Chemical hazards

GHS HazCom

Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals.

Hazard communication tools

• format for safety data sheets (SDSs)

• content for label and SDSs.

• precautionary statements.

• symbols.

• signal word.

Why was GHS developed?

• Promoting regulatory efficiency.

• Providing improved, consistent hazard information.

• Easing compliance.

• Encouraging the safe transport, handling and use of chemicals.

How is GHS organized?

• Physical hazards.

• Health hazards.

• Environmental hazards.

What are the classes within the Health hazard group?

• Serious eye damage/eye irritation.

• Respiratory or skin sensitization.

• Reproductive toxicity.

• Aspiration hazard.

What are the classes within the Physical hazard group?

• Oxidizing gases.

• Flammable gases.

• Explosives.

• Oxidizing liquids.

What are the classes within the Environmental hazard group?

• Hazardous to the aquatic environment (acute and chronic).

• Hazardous to the ozone layer.

What does LD50 mean?

LD stands for "Lethal Dose". LD50 is the amount of a material, given all at once, which causes the death of 50% (one half) of a group of test animals. The LD50 is one way to measure the short-term poisoning potential (acute toxicity) of a material.

What does LC50 mean?

LC stands for "Lethal Concentration". LC values usually refer to the concentration of a chemical in air but in environmental studies it can also mean the concentration of a chemical in water.

What Are Workplace Exposure Limits (WEL)?

a recommended or legal limit for any toxin or substance that may have adverse health effects.

The WEL value is expressed as a time-weighted average (TWA) and there are two variations, the Long Term Exposure Limit (LTEL) which is the maximum exposure permitted over 8 hours, and the Short Term Exposure Limit (STEL) which is the maximum exposure permitted over a 15-minute reference period.

Asbestosis

Asbestosis is a chronic (long-term) lung condition caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos with no cure.

Asbestos

Asbestos is a general term for a group of minerals made of microscopic fibres. In the past, it was widely used in construction.

Symptoms of asbestosis

• shortness of breath - this may only occur after physical activity at first, but it can eventually become a more constant problem.

• a persistent cough.

• wheezing.

• fatigue (extreme tiredness).

• chest pain,

• in more advanced cases, clubbed (swollen) fingertips,

Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)

Canada-wide system designed to provide information on how to safely USE, STORE, and HANDLE workplace hazardous materials.

WHMIS legislation makes EMPLOYERS responsible for providing their workers with work-specific training and education regarding hazardous products.

Hazardous Product Act

• What is a controlled product?

• Material Safety Data Sheets [MSDS] are required for the sale of controlled products.

• Information to be disclosed on an MSDS.

• Ingredient disclosure and identity.

• Labeling requirements of controlled

  products.

WHMIS Objectives

• Identify Hazardous materials on the work site.

• Improve the communication of health hazard information of materials used on the work site.

• Protect employees from exposure to hazardous materials through safety equipment, training, and procedures.

Controlled products

Consumer products can be controlled products under WHMIS, such as: Bleach, WD40, Paint and Glue.

Elements of WHMIS

• Site Specific Training and Education.

• Product Labels.

• Material Safety Data Sheets [MSDS]

CLASS B: FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE MATERIAL

CLASS C: OXIDIZING MATERIAL

CLASS A: COMPRESSED GAS

CLASS D: POISONOUS AND INFECTIOUS

MATERIAL

Division 1: Materials Causing Immediate and Serious Toxic Effects

CLASS D: POISONOUS AND INFECTIOUS

MATERIAL

Division 2: Materials Causing Other Toxic Effects

CLASS D: POISONOUS AND INFECTIOUS

MATERIAL

Division 3: Biohazardous Infectious Material

CLASS E: CORROSIVE MATERIAL

CLASS F: DANGEROUSLY REACTIVE

MATERIAL

• Product Identity

• Hazardous Ingredients

• Physical and Chemical Data

• Fire and Explosive Data

• Reactivity Data

• Toxicological Properties

• Preventative Measures

• First Aid Measures

• Preparation Data

Material Safety Data Sheets [MSDS]

Material Safety Data Sheets [MSDS] are technical documents that provide detailed and comprehensive information on controlled products.

A Material Safety Data Sheet [MSDS] must be updated and replaced every three years

Suppliers Responsibility

• To classify a product as a controlled or uncontrolled product.

• Apply supplier label to all controlled products sold.

• Provide a Material Safety Data Sheet [MSDS] for controlled products provided.

Employers Responsibilty

To provide the employee with:

• Material Safety Data Sheets [MSDS]

• Workplace Labels

• WHMIS Training

Employees Responsibility

• To participate in WHMIS training.

• To apply the knowledge in the

  workplace.

Routes of entry

• Inhalation

• Ingestion

• Absorption

• Injection

Control of Hazards

• At the Source

• Along the Path

• At the Worker

Types of Personal Protective Equipment

• Eye Glasses

• Face Shields

• Apron

• Dust Mask

• Cartridge Respirator

• Gloves

• Supplied Air

• Respirator

• Chemical Footwear

• Full Body Suit