Chapter 6 Hazardous Chemical Identification: Hazcom, Toxicology, and DOT

The Hazard Communication Program The Worker’s Right to Know act. The purpose of this act is to ensure that the hazards associated with the handling, transport, and storage of chemicals in a plant are evaluated and transmitted to affected personal.

Manufacture Requirements Analyze hazards associated with chemicals Develop written procedures for evaluating chemicals Document hazards and develop MSDSs and warning labels Disseminate the information to affected individuals Label, tag, and attach warning documentation to chemicals leaving the workplace

Employer Responsibility Preparing a written HAZCOM program Organize a hazardous chemical inventory list Design individual SDSs (previously MSDSs)

Figure 6-1 HAZCOM

Material Safety Data Sheet One in four workers in the U.S. handles chemicals Development of the SDS is the responsibility of the chemical’s manufacturer

Figure 6-2 Sample MSDS

Toxicology The science that studies the noxious or harmful effects of chemicals on living organisms There is a relationship between dose and response

Exposure Limits Exposure limits are designed to allow a process technician to get exposed to a dose of chemical that are not harmful to his/her health Threshold limit value Occupational exposure limits Permissible exposure limits Supplier recommended limits

Department of Transportation Labeling System Uses a diamond shaped pattern with colors, symbols, and numbers that correspond to specific hazards. Does not indicate the severity of the hazard. Materials are classified into 10 categories.

Figure 6-3 DOT System

DOT Shipping Papers Information must be in English and can be handwritten No codes or abbreviations in the official document. An SDS should be included with any material being shipped.

Hazardous Material Identification System (HMIS) The chemical name Health hazard Flammability hazard Reactivity hazard PPE requirements

Figure 6-6 HMIS System

National Fire Protection Association Utilizes four small diamonds arranged into one large diamond Blue – health hazards Red – fire hazards Yellow – reactivity hazards White – specific hazards

Figure 6-7 NFPA System