Hazardous Substances chlorine - nitric acid

Introduction Chemicals are a part of everyone's life There are five to seven million different chemicals known in the world. Many workers are required to work - without any protection - with chemicals that are known to be hazardous to human health. Nearly all workers today are exposed to some sort of chemical hazard. So it is important to learn as much as possible about the chemicals you work with.

What is a Hazardous Substance? A substance that has the potential to cause illness or injury as identified by the manufacturer or importer and is included on the The Australian Safety and Compensation Council (formally NOHSC) list of designated hazardous substances)

Hazardous Substances Chlorine:- is a yellow-green gas with a strong, irritating odor. It can be a liquid under pressure or cold temperatures It is used as a bleach and disinfectant in water purification and sewage treatment, and in making other chlorinated chemicals. Nitric Acid :- is a colorless to yellow liquid with a characteristic, irritating odor. Fuming Nitric Acid is a reddish, fuming liquid.It is used to make fertilizer, for dissolving, etching and cleaning metals, and in making Nitrogen compounds and explosives.

Who is at risk from Hazardous Substanses Anyone who works with or is exposed to hazardous substances is at risk. Those exposed to more hazardous substances for long periods of time are more at risk than those exposed for short periods or to less hazardous substances. The aim should be to prevent exposure to hazardous substances. Where exposure cannot be avoided, then adequate controls should be put in place. Examples of those who could be exposed to hazardous substances include: cleaners – common-cleaning materials can cause localised burns and skin complaints hairdressers – a number of hairdressing products can damage their skin welders – dangerous fumes from welding can damage their lungs bakery workers – flour and bakery dust can cause irritation of eyes and nose, skin problems and asthma garage workers – paints, solvents, oils and grease, and exposure to exhaust fumes can all damage their health healthcare staff – exposure to biological agents can cause infection. In reality, the list is endless and most workers will be exposed to hazardous substances at some time

Referrenc http://www.healthyworkinglives.com/advice/workplace-hazards/hazardous- substances http://nj.gov/health/eoh/rtkweb/documents/fs/1356.pdf http://nj.gov/health/eoh/rtkweb/documents/fs/0367.pdf http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/chemicals/toxic/toxic_hazards.html