ENERGY INDUSTRY FUNDAMENTALS: MODULE 2, UNIT C — HAZARDS AND RESPONSES
THE SCIENCE BEHIND HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE LABELING
IS THAT CHEMICAL HARMFUL?
ENERGY INDUSTRY FUNDAMENTALS: MODULE 2, UNIT C — HAZARDS AND RESPONSES
Regulations The Hazard Communication Standard
(HCS) is enforced by the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA)
OSHA is authorized by the Occupational Safety & Health Act-- a law passed by the United States Congress
ENERGY INDUSTRY FUNDAMENTALS: MODULE 2, UNIT C — HAZARDS AND RESPONSES
The Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) Requires employers to:
Develop and follow a written hazard communication program
Use labels and other forms of warnings Retain Material Safety Data Sheets
(MSDS), and Provide information and training for
employees
ENERGY INDUSTRY FUNDAMENTALS: MODULE 2, UNIT C — HAZARDS AND RESPONSES
Employees’ Right-to-Know HCS is based on a simple concept--that
employees have both a need and a Right To Know the hazards and identities of the chemicals they are exposed to when working
The information is communicated on a document called a Material Safety Data Sheet, an MSDS
ENERGY INDUSTRY FUNDAMENTALS: MODULE 2, UNIT C — HAZARDS AND RESPONSES
Normal vs. Hazardous Use The application of the HCS is based on normal
conditions of use A product is used as it was intended With the same regularity for which it was marketed
Example: Normal Condition of Use:
An office worker uses WD40 to loosen the lock of a desk
Hazardous Material Exposure: An automotive technician uses two cans of
WD40 per day
ENERGY INDUSTRY FUNDAMENTALS: MODULE 2, UNIT C — HAZARDS AND RESPONSES
Under the HCS, Employers… Must develop a written program that
covers at least: Labels and other forms of warnings Material Safety Data Sheets Employee Information and Training
ENERGY INDUSTRY FUNDAMENTALS: MODULE 2, UNIT C — HAZARDS AND RESPONSES
Labels, Tags and Markings All materials regulated under the HCS
must be identified by label, tag or marking to communicate: Identity of the hazardous chemical
Appropriate hazard warnings
ENERGY INDUSTRY FUNDAMENTALS: MODULE 2, UNIT C — HAZARDS AND RESPONSES
Two Labeling SystemsNFPA HMIG
ENERGY INDUSTRY FUNDAMENTALS: MODULE 2, UNIT C — HAZARDS AND RESPONSES
NFPA and HMIG/HMIS Labels Use same criteria except:
HMIG: designed for employee to know hazards of materials they work with and how to protect themselves
NFPA: designed for transportation to know how to store material and respond to an emergency situation.
NFPA does not comply with the HCS requirements
ENERGY INDUSTRY FUNDAMENTALS: MODULE 2, UNIT C — HAZARDS AND RESPONSES
HEALTH = BLUE0 Minimal No significant health
risk1 Slight Irritation or minor
reversible injury possible
2 Moderate
Temporary or minor injury may occur
3 Serious Major injury requiring prompt medical attention possible
4 Extreme Life threatening injury from single exposure
ENERGY INDUSTRY FUNDAMENTALS: MODULE 2, UNIT C — HAZARDS AND RESPONSES
FLAMMABILITY = RED0 Minimal Will not burn at room
temperature1 Slight Flashpoint higher
than 200° F2 Moderat
eFlashpoint between 100°F and 200°F
3 Serious Flashpoint between 73°F and 100°F
4 Extreme Flashpoint is lower than 73° F
ENERGY INDUSTRY FUNDAMENTALS: MODULE 2, UNIT C — HAZARDS AND RESPONSES
REACTIVITY = YELLOW0 Minimal Stable, will not react
with water1 Slight May become unstable
at elevated temperature or pressure. Will not react with water.
2 Moderate Unstable. Will not detonate but will react violently with water
3 Serious Unstable. Capable of explosion and reacts violently with water.
4 Extreme Detonates at room conditions.
ENERGY INDUSTRY FUNDAMENTALS: MODULE 2, UNIT C — HAZARDS AND RESPONSES
How to Remember 0 to 4 0 = Minimal Risk
Slight irritation 1 = Going to need a bandage 2 = Going to see a Doctor 3 = Going to the hospital… for a while
It is surprising what you can live through 4 = Death
Can kill with one time exposure
ENERGY INDUSTRY FUNDAMENTALS: MODULE 2, UNIT C — HAZARDS AND RESPONSES
Chemical Exposure, Severity, and Duration “Acute” effects usually occur rapidly as
a result of short-term exposures, and are of short duration
“Chronic” effects generally occur as a result of long-term exposure, and are of long duration
ENERGY INDUSTRY FUNDAMENTALS: MODULE 2, UNIT C — HAZARDS AND RESPONSES
Corrosives Visible destruction, or irreversible
damage to body tissue Acids or
Caustics (or bases)
1 7 14pH scale
ENERGY INDUSTRY FUNDAMENTALS: MODULE 2, UNIT C — HAZARDS AND RESPONSES
Hazardous Chemicals Target Human Organs
ENERGY INDUSTRY FUNDAMENTALS: MODULE 2, UNIT C — HAZARDS AND RESPONSES
Hepatotoxins Chemicals which produce
liver damage Signs and Symptoms: jaundice, liver
enlargement Chemicals: Carbon Tetrachloride,
nitrosamines
ENERGY INDUSTRY FUNDAMENTALS: MODULE 2, UNIT C — HAZARDS AND RESPONSES
Nephrotoxins Chemicals which produce
kidney damage Signs and Symptoms: edema Chemicals: Halogenated Hydrocarbons,
uranium
ENERGY INDUSTRY FUNDAMENTALS: MODULE 2, UNIT C — HAZARDS AND RESPONSES
Neurotoxins Chemicals which produce their
primary toxic effects on the nervous system
Signs and Symptoms: unconsciousness, behavioral changes, decreased motor function
Chemicals: mercury, carbon disulfide, lead
ENERGY INDUSTRY FUNDAMENTALS: MODULE 2, UNIT C — HAZARDS AND RESPONSES
Toxins to the Blood Decrease hemoglobin function,
deprive the body tissues of oxygen
Signs and Symptoms: cyanosis, loss of consciousness
Chemicals: carbon monoxide, cyanides
ENERGY INDUSTRY FUNDAMENTALS: MODULE 2, UNIT C — HAZARDS AND RESPONSES
Toxins to the Lungs Chemicals which damage
pulmonary tissue Signs and Symptoms: cough,
tightness in the chest, loss of breath Chemicals: asbestos, silica
ENERGY INDUSTRY FUNDAMENTALS: MODULE 2, UNIT C — HAZARDS AND RESPONSES
Reproductive Toxins Chemicals which damage
reproductive capabilities Includes chromosomal
damage (mutations) and damage to fetuses (teratogenesis)
Signs and Symptoms: birth defects, sterility Chemicals: Lead
ENERGY INDUSTRY FUNDAMENTALS: MODULE 2, UNIT C — HAZARDS AND RESPONSES
Cutaneous Hazards Chemicals which effect the
dermal layer of the body Signs and Symptoms: defatting
of the skin, rashes, irritation Chemicals: ketones,
chlorinated compounds
ENERGY INDUSTRY FUNDAMENTALS: MODULE 2, UNIT C — HAZARDS AND RESPONSES
Eye Hazards Chemicals which affect the eye or visual
capacity Signs and symptoms: Conjunctivitis,
corneal damage, blurred vision, burning or irritation
Chemicals: Solvents, corrosives
ENERGY INDUSTRY FUNDAMENTALS: MODULE 2, UNIT C — HAZARDS AND RESPONSES
Take Proper Precautions Know the substances with which you
are working Recognize hazards in the workplace Wear personal protective equipment
when needed Prevent illness and injury
