Controlling Chemical Hazards

Reducing Exposure: Hierarchy of Controls

What is a HAZARD CONTROL? Modification/addition of equipment, procedural or other changes made to a process or operations that results in the reduction of exposure to hazards associated with that process or operation. Explain the Hierarchy of controls

Example: Using the Hierarchy of Controls The Situation: Worker is required to clean work pieces with cyclohexanone before they are glued together

Example: Using the Hierarchy of Controls Is there a less toxic alternative available that can achieve the same desired cleaning effect? Are there any tools or work methods that would reduce exposure risk? Consider PPE Note that it is a hierarchy not a choice. Other Control options must be considered before moving to PPE Gravity-fed solvent applicator

Elimination or Substitution Most Effective and Reliable

Common Solvents Used Process Examples Glues / Adhesives Acetone, 3-methylpentane, 2-methylpentane, n-hexane, cyclohexane, ethyl acetate and methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) Glue diluents Acetone, ethyl acetate, dichloromethane and methyl ethyl ketone Printing Inks N-hexane, cyclohexane, cyclohexanone, ethyl acetate and methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) Degreasing and cleaning cyclohexanone, naphtha, dichloromethane

Organic Solvents Many solvents can lead to a sudden loss of consciousness if inhaled in large amounts Other narcosis effect on brain include dizziness, nausea, sleepiness Some solvents are toxic to bone marrow, kidney, liver, and nervous system Allergy to eye, nose, throat and lung Dermatitis Benzene can cause cancer (leukemia)

Examples of Chemical Alternative / Substitution Process Common Chemicals/Ingredients Examples of Safer Alternatives Glues / Adhesives Acetone, 3-methylpentane, 2-methylpentane, n-hexane, cyclohexane, ethyl acetate and methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) Water based adhesives, Safer solvent alternatives Glue diluents Acetone, ethyl acetate, dichloromethane and methyl ethyl ketone Safer solvent alternatives Printing Inks N-hexane, cyclohexane, cyclohexanone, ethyl acetate and methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) Solvent free inks, Diethylene glycol series ethers; Propylene glycol series ethers (ink removal) Degreasing and cleaning cyclohexanone, naphtha, dichloromethane Cleaning Detergent, Water, Vegetable and plant-based cleaners, Safer solvent alternatives

Switching to Water-Based Chemicals Significant reduction in Organic Solvents Reduced VOC exposure and environmental discharge Reduced Fire/explosion risk Reduced health hazard to workers IN general water based solvent are safer, however water-based does not mean “Hazard Free” explain this with next slide

Switching to Water-Based Chemicals Assess the Alternative Chemical: False sense of Security The common misbelief that “water based” means there are no associated hazards May be less harmful, but can contain additives and curing agents that cause sensitization (skin, respiratory tract)

Switching to Water-Based Chemicals Sample of Water based adhesive SDS

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