prolonged contact: degreasing action on skin, redness, desquamation and cracking. Sensitization to product: No Carcinogenicity: Non-carcinogenic. IARC group 3. Reproductive toxicity: No Teratogenicity: Embryotoxic and/or fetotoxic effects on animals. Mutagenicity: No Toxicologically synergistic products: The duration of xylene s toxic effects increases with the consumption of alcohol or aspirin or with simultaneous exposure to toluene or ethylbenzene. Exposure limits Hazardous ingredients TWAEV (ROHS) STEV (ROHS) Xylene 100 ppm (434 mg/m3) 150 ppm (651 mg/m3) Methyl isobutyl ketone 50 ppm (205 mg/m3) 75 ppm (307 mg/m3) 8 - Preventive measures Protective equipment: Respiratory: Chemical cartridge respiratory protective device for organic vapors, in accordance with the Guide des appareils de protection respiratoire utilisés au Québec. Eyes: Safety glasses Gloves: polyethylene/ ethylene vinyl alcohol /polyethylene (PE/EVAL/PE); polyvinyl alcohol (PVAL). Engineering controls: Use tools and a ventilation system that do not produce sparks. Leaks or spills: Use a noncombustible absorbent. Place the waste in a sealable container. Avoid spilling into sewers. Warn the authorities.
6 Waste disposal: Do not throw contaminated absorbents in the garbage. Ventilate the spill site well so that the remainder of the liquid evaporates and the vapors disperse. Consult the regional office of the ministère de l Environnement. Handling: Handle away from incompatible materials and any source of heat and ignition. In the event of insufficient ventilation, use an appropriate respiratory protective device. Avoid all skin contact. Wear appropriate protective clothing. Refer to NFPA 30 and NFPA 77 standards. Storage: Store away from any source of heat and ignition, in an airtight container placed in a cool, dry and well-ventilated location, away from oxidizing materials. The containers must be grounded. Refer to NFPA 30 and NFPA 77 standards. Shipping: TDG UN1993, class 3, packing group II. 9 - First aid measures Inhalation: Bring the person to a ventilated location. If the person is not breathing, perform artificial respiration. Call a physician. Eye contact: Rinse the eyes with plenty of water for 15 to 20 minutes. If irritation persists, consult a physician. Skin contact: Rapidly remove contaminated clothing and wash the skin with soap and water. If irritation persists, consult a physician. Ingestion: In the event of ingestion, rinse the mouth. Have the person drink a glass of water. Do not have the person vomit, and consult a physician. Note: the internationally harmonized material safety data sheet, consisting of 16 categories of information is accepted in Canada insofar as it contains the information required by WHMIS (workplace hazardous material information system), and that it mentions that the product has been classified in accordance with the hazard criteria listed in the Controlled Products Regulations. The link below gives an example MSDS for a product in Canada with 16 sections: http://www.mgchemicals.com/msds/english/401b-aerosol.pdf
7 Worked Example using the CSST guide MSDS at web site: for UN 1993 http://www.csst.qc.ca/nr/rdonlyres/b1710337-905d-4c00-bc00-0e2c08b0677f/3592/dc_200_338_5a1.pdf Dangerous Good UN 1993 Product name: Solvent X From: ABC Chemical Products inc. Using the MSDS information above answer the questions below Questions 1. What is the most important health risk linked to exposure to Solvent X 2. What should you do if you get it on your skin? 3. What kind of protection should you use? 4. Should a respirator/protective gloves/safety glasses be used when working with this product? Answers 1. Effects of acute exposure: Headache, nausea, dizziness, vomiting. At higher concentrations: narcosis, confusion, cardiac impairment and death. Effects of chronic exposure: Headache, fatigue, anxiety, depression, sensation of inebriation, and balance, sleep and memory disorders. 2. Skin contact: Rapidly remove contaminated clothing and wash the skin with soap and water. If irritation persists, consult a physician. 3. Respiratory: Chemical cartridge respiratory protective device for organic vapors, in accordance with the Guide des appareils de protection respiratoire utilisés au Québec. Eyes: Safety glasses Gloves: polyethylene/ ethylene vinyl alcohol /polyethylene (PE/EVAL/PE); polyvinyl alcohol (PVAL). 4. Yes
8 B. WHMIS To handle an MSDS you need to be trained with WHMIS. Training can be found on the CSST web site below: http://www.reptox.csst.qc.ca/documents/simdut/introang/htm/introang.htm WHMIS: a System Governed by Laws WHMIS is governed by federal and provincial laws and regulations. Any person supplying or using controlled products must comply with it. Suppliers are governed by federal legislation, specifically the Hazardous Products Act (part II) and the Controlled Products Regulation. Employers are governed by provincial legislation, specifically the Act respecting occupational health and safety (article 62) as well as the regulation respecting information on controlled products. WHMIS: a System that Defines Six Classes of Controlled Products WHMIS divides hazardous materials into six main classes based on their specific hazards. If a product corresponds to one or more of these classes, it becomes a controlled product. Six Classes Definition Examples A Compressed gases Products held under pressure Oxygen Propane B Flammable and combustible materials B1 Flammable gases B2 Flammable liquids B3 Combustible liquids B4 Flammable solids B5 Flammable aerosols B6 Reactive flammable materials Products that will burn or catch on fire easily Propane Acetone Kerosene Magnesium Sodium
9 C Oxidizing materials D1 Materials causing immediate and serious toxic effects D2 Materials causing other toxic effects D3 Biohazardous infectious materials E Corrosive materials F Dangerously reactive materials Products that can cause or promote combustion of another material (whether or not they are themselves combustible) or products that are organic peroxides Products that can rapidly cause harmful health effects, including death Products whose health effects generally appear over time following one or several exposures Living organisms or their toxins that can cause disease in people or animals Products that can corrode metal surfaces or cause burns to skin Products that can be health or safety hazards under certain conditions (pressure, temperature, impact, violent reaction with water or air) Hydrogen peroxide Nitric acid Carbon monoxide Phenol Benzene Diisocyanates Lead AIDS virus Hepatitis B virus Rabies virus Caustic soda Hydrochloric acid Bleach Fluorine Hydrogen cyanide B-Chloroprene
10 C. GHS (Globally Harmonized System) If products are from others countries they use the GHS for the classification and labelling of chemicals as per United Nations Economic Commission for Europe web site: http://www.unece.org/trans/danger/publi/ghs/pictograms.html GHS Overview Chemicals, from their production to their handling, transport, and use, can pose a danger for human health and the environment. Canada has worked with other countries to harmonize existing hazard communication systems on chemicals in order to develop a single, globally harmonized system to address classification of chemicals according to their hazards and communicate the related information through labels and safety data sheets. After more than a decade of work, the new global system, the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), was adopted by the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in July 2003. This GHS system is now ready for worldwide implementation. Many countries, including Canada, are beginning the task of harmonizing existing regulatory regimes within the GHS framework. Therefore, training in and knowledge of the GHS will become more important in the future. Self-Evaluation Use the information in the table below to help you check your understanding of the material in this section. Knowledge/Skills Yes I need to study more I can correctly handle dangerous goods according to the specifications outlined in a MSDS (material safety data sheet) produced by manufacturers in Canada I know what WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Material Information System) training is and why it is important I know what GHS (Global Harmonization System) training is and why it is important