Health Hazards & Chemical Storage

  • Health Hazards

  • Exposure to chemical substances can lead to various health issues, including respiratory problems, skin irritation, and long-term organ damage.

  • Proper labeling and storage of chemicals are essential to prevent accidental exposure. In addition, safety data sheets (SDS) should be readily accessible to provide crucial information on handling and emergencies.

    • Toxicity, lethality, carcinogenicity, corrosivity, allergic reactions.

    • Potential effects: short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic).

  • Measures of Toxicity

    • LD50: Amount expected to kill 50% of a defined animal population.

    • LC50: Concentration in air expected to kill 50% of a defined animal population.

    • Important for WHMIS classification.

  • Exposure Limits

    • Maximum allowable exposure to avoid adverse health effects.

    • TLV Types:

      • Time-Weighted Average (TWA)

      • Short-Term Exposure Limit (STEL)

      • Ceiling Limit

  • Carcinogenicity

    • Substances that can cause cancer.

    • Mutagens: Cause DNA mutations, potentially leading to cancer.

    • Importance of reading Safety Data Sheets (SDS).

  • Corrosivity

    • Chemicals that damage or destroy upon contact.

    • Examples include strong acids and bases (e.g., Hydrochloric acid).

  • Reproductive Hazards

    • Chemicals affecting reproductive health.

    • Examples: lead, radiation, biological viruses.

  • Physical Hazards

    • Include compressed gases, cryogenics, electrical hazards, etc.

  • Chemical Storage Guidelines

    • Ensure ventilation and secure location for hazardous chemicals.

    • Use shatter-proof containers; do not store on the floor.

    • Store larger containers lower; liquids below eye level.

  • Segregation of Chemicals

    • Incompatible chemicals must be separated:

    • Flammables, Acids, Caustics, Oxidizers, etc.

  • Specific Chemical Types:

    • Flammables: Stored in flammable cabinets (e.g., Acetone).

    • Acids/Caustics: Separate storage for acids and bases (e.g., Sodium hydroxide).

    • Oxidizers: Store in non-combustible cabinets (e.g., Sodium hypochlorite).

    • Compressed Gases: Store upright and secured; separate types.

    • Reactive Materials: Store away from heat/light; minimize jarring.

    • Non-volatile Solids: Store in cabinets or shelves with edge guards.

      Flammable Liquids: Keep in approved flammable storage cabinets; maintain proper ventilation.