Video Notes: Chemical Safety, Hazard Classification, GHS, NFPA, SDS, PPE, and Emergencies

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts from the lecture notes on chemical safety, hazard classifications, and emergency preparedness.

Chemical safety

The condition of being safe from hurt or harm during chemical incidents, including prevention of exposure to hazards.

Hazard

A source of potential harm, damage, or adverse effect on people or the environment.

Risk

The probability that harm or damage will occur when a hazard is present.

Hazard vs. risk

A hazard is a potential source of harm; risk is the likelihood that harm will occur from that hazard.

GHS

Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals.

NFPA hazard identification system

A quick visual diamond rating of a chemical’s health, flammability, and reactivity hazards, plus any special hazards.

SDS (Safety Data Sheet)

A standard document providing product identity, hazards, exposure controls, and emergency measures.

Hazard communication

The system for conveying hazard information to workers, using labels and safety data sheets under GHS.

GHS pictograms

Graphic symbols on labels that communicate hazard classifications and potential dangers.

GHS label

A label with product name, signal word, pictograms, hazard statements, precautionary measures, and supplier information.

Signal word

A single word on a label (WARNING or DANGER) indicating the relative severity of the hazard.

Hazard statements

Standardized phrases describing the nature and degree of hazards of a chemical.

Precautionary measures

Measures to minimize exposure and harm, including first aid steps and required PPE.

Physical hazards

Hazards in the environment that can cause harm without contact, e.g., slippery floors, poor lighting, excessive noise.

Chemical hazards

Hazards from chemical substances that can cause harm upon exposure (gases, fumes, liquids, etc.).

Ergonomic hazards

Physical factors in the environment that can cause musculoskeletal problems (e.g., poor workstation design, repetitive movements).

Radiation hazards

Hazards due to exposure to electromagnetic radiation (X-rays, UV, lasers).

Psychological hazards

Hazards affecting mental health, such as high workload, stress, and discrimination.

Biological hazards

Biological substances that may threaten health (bacteria, viruses, animals).

OSHA

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the U.S. agency that sets and enforces safety standards.

HCS (Hazard Communication Standard)

OSHA standard that defines physical hazards (e.g., flammable, combustible, oxidizer) and health hazards.

Acute hazard

A hazard with obvious and immediate impact on health or safety.

Chronic hazard

A hazard with long-term, cumulative toxicity or health effects.

RA 6969 hazardous substance

Philippine law: a substance is hazardous if it presents short-term acute hazard or long-term chronic toxicity.

Hazard classification

Systematic grouping of hazards into Physical, Chemical, Ergonomic, Radiation, Psychological, and Biological categories.

GHS label elements

Product name/identifier, signal word, pictogram, hazard statements, precautionary statements, supplier identification, and supplemental information.

GHS pictogram (environmental hazard)

Pictograms include environmental hazards to indicate potential ecological harm (environmental hazard symbol on label when applicable).

SDS sections

Common sections include Identification, Hazards Identification, Composition/Ingredients, First Aid, Firefighting Measures, Handling and Storage, Exposure Controls/Personal Protection, Stability and Reactivity, Toxicological Information, Ecological Information, Disposal Considerations, Transport Information, Regulatory Information, Other Information.

GHS Safety Data Sheet (definition)

A standard document with product identity, hazards, exposure controls, and emergency measures used as a primary reference for handling chemicals.

Hierarchy of Controls

A stepwise approach to reduce risk, ranked from most to least effective: Elimination, Substitution, Engineering Controls, Administrative Controls, PPE.

Elimination

Physically removing the hazard from the workplace.

Substitution

Replacing the hazard with a less dangerous option.

Engineering controls

Isolating people from the hazard using physical barriers or equipment.

Administrative controls

Changing the way people work through policies, procedures, and training.

PPE

Personal Protective Equipment; garments or devices that act as a barrier between the user and the hazard.

PPE categories

Eye/face protection, Respiratory protection, Hand/arm protection, Foot/leg protection, Torso protection.

Emergency first aid for burns/cuts

In case of minor injuries, use a laboratory first aid kit and seek medical care as needed.

Spill response

Confine the spill, use an appropriate spill kit, protect yourself with PPE, contain, clean up, and dispose properly.

Eye splash/eye wash

In case of splashes, go to an eye wash/shower and follow SDS procedures.

Fire extinguisher types

A: ordinary combustibles; B: flammable liquids; C: live electrical equipment; D: combustible metals; K: cooking oils.

Preparing for emergencies

A set of planned actions including first aid, spill response, eye wash availability, and checking fire extinguishers.

GHS vs NFPA

GHS standardizes classification and labeling of chemicals; NFPA provides a quick hazard rating diamond for a substance.

SDS purpose

To provide detailed information on identity, hazards, exposure controls, and safe handling/response for a chemical.

First aid measures on labels

First aid information included in hazard statements and precautionary measures on GHS labels.