West Virginia UniversityWest Virginia UniversityLaboratory TrainingLaboratory Training

Module 2. Hazard Module 2. Hazard Communication Communication

Major Elements of Module 2. Major Elements of Module 2. Hazard CommunicationHazard Communication

1.1. Hazard Communication StandardHazard Communication Standard

2.2. LabelingLabeling

3.3. Material Safety Data SheetsMaterial Safety Data Sheets

4.4. Physical HazardsPhysical Hazards

5.5. Health HazardsHealth Hazards

6.6. Protective MeasuresProtective Measures

1. Hazard Communication1. Hazard Communication

The purpose of hazard communication is The purpose of hazard communication is to ensure that the hazards of all chemicals to ensure that the hazards of all chemicals produced or imported are evaluated, and produced or imported are evaluated, and that information concerning their hazards that information concerning their hazards is transmitted to employers and is transmitted to employers and employees. employees.

This section applies to WVU This section applies to WVU laboratories as follows: laboratories as follows:

Labels on incoming containers of Labels on incoming containers of hazardous chemicals Shall not be hazardous chemicals Shall not be removed or defaced removed or defaced

Material safety data sheets that are Material safety data sheets that are received with incoming shipments of received with incoming shipments of hazardous chemicals must be saved.hazardous chemicals must be saved.

This section applies to WVU This section applies to WVU laboratories as follows:laboratories as follows:

Laboratory employees must be provided Laboratory employees must be provided with information and training to ensure a with information and training to ensure a safe working environment. safe working environment.

This section applies to WVU This section applies to WVU laboratories as follows:laboratories as follows:

Any containers of hazardous chemicals Any containers of hazardous chemicals leaving the laboratory must be labeled and leaving the laboratory must be labeled and a material safety data sheet must a material safety data sheet must accompany the chemical. accompany the chemical.

2. Labeling2. LabelingYour most immediate source for Your most immediate source for information can be found on labels information can be found on labels attached to containers which hold various attached to containers which hold various hazardous materials. hazardous materials.

Labeling continued Labeling continued

ALL hazardous materials must be labeled.ALL hazardous materials must be labeled.

Labels must appear either on the Labels must appear either on the container itself, the batch ticket, placard, container itself, the batch ticket, placard, or the process sheets. or the process sheets.

Hazardous chemicals in portable Hazardous chemicals in portable containers which are for the immediate containers which are for the immediate use of the employee who performs the use of the employee who performs the transfer is the exception to this rule. transfer is the exception to this rule.

OSHA requires that the following OSHA requires that the following information be included on ALL labels: information be included on ALL labels:

The product nameThe product name

A warning statement, message or symbolA warning statement, message or symbol

On commercial labels, manufacturers of On commercial labels, manufacturers of hazardous materials must include their hazardous materials must include their name and address. Many manufacturers name and address. Many manufacturers also include a statement describing safe also include a statement describing safe handling procedures.handling procedures.

704 diamond 704 diamond

RED = Fire hazardRED = Fire hazardYELLOW = Reactivity YELLOW = Reactivity hazard, explosive hazard, explosive unstableunstableBLUE = Health BLUE = Health hazardhazard WHITE = Special WHITE = Special hazards, corrosive, hazards, corrosive, radioactive, water radioactive, water reactive, acid reactive, acid

So what do the numbers & symbols So what do the numbers & symbols indicate?indicate?

They are the rating They are the rating scale for each Health scale for each Health Hazards.Hazards.

RED = Fire hazardRED = Fire hazard

0 - Will Not Burn 0 - Will Not Burn

1 - Ignites Above 200 1 - Ignites Above 200 Degrees FahrenheitDegrees Fahrenheit

2 - Ignites Below 200 2 - Ignites Below 200 Degrees Fahrenheit  Degrees Fahrenheit 

3 - Ignites Below 100 3 - Ignites Below 100 Degrees Fahrenheit Degrees Fahrenheit 

4 - Ignites Below 73 4 - Ignites Below 73 Degrees Fahrenheit Degrees Fahrenheit

YELLOW = Reactivity hazard, YELLOW = Reactivity hazard, explosive unstableexplosive unstable

0 – Stable0 – Stable

1 - Unstable if heated1 - Unstable if heated

2 – Violent chemical 2 – Violent chemical change change

3 – Shock & heat may 3 – Shock & heat may detonate detonate

4 - May Detonate 4 - May Detonate

BLUE = Health hazardBLUE = Health hazard

0 – Normal Material 0 – Normal Material

1 - Slightly Hazardous1 - Slightly Hazardous

2 - Hazardous 2 - Hazardous

3 - Extreme Danger 3 - Extreme Danger

4 - Deadly 4 - Deadly

WHITE = Special hazards, corrosive, WHITE = Special hazards, corrosive,

radioactive, water reactive, acidradioactive, water reactive, acid

W - Water ReactiveW - Water Reactive

OX - Oxidizer OX - Oxidizer

- Radioactive - Radioactive

COR - Corrosive COR - Corrosive

ACID - Acid ACID - Acid

ALK - AlkaliALK - Alkali

3. Material Safety Data Sheets3. Material Safety Data Sheets

You can find additional information about You can find additional information about the hazardous materials you work with in the hazardous materials you work with in the MSDS. the MSDS.

Take the time to read and understand the Take the time to read and understand the MSDSs describing the hazardous MSDSs describing the hazardous materials present in your work area.materials present in your work area.

MSDS contains the following MSDS contains the following information: information:

Identity (name of substance) Identity (name of substance)

Physical Hazards (target organ) Physical Hazards (target organ)

Health Hazards Health Hazards

Routes of Body Entry Routes of Body Entry

Permissible Exposure Limits (PEL) Permissible Exposure Limits (PEL)

Carcinogenic Factors (cancer causing) Carcinogenic Factors (cancer causing)

MSDS information continued: MSDS information continued:

Safe-Handling Procedures Safe-Handling Procedures Data of Sheet Preparation Data of Sheet Preparation Control Measures (personal protective Control Measures (personal protective equipment) equipment) Emergency First Aid Procedures Emergency First Aid Procedures (emergency telephone number) (emergency telephone number) Contact Information (for the preparer of Contact Information (for the preparer of the sheet) the sheet) Special InstructionsSpecial Instructions

What Materials Have MSDSs?What Materials Have MSDSs?

Material Safety Data Sheets are available Material Safety Data Sheets are available for ALL of the hazardous materials present for ALL of the hazardous materials present in your work area. in your work area.

When Do You Use a MSDS?When Do You Use a MSDS?

Whenever you need additional information Whenever you need additional information about a hazardous material.about a hazardous material.

For example, you have spilled nitric acid For example, you have spilled nitric acid on the floor, and you need to know how to on the floor, and you need to know how to clean it up safely. You need only refer to clean it up safely. You need only refer to the "Safe-Handling Procedures" section of the "Safe-Handling Procedures" section of the nitric acid MSDS.the nitric acid MSDS.

When Do You Use a MSDS?When Do You Use a MSDS?

Some chemicals, such as sodium Some chemicals, such as sodium hydroxide, are very dangerous. If you have hydroxide, are very dangerous. If you have an accident, you may not have time to look an accident, you may not have time to look up the information you need in a MSDS. up the information you need in a MSDS.

Therefore, read the MSDSs for the Therefore, read the MSDSs for the hazardous materials present in your work hazardous materials present in your work area before you work with them. area before you work with them.

How to Find a MSDSHow to Find a MSDS

Ask your Principal investigator where Ask your Principal investigator where MSDSs are located. Remember, knowing MSDSs are located. Remember, knowing where MSDSs are located and how to use where MSDSs are located and how to use them is your responsibility and part of your them is your responsibility and part of your job.job.MSDSs are maintained by principal MSDSs are maintained by principal investigator/lab personnel and maintained investigator/lab personnel and maintained in the individual laboratory for usage. in the individual laboratory for usage.

MSDSsMSDSs•Available on many internet sites

•MSDS Chemfinder

•http://chemfinder.camsoft.com

•HS Lab Safety (University of Nebraska)

•http://wwitch.unl.edu/safety/hslabcon.html

•SIRI (Safety Information on the Internet)

•http://siri.org/msds/

•Required For Each Hazardous Chemical

•Must be Readily Accessible

•MSDS’s & Inventories could be an add-on to the CHP or the HCP

•Ammonium Nitrate EPA ID: D001 NFPA: 0-0-3

SARA 312 HazardsFire: Oxidizer

Reactive: Unstable/Reactive

4. Physical Hazards4. Physical Hazards

Physical hazards are those substances Physical hazards are those substances which threaten your physical safety. which threaten your physical safety.

Common types of physical hazards Common types of physical hazards are: are:

Fire Fire

Explosion Explosion

Chemical Reactivity Chemical Reactivity

Sources of Fire, Explosion & Sources of Fire, Explosion & Chemical Reactivity are Chemical Reactivity are

FlammablesFlammables

CombustiblesCombustibles

Pyrophoric substancesPyrophoric substances

Water ReactivesWater Reactives

Unstable ReactivesUnstable Reactives

Oxidizers or organic peroxidesOxidizers or organic peroxides

Gas CylindersGas Cylinders

5. Health Hazards5. Health Hazards

Health hazards are those substances Health hazards are those substances which threaten your health safety or any which threaten your health safety or any chemical that may be harmful to your chemical that may be harmful to your health.health.

Toxicity vs. HazardToxicity vs. Hazard

The term toxicity is used to describe the The term toxicity is used to describe the ability of a substance to cause a harmful ability of a substance to cause a harmful effect. EVERYTHING is toxic at some effect. EVERYTHING is toxic at some dose. Even water! If someone drinks too dose. Even water! If someone drinks too much water at any one time, it can cause much water at any one time, it can cause death. death.

Toxicity vs. DoseToxicity vs. Dose

There is a balance between toxicity and There is a balance between toxicity and dose. Dose is the AMOUNT of something dose. Dose is the AMOUNT of something you are exposed to, or come in contact you are exposed to, or come in contact with. The less the toxicity, the greater the with. The less the toxicity, the greater the dose you can tolerate without ill effects. dose you can tolerate without ill effects. The greater the toxicity, the less dose you The greater the toxicity, the less dose you can tolerate without becoming sick. can tolerate without becoming sick.

Hazard PotentialHazard Potential

Hazard Potential is the likelihood that a Hazard Potential is the likelihood that a specific chemical or substance (toxic specific chemical or substance (toxic material) will cause an ill effect at a given material) will cause an ill effect at a given dose. The following screens will help you dose. The following screens will help you to understand the relationship between to understand the relationship between toxicity, dose, and hazard potential. toxicity, dose, and hazard potential.

High Toxicity - Low DoseHigh Toxicity - Low Dose

For example, acetone is a highly toxic For example, acetone is a highly toxic chemical. But you could work safely with it, chemical. But you could work safely with it, if you were outside or in a well ventilated if you were outside or in a well ventilated room where your dose would be very low. room where your dose would be very low.

Low Toxicity - High DoseLow Toxicity - High Dose

Let's take another example. Nitrogen gas Let's take another example. Nitrogen gas has a low toxic rating. It is found in great has a low toxic rating. It is found in great amounts in the air we breathe. However, if amounts in the air we breathe. However, if you were in a confined space that had only you were in a confined space that had only nitrogen gas in it (a very high dose), you nitrogen gas in it (a very high dose), you would soon die because of the lack of would soon die because of the lack of oxygen. oxygen.

The Most Accurate WayThe Most Accurate Way

Hazard potential is the most accurate way Hazard potential is the most accurate way to rate how dangerous a substance is to rate how dangerous a substance is when used under a given set of when used under a given set of circumstances. Neither the toxicity or the circumstances. Neither the toxicity or the dose rating alone provides you with dose rating alone provides you with enough information on how to use a enough information on how to use a hazardous material safely. Your real hazardous material safely. Your real concern must always be with a hazardous concern must always be with a hazardous material's hazard potential. material's hazard potential.

Safe Exposure LimitsSafe Exposure Limits

These limits are based upon a Time These limits are based upon a Time Weighted Average or TWA. TWAs have Weighted Average or TWA. TWAs have been established for all the chemicals you been established for all the chemicals you work with and limit the average amount of work with and limit the average amount of a chemical you can be exposed to over an a chemical you can be exposed to over an eight hour day.eight hour day.

Acute vs. ChronicAcute vs. Chronic

The effects of health hazards are The effects of health hazards are classified as either:classified as either:

Acute or Acute or ChronicChronic

Acute Health HazardsAcute Health Hazards

Acute Health Hazards are those whose Acute Health Hazards are those whose effects occur immediately or soon after effects occur immediately or soon after you come in contact with them. you come in contact with them. For example, you accidentally spill a For example, you accidentally spill a strong acid on your hand. The acid will strong acid on your hand. The acid will begin to burn your hand immediately. Or, begin to burn your hand immediately. Or, you begin to work with a paint solvent in a you begin to work with a paint solvent in a closed area, and the fumes make you feel closed area, and the fumes make you feel dizzy.dizzy.

Chronic Health HazardsChronic Health Hazards

Chronic Health Hazards, on the other Chronic Health Hazards, on the other hand, are those whose effects take years hand, are those whose effects take years or decades to occur after many exposures. or decades to occur after many exposures. An example of a chronic health hazard An example of a chronic health hazard would be asbestos. The dangerous effects would be asbestos. The dangerous effects for people who have been overexposed to for people who have been overexposed to asbestos take years to appear and have asbestos take years to appear and have been linked to a number of fatal lung been linked to a number of fatal lung diseases.diseases.

Routes of ExposureRoutes of Exposure

It's important to remember that hazardous It's important to remember that hazardous materials present a health hazard only when materials present a health hazard only when they come into contact with the body. they come into contact with the body. Chemicals can enter the body in four ways: Chemicals can enter the body in four ways:        

1. Inhalation 1. Inhalation 2. Skin absorption 2. Skin absorption 3. Ingestion3. Ingestion4. Injection 4. Injection

InhalationInhalation

Inhalation is the most common route of Inhalation is the most common route of exposure for most health hazards. This exposure for most health hazards. This includes breathing in dust, fumes, oil mist, includes breathing in dust, fumes, oil mist, and vapors from solvents and various and vapors from solvents and various gases. gases.

Skin ContactSkin Contact

Some chemicals are absorbed into the Some chemicals are absorbed into the body through skin contact. If a chemical is body through skin contact. If a chemical is readily absorbed into the skin, then the readily absorbed into the skin, then the notation "skin" will appear along with the notation "skin" will appear along with the occupational exposure limits on the occupational exposure limits on the MSDS. MSDS.

IngestionIngestion

It is possible to accidentally eat chemicals that are health It is possible to accidentally eat chemicals that are health hazards. To insure that you do not accidentally eat any hazards. To insure that you do not accidentally eat any of the chemicals you work with:of the chemicals you work with:

1. Never eat foods in areas where chemicals are used.1. Never eat foods in areas where chemicals are used.2.Never use tobacco products in areas where chemicals 2.Never use tobacco products in areas where chemicals

are used.are used.3.Wash your hands and other exposed areas of skin with 3.Wash your hands and other exposed areas of skin with

soap and water after working with chemicals before you soap and water after working with chemicals before you eat, drink, or smoke.eat, drink, or smoke.

4. Never apply cosmetics or handle contact lenses in an 4. Never apply cosmetics or handle contact lenses in an area where chemicals are used.area where chemicals are used.

Injection Injection

Cuts and needle sticks are the most Cuts and needle sticks are the most common types of direct contact common types of direct contact exposures. exposures.

Properly handle glass and needles to Properly handle glass and needles to prevent direct contact exposures. prevent direct contact exposures.

Major Types of Health HazardsMajor Types of Health Hazards

Corrosives - cause tissue damage and burns on contact Corrosives - cause tissue damage and burns on contact with the skin and eyes. with the skin and eyes. Primary Irritants - cause intense redness or swelling of Primary Irritants - cause intense redness or swelling of the skin or eyes on contact, but with no permanent tissue the skin or eyes on contact, but with no permanent tissue damage. damage. Sensitizers - cause an allergic skin or lung reaction. Sensitizers - cause an allergic skin or lung reaction. Acutely Toxic Materials - cause an adverse effect, even Acutely Toxic Materials - cause an adverse effect, even at a very low dose. at a very low dose. Carcinogens - may cause cancer. Carcinogens - may cause cancer. Teratogens - may cause birth defects. Teratogens - may cause birth defects. Organ Specific Hazards - may cause damage to specific Organ Specific Hazards - may cause damage to specific organ systems, such as the blood, liver, lungs, or organ systems, such as the blood, liver, lungs, or reproductive system. reproductive system.

6. Protective Measures6. Protective Measures

These are measures which will safeguard These are measures which will safeguard your health and physical safety when your health and physical safety when using hazardous materials. using hazardous materials.

Protective measures include:Protective measures include:

Product Substitution Product Substitution

Engineering Controls Engineering Controls

Safe Work PracticesSafe Work Practices

Personal Protective Equipment Personal Protective Equipment

Training and Communication Training and Communication

Environmental Monitoring Environmental Monitoring

Personal Monitoring Personal Monitoring

Product SubstitutionProduct Substitution

Because many chemicals do similar jobs, Because many chemicals do similar jobs, it is important to select chemicals that do a it is important to select chemicals that do a good job, while being less toxic. good job, while being less toxic.

Engineering ControlsEngineering Controls

Well designed work areas minimize Well designed work areas minimize exposure to materials which are exposure to materials which are hazardous. Examples of engineering hazardous. Examples of engineering controls would include fume hoods, glove controls would include fume hoods, glove boxes and good ventilation. boxes and good ventilation.

Safe Work PracticesSafe Work Practices

Safe work practices will insure that Safe work practices will insure that chemicals are used correctly and safely.chemicals are used correctly and safely.

Safe work practices includes:Safe work practices includes:

Knowing the hazards involved in a Knowing the hazards involved in a procedure and how to minimize them.procedure and how to minimize them.

Following an accepted written protocol Following an accepted written protocol without amendment.without amendment.

Staying alert and aware of what is going Staying alert and aware of what is going on in your work area.on in your work area.

Ensuring that any equipment used is Ensuring that any equipment used is working properly before beginning. working properly before beginning.

Personal Protective EquipmentPersonal Protective Equipment “PPE”“PPE”

Masks, eye protection, gloves, aprons, Masks, eye protection, gloves, aprons, and other protective equipment and and other protective equipment and clothing are designed to protect you while clothing are designed to protect you while you work.  USE THEM! you work.  USE THEM!

PPE:PPE:

Make sure you are using the correct type Make sure you are using the correct type of PPE for a given hazard.of PPE for a given hazard.

For example if you were working with Diethyl For example if you were working with Diethyl Ether, Nitrile gloves would the proper PPE Ether, Nitrile gloves would the proper PPE to useto use

However, if you were working with Hexane, However, if you were working with Hexane, Neoprene gloves would be the proper PPE Neoprene gloves would be the proper PPE to use.to use.

Training and CommunicationTraining and Communication

Knowing how to work safely with Knowing how to work safely with chemicals that pose a hazard is an chemicals that pose a hazard is an important activity. You have a right to important activity. You have a right to know, but you also have a responsibility to know, but you also have a responsibility to use the knowledge and skills to work use the knowledge and skills to work safely. safely.

Environmental MonitoringEnvironmental Monitoring

Industrial hygiene personnel regularly Industrial hygiene personnel regularly sample the air and collect other samples sample the air and collect other samples to insure that hazardous chemicals do not to insure that hazardous chemicals do not exceed established acceptable exposure exceed established acceptable exposure limits. limits.

Personal MonitoringPersonal Monitoring

Monitor yourself and others. Be on the Monitor yourself and others. Be on the lookout for any physical symptoms which lookout for any physical symptoms which would indicate that you or your coworkers would indicate that you or your coworkers have been overexposed to any hazardous have been overexposed to any hazardous chemical. Symptoms, such as skin rashes, chemical. Symptoms, such as skin rashes, dizziness, eye or throat irritations or strong dizziness, eye or throat irritations or strong odors, should be reported to your Principal odors, should be reported to your Principal Investigator. Investigator.