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