74. Chemical hazards in the workplace – organic solvents. Occupational health risk. Prevention.

How do vapours from organic solvents commonly arise in the workplace?

Through natural evaporation, heating, or spraying of liquids at room temperature.

Why are solvents a major source of workplace vapours?

Because they readily evaporate and are widely used to dissolve materials.

Give examples of common organic solvents.

Acetone, chloroform, ethanol, chlorofluorocarbons.

What are the three classifications of gases and vapours?

Irritants, asphyxiants (simple and chemical), and miscellaneous.

Name some organic solvent vapours and their effects.

• Toluene: headache, confusion, memory loss

• Benzene: leukaemia

• Vinyl chloride: liver angiosarcoma

• Trichloroethylene: psychoactive effects

• n-Hexane: peripheral neuropathy

• Ethylene glycol monoethyl ether: foetotoxicity

• Fluorocarbons: cardiac arrhythmias

• Carbon disulphide: cardiac disease

How can workers reduce solvent use?

Use solvents completely before disposal and minimize evaporation by keeping containers closed.

What are the two main methods for controlling solvent exposure?

• Ventilation

• personal protective equipment (PPE).

What does PPE protect against in solvent exposure?

Skin and eye contact, and dangerous inhalation.