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Chemical Hazard Communication Training (OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1200) Begin by presenting a copy of the Company Written Plan, MSDS Binder and its contents including the Federal Regs. Also company policy if applicable. Click on forward arrow to advance to next slide. Click on back arrow to go back to previous slide.

OSHA Hazard Communication This training will cover the following: What are hazardous chemicals, How do hazardous chemicals affect the body, What are the different types of hazardous chemicals, What is on product labels What are material safety data sheets How to protect yourself from hazardous chemicals “Employee training is required prior to working with a chemical, when job duties change with exposure to new chemicals, when new chemicals are introduced into the workplace, or when job duties changes require special training for a special process with a chemical.”

What is hazard communication? Hazard communication or “Hazcom” is a program where we tell you about the hazardous chemicals used in our workplace. The following material will train you on how to protect yourself from the effects of these hazardous chemicals. Hazcom training is required by OSHA and the REMC. “ The federal hazard communication (“hazcom”) regulations are located in the MSDS binder.”

What is a “hazardous chemical”? Hazard Communication What is a “hazardous chemical”? A hazardous chemical is any chemical that can do harm to your body. Most industrial chemicals can harm you at some level. It depends how much gets on to or into your body. Each individual’s sensitivity to chemicals will vary greatly. “Some chemicals are more toxic than others. Just a little bit of some chemicals entering your body could harm you. Others are much less toxic and it would take great amounts entering your body to do any harm.”

How do hazardous chemicals Hazard Communication How do hazardous chemicals affect the body? The effect a chemical has on the body depends on several factors: The physical form of the chemical How the chemical enters the body The amount of chemical that actually enters the body - the dose How toxic (poisonous) the chemical is “ A poisonous chemical will not do you any harm, obviously, if it does not enter your body.” “Indiana Poison Control Helpline”

Forms of Chemical Exposure All chemicals exists in one of three forms: Solid Liquid Gas “The physical form of the hazardous chemical can affect how hazardous it is and how it enters the body.”

Forms of Chemical Exposure Solids – Dusts and Particulate Dust or powder can be released into the air by cutting, drilling, grinding or sanding and inhaled. Dust can also be stirred up by dry sweeping and inhaled. “ For example, cutting brick or cinder block without water can generate lots of dust that contains quartz (silica). If silica dust is inhaled it can scar the lungs and cause breathing problems.”

Forms of Chemical Exposure Solids – Fumes and Fibers Fumes are extremely small droplets of solids, such as metal formed when it has been vaporized by high temperatures (welding) Some compounds are fibers which can be similar to dusts but they have an elongated shape (like asbestos or fiberglass) “ Metal fumes are formed during welding. Because of their tiny size, they are easily inhaled deep into the lungs and can be absorbed into the blood stream.” “Asbestos and quartz (or silica) are one of the most hazardous dusts because of the damage they do to the lungs. Fiberglass does not damage the lungs, but can be irritating to the respiratory system.”

Forms of Chemical Exposure Solids – Dust and Particulate Dust and particulate in the air can settle out on work surfaces, cups, plates, utensils, and food. The settled dust can be swallowed with food or drinks. “This is real problem with lead dust.”

Forms of Chemical Exposure Liquids Liquids can come into direct contact with the skin and be absorbed into the body. Liquids can be sprayed and form mists or evaporate and form vapors which can be inhaled. “Typical hazardous liquids are various types of solvents. Some liquid solvents are flammable and can be a fire hazard as well.”

Forms of Chemical Exposure Liquids (Mists) Mists can also be inhaled. Mists can settle on the skin and be absorbed. Airborne mists can also settle out and contaminate food or drink. “The most common exposure to mists is from inhalation. A common example of a mist exposure at work is paint overspray.”

Forms of Chemical Exposure Gases and Vapors Gases are chemicals that are in the gas phase at room temperature. Vapors evaporate from substances that are liquids or solids at room temperature. Gases and vapors enter the body typically by inhalation. “Chlorine and methane are examples of gases. Most liquid solvents release vapors. Examples are acetone, paint thinner and gasoline. Gases do not normally pass through the skin. ”

How Chemicals Enter the Body There Are Three Principle Routes of Entry: Ingestion – swallowing the chemical Inhalation – breathing in the chemical Absorption – the chemical is absorbed into the skin surface “Inhalation is typically the most common way chemicals can enter the body in a work situation. Skin absorption is less common, but can occur with some solvents and pesticides. Ingestion is usually not a major problem in the workplace except in certain situations.”

How Chemicals Enter the Body Ingestion (Swallowing) Chemicals that are swallowed are absorbed in the digestive tract. Chemicals can rub off dirty hands and contaminate food, drinks or tobacco products which are ingested. Chemicals in the air can settle on food or drink and be swallowed. “This is another good reason to wash your hands before eating, drinking or smoking.”

How Chemicals Enter the Body Inhalation (Breathing) Airborne chemicals are breathed in through the mouth or nose and absorbed in the respiratory tract. The size of particles or droplets can affect where the chemical settles in the respiratory tract. Where the chemical settles in the respiratory tract determines what symptoms or diseases will develop. “Some chemicals settle in the nose and throat, some go deeper into the lungs. The chemicals that go deeper in the lungs often cause more damage. Fine dust usually goes deep into the lungs”

How Chemicals Enter the Body Skin Absorption Some chemicals can pass through the skin and be taken into the body’s systems. Solvents and pesticides are examples of compounds that can be absorbed through the skin. “Some chemicals are absorbed through the skin more easily than others. Many insecticides and some solvents are easily absorbed through the skin.”

Toxicity: how poisonous are chemicals? Chemical Toxicity Toxicity: how poisonous are chemicals? Dose - The effects of any toxic chemical depends on the amount of the chemical that actually enters the body. Acute Toxicity - the measure of how toxic a chemical is in a single dose over a short period of time. Chronic Toxicity – the measure of the toxicity of the chemical over a long period of time of multiple exposures. [Optional slide. These terms are often used in MSDSs.] “ Some chemicals can cause problems immediately, others may not hurt you until you have been exposed for a long time”

Chemical Toxicity Chronic Toxicity and Acute Toxicity Some chemicals will only make you sick if you get an ‘acute” (one time) or high dose all at once. Example - ammonia Some chemicals are known for their chronic or long-term exposure effects. Example - asbestos Most chemicals have both acute and chronic effects. Example – carbon monoxide “Ammonia smells terrible and irritates the nose, but doesn’t really hurt you except at very high levels where it can burn your lungs. At lower levels, it has no long-term effects. Asbestos has no immediate effects , but over the long-run causes breathing problems or lung cancer. Carbon monoxide can kill you in minutes at a high enough level, but also give you headaches and eventually damage your heart if you breathe it day after day at low levels.”

Chemical Exposure Limits Chemical Toxicity Chemical Exposure Limits Many chemicals have exposure limits, or allowable exposure to the chemical in the air. These limits can be “peak” limits called PELs or Permissible exposure limits Other limits are based on 8-hour average exposure exposure levels (Threshold exposure limits or TLVs). Exposure must be kept below limits and according to MSDS or label for safety. PEL “PEL” means “permissible exposure limit”. “TLV” – means “threshold limit value”. NIOSH has PELs for about 600 chemicals. The limits are usually expressed as parts per million (ppm) or milligrams per cubic meter (mg/cu. meter). Your exposure to chemicals cannot exceed these limits.”

Toxic Chemicals Carcinogens Carcinogens are cancer-causing compounds. Some chemicals are known human carcinogens, others are only suspected as carcinogens. OSHA has additional regulations covering the general use of carcinogens, and specific restrictions for several known human carcinogens. “A manufacturer is required to list any carcinogens in their product even if the amount is as low as 0.1% of the product. The allowable exposure limits for carcinogens are either extremely low or at zero.” “A sensitizer is defined by OSHA as “a chemical that causes a substantial proportion of exposed people or animals to develop an allergic reaction in normal tissue after repeated exposure to the chemical”. “A Sensitizer is a chemical which may lead to the development of allergic reactions after repeated exposure”.

Other Groups of Toxic Chemicals Teratogens Teratogens are compounds that can harm the developing fetus, causing birth defects or death. Mutagens Mutagens cause genetic mutations or changes. These mutations can cause birth defects or other problems in offspring and may lead to cancer. “ As an example of a tetratogen, some you may remember, the drug Thalidomide taken by pregnant woman in the 1950’s that cause babies to be born without arms or legs. Fortunately, there are few chemicals in common use today that are in this group.”

Other Groups of Toxic Chemicals Sensitizers Sensitizers can “switch on” a reaction in an individual worker. The reaction to a sensitizer depends upon the individual worker. Once a worker becomes sensitized to a compound, smaller exposures can cause a reaction, and the reactions can become more severe. “One well-known example of a sensitizer is isocyanates found in polyurethane paint used in some auto paint shops.”

Corrosive Chemicals Corrosive Chemicals Acids and bases are common corrosive chemicals (lead battery acid) Corrosive chemicals are capable of damaging skin, eyes and the respiratory system on contact. “Corrosive chemicals may or may not have an internal effect on the body, but usually affect the skin or eyes, irritating or destroying tissue. This can also happen in the lungs if corrosive chemical vapors are inhaled.”

Examples of Corrosive Chemicals Sulfuric Acid lead acid batteries Ammonia cleaning compounds Acetic Acid Chlorine Bleach “These are just a few examples of corrosive chemicals.” [You can also list or describe corrosive chemicals used at your workplace here.]

General Hazardous Chemicals Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) from Chemicals Protective gloves & clothing Goggles Eyewashes Water (for splashes on the skin) “ Protective clothing and goggles are the first line of defense, emergency eyewashes showers are used after a splash or spill occurs.”

Properties of Flammable Liquids The vapor of a flammable liquid mixes with air and ignites causing fire or explosion – not the liquid itself. The flammability of a liquid depends on its physical properties: Vapor Pressure Flash Point Limits of Flammability Vapor Density “Flammable liquids include fuels like gasoline and various types of solvents.”

Flammable Liquids Vapor Pressure Vapor pressure is a measure of how fast a liquid evaporates. The higher the vapor pressure the more rapidly the liquid will evaporate. Vapor pressure will change with the temperature of the liquid. “ Usually, the higher the vapor pressure, the more flammable the liquid is. However, some chemicals have high vapor pressure, but don’t burn. An example is methylene chloride, a chemical used in many paint strippers.”

Flammable Liquids Flash Point The flash point is the lowest temperature that a flammable liquid can generate enough vapor to mix with air and ignite. “For example, gasoline has a much lower flash point than motor oil. The lower the flashpoint, the more easily the liquid will burn or catch fire.”

Limits of Flammability Flammable Liquids Limits of Flammability The limits of flammability is the range that a mixture of air and vapor can burn. Mixtures can be too lean (not enough vapor) or too rich (too much vapor) to ignite and burn. “An example is an automobile engine. Even though gasoline is very flammable, the car won’t run if the mixture is too rich (too much gasoline vapor) or too lean in the carburetor or fuel injection system.”

Flammable Limits Example Flammable Liquids Flammable Limits Example “This slide shows that acetone will not burn or explode if it is less than 2.5% in the air or more than 12.8% in the air. Acetone is the sweet-smelling chemical used in finger nail polish remover and in many solvents” A chemical must be at a concentration in air between the LEL (lower explosive limit) and the UEL (upper explosive limit) to ignite and burn

Lower Explosive Limit – LEL Flammable Liquids Lower Explosive Limit – LEL In most work situations, the “lower explosive limit” (LEL) is the main concern. Vapors from flammable liquids can often be found in the workplace, but are typically too diluted to catch fire or explode. “ Vapors that exceed the LEL are usually toxic as well, and lower the amount of oxygen. So if the explosion or fire doesn’t harm you, the toxicity or lack of oxygen probably will.” Without proper ventilation, these vapors can quickly go above the LEL in small room or confined space like a tank.

Flammable Liquids Vapor Density “Vapor density” is a measure of how heavy a vapor is compared to air. Vapors with a density greater than 1.0 are heavier than air and can collect near the floor and concentrate. This could create a fire/explosion hazard if the vapor flows to an ignition source. “ An example of vapors heavier than air include propane. A leak from a propane tank will often settle in the lowest part of building or ground.”

Metals Hazards of Metals Metals can be both physical hazards and health hazards in some cases. Some metals can ignite and explode under certain conditions such as magnesium or fine dusts of other metals such as aluminum Most common metals are almost non-toxic – iron, aluminum Others can be very toxic – lead, cadmium, mercury, beryllium “Metals can present different hazards from poisoning to explosions and fire. Metals can cause health effects such as elevated blood pressure, brain damage, kidney failure and death.  Some metals such as magnesium can burn rapidly and intensely. Airborne dusts and filings of some metal such as aluminum, can explode when ignited. Some metals are carcinogenic – ex. chromates found in paints or in metal plating”  

Getting Employee Information How do you get information about hazardous chemicals? You can get information on a specific chemical or compound in two ways: from the product label, from the product MSDS or material safety data sheet. “ Labels are sketchy and don’t have all the information about the hazards of chemicals in a product. MSDSs usually provide much more information, although it may not always be easy to understand.” MSDS

Getting Employee Information What information is on the product label? The manufacturer, The name of the product, a hazard warning, a list of hazardous ingredients “A label of course may have lots of other information not related to its hazards – amounts, advertising, directions for use, etc. But the label must include a list of the hazardous ingredients, a hazard warning and name and address of the manufacturer. Sometimes this information is on the back or side of the container.”

What is a material safety data sheet? Material safety data sheets or “MSDSs” are information sheets on products that: tells what chemicals are in the product, what the hazards of the chemicals are, how to protect yourself from the hazards. The MSDS is the most comprehensive source of information on the chemical. MSDS “The chemical hazard communication standard requires that producers and importers of hazardous chemicals develop Material Safety Data Sheets for their products. These MSDSs contain information on the hazardous chemicals in a product and come with every chemical product we use.”

MSDS Example - Acetone [see following slides which outline information found on this MSDS.]

Material Safety Data Sheets MSDSs – what information do they have? Names of hazardous chemicals in a product, Physical and chemical properties of the product, Physical hazards of working with the product, Health hazards of working with the product (including signs and symptoms of overexposures), Acetone Flammable & highly volatile [optional slide – you can print out the previous slide or use your own MSDS sheets, and go over it section by section with your employees. The information in red on the right is from the previous MSDS slide.] Burns Headaches, eye irritation

Material Safety Data Sheets Material safety data sheet (continued) The main way the chemical enters the body, The legal limit allowed in the air If the chemical is a carcinogen Precautions for safe use of the hazardous chemical, Inhalation 750 ppm [optional slide] No Use with adequate ventilation, keep away from open flame

Material Safety Data Sheets Exposure control methods, including personal protective equipment, Emergency and first aid procedures, The date the MSDS was prepared or revised, Name, address and phone number of the person responsible for the information in the MSDS. Wear respirator, rubber gloves Eyes: flush with water for 20 minutes 1996 [optional slide] John Doe 1234 Maple St. Anywhere, USA

You can protect yourself from hazardous chemicals by: Protecting Yourself You can protect yourself from hazardous chemicals by: 1) Knowing what is in the product you work with, 2) Using the smallest amount of a chemical to do the job, “When using chemicals, more is not always better. Smaller amounts mean less goes into the air and less is spilled or splashed. “ Equipment needs to be maintained to prevent or minimize leaks or releases of chemicals into the work area” 3) Maintaining machinery and equipment to prevent leaks or releases,

Protecting Yourself Protect yourself from hazardous chemicals by: 4) Using ventilation to reduce amounts of chemicals in the air, 5) Enclosing a chemical process as much as possible, “ Personal protective equipment includes gloves, goggles, safety glasses, aprons, coveralls, Tyvek as well as respirators. PPE is the last resort for protection when there is no other means of reducing chemical exposure. 6) Wearing personal protective equipment, per MSDS.

In the case of a leak or spill, protect yourself by: Protecting Yourself In the case of a leak or spill, protect yourself by: Inform your supervisor immediately of unusual odors, spills, or releases, Leaving an area of a large spill or chemical release. “Don’t ignore any unusual odors, or stronger than normal odors. This may indicate a leak or release, or if you are wearing a respirator, it may indicate a poor fit, a leak or a used up cartridge. Large leaks, spills or release of a chemical may overwhelm your respirator. Don’t be a hero, get help and proceed cautiously or let the experts clean up the spill.”

If you believe you have been exposed to a chemical and feel sick: Protecting Yourself If you believe you have been exposed to a chemical and feel sick: Report to your supervisor Find out what the chemical was Follow the first aid and response directions in the MSDS Get medical attention, as needed Use PPE if going back to the area or let authorities handle emergencies. “ Obviously, not all sickness is from exposure to chemicals. But if you know you have inhaled a chemical, spilled a chemical on your skin, or ingested some and you feel sick, we want to know. Our intent is to have a safe and healthy workplace and we want to fix any problems.” [Add your company policies here]

References/Information Review OSHA Standard: Title 29 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), 1910.1200 and 29 CFR 1926.59 Contact your system’s Compliance Contact. Contact your system’s compliance manual for a copy of the written Chemical Hazard Communication Plan. See your supervisor for its location or to obtain a copy.