BASIC SAFETY PROCEDURES IN HIGH-RISK ACTIVITIES AND INDUSTRIES HAZARD COMMUNICATION AND CHEMICAL SAFETY CE 315 – SAFETY ENGINEERING Prepared By: DONCERAS, DAN ALFRED D. ESCABOSA, JUNE ALFRED B. GALLA, MARK CEDRICK A. BSCE-3A GROUP 9 Submitted To: ENGR. RICHARD C. MENDOZA INSTRUCTOR HAZARD COMMUNICATION AND CHEMICAL SAFETY INTRODUCTION Hazard communication and chemical safety are crucial aspects of ensuring the wellbeing of workers and the public in any engineering discipline, including civil engineering. Civil engineering projects often involve the use of various chemicals, materials, and processes that may pose risks to human health and the environment. Proper communication of hazards and the implementation of safety measures are essential to prevent accidents, injuries, and environmental damage. KEY CONCEPTS Hazard communication is a set of processes and procedures that employers and importers must implement in the workplace to effectively communicate hazards associated with chemicals during handling, shipping, and any form of exposure. Chemical safety encompasses measures and practices designed to prevent accidents, injuries, and potential harmful exposures associated with the use, handling, and storage of chemicals. Key aspects include risk assessment, selection of safer alternatives, implementation of engineering controls, and establishment of suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) programs. GLOBALLY HARMONIZED SYSTEM (GHS) The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) is an internationally agreed-upon system to standardize chemical hazard classification and communication. Its primary objective is to ensure the safe manufacturing, handling, use, disposal, and transportation of hazardous materials. Pictograms The Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) requires pictograms on labels to alert users of the chemical hazards to which they may be exposed. Each pictogram consists of a symbol on a white background framed within a red border and represents a distinct hazard(s). The pictogram on the label is determined by the chemical hazard classification. How are hazards communicated in the GHS? Hazards in the GHS are communicated through labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDS). LABELING Labels are an appropriate group of written, printed or graphic informational elements concerning a hazardous chemical that are affixed to, printed on, or attached to the immediate container of a hazardous chemical, or to the outside packaging. Labels must be legible, in English, and prominently displayed. Other languages may be displayed in addition to English. 6 Elements of a GHS Label 1 Product identifier 2 Supplier identification 3 Hazard pictogram(s) 4 Signal word: a word used to indicate the relative level of severity of hazard and alert the reader to a potential hazard on the label. There are two signal words: “Danger” for the more severe hazard, or “Warning” for the less severe. 5 Hazard statements: phrase that describes the nature of the hazards including, where appropriate, the degree of hazard. 6 Precautionary statements: phrase and/or pictogram that describes recommended measures that should be taken to minimize or prevent adverse effects resulting from exposure to a hazardous product. HMIS AND NFPA LABELING SYSTEMS Two important chemical hazard labeling systems used in healthcare facilities are the Hazardous Materials Identification System (HMIS) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 704 System. Hazardous Materials Identification System (HMIS) HMIS is a complete system designed to aid employers and their employees in day-today compliance with OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard. This system uses color coding for different types of hazards and numbers to show the degree of hazard. The HMIS label adds letters for different types of PPE to use when working with a specific chemical. The * means the product is a chronic health hazard. HMIS Hazard Rating Index: What the Numbers Mean Health Hazard Flammability Color Code: Blue Color Code: Red # Degree of Hazard # Degree of Hazard Highly toxic. May be fatal on short-term Extremely flammable 4 exposure. Special 4 gas or liquid. Flash protective equipment point below 73oF. required. 3 Toxic. Avoid inhalation or skin contact. 3 Flammable. Flash point 73oF to 100oF. Reactivity (Stability) Color Code: Yellow # Degree of Hazard 4 Explosive at room temperature 3 May explode if shocked, heated under confinement or mixed with water. 2 Moderately toxic. May cause slight irritation. 2 1 Slightly toxic. May cause slight irritation. 1 0 All chemicals have some degree of toxicity. 0 Combustible. Requires moderate heating to ignite. Flash point 100oF to 200oF Slightly combustible. Needs strong heating to ignite. Will not burn under normal conditions. HMIS Personal Protective Equipment Index 2 Unstable, may react with water. 1 May react if heated or mixed with water. 0 Normally stable, does not react with water. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 704 System NFPA is a fire protection hazard warning system designed to provide rapid, clear information to emergency responders on materials under conditions of fire, chemical spill, or other emergency situations. The NFPA has four sections. The blue section on the left is for health hazards, the red section on top is for fire hazards, and the yellow section on the right is for reactivity. The white section on the bottom is for special information on hazards. The 3 sections on top also have numbers from 0 to 4 to tell you the degree of the hazard. Zero (0) means “no hazard” and 4 means “very high hazard.” The NFPA Diamond: What the Numbers Mean Health Hazard Flammability Color Code: Blue Color Code: Red # Type of Possible Injury # 4 Material that on very short exposure could cause death or major long-term injury. Cannot be approached without special protective equipment. 4 How Easily Material Will Burn Material that will rapidly or completely vaporize at atmospheric pressure and normal temperature, or that is easily dispersed and will burn readily. Reactivity (Stability) Color Code: Yellow # 4 How Likely to Release Energy Material that in itself is readily capable of detonation or of explosive decomposition or reaction at normal temperatures and pressure. 3 2 1 0 Materials that on short exposure could cause serious temporary or longterm injury. Protect from contact with body. Material that on intense or continued but not chronic exposure could cause temporary incapacitation or long-term injury. Airline respirator or SCBA needed. Material that on exposure would cause irritation but only minor long-term injury. Air-purifying respirator needed. Material that on exposure under fire conditions would offer no hazard beyond that of ordinary combustible material. No PPE needed. 3 Liquids and solids that can be ignited under almost all normal temperature conditions. 3 2 Material that must be moderately heated or exposed to relatively high ambient temperature before ignition can occur. 2 1 Material that must be pre-heated before ignition can occur. 1 0 Materials that will not burn. 0 Material that in itself: (a) is capable of detonation or explosive decomposition or reaction but requires a strong initiating source; (b) which must be heated under confinement before initiation; or (c) which reacts explosively with water. Material that readily undergoes violent chemical change at raised temperatures and pressures or; which reacts violently with water, which may form an explosive mixture with water. Material that in itself is normally stable, but which can become unstable at raised temperatures and pressures. Materials that in itself is normally stable, even under fire exposure conditions, and which is not reactive with water. SAFETY DATA SHEETS A Safety Data Sheet (SDS), or Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), is a standardized document that contains crucial occupational safety and health information. It is mandated by the International Hazard Communication Standard (HCS). According to this standard, chemical manufacturers must communicate the hazard information of their chemicals to those who handle them, and one way to achieve this is by providing a Safety Data Sheet. These sheets are comprehensive and cover essential details such as chemical properties, potential health and environmental hazards, recommended protective measures, as well as safety precautions for proper storage, handling, and transportation of chemicals. 16 Sections of a GHS Safety Data Sheet (SDS) 1. Identification – this section identifies the chemical on the SDS as well as the recommended uses. It also provides the essential contact information of the supplier. 2. Hazard(s) identification – this section identifies the hazards of the chemical presented on the SDS and the appropriate warning information associated with those hazards. 3. Composition/information on ingredients – this section identifies the ingredient(s) contained in the product indicated on the SDS, including impurities and stabilizing additives. This section includes information on substances, mixtures, and all chemicals where a trade secret is claimed. 4. First-aid measures – this section describes the initial care that should be given by untrained responders to an individual who has been exposed to the chemical. 5. Fire-fighting measures – this section provides recommendations for fighting a fire caused by the chemical. 6. Accidental release measures – this section provides recommendations on the appropriate response to spills, leaks, or releases, including containment and cleanup practices to prevent or minimize exposure to people, properties, or the environment. 7. Handling and storage – this section provides guidance on the safe handling practices and conditions for safe storage of chemicals. 8. Exposure controls/personal protection – this section indicates the exposure limits, engineering controls, and personal protective measures that can be used to minimize worker exposure. 9. Physical and chemical properties – this section identifies physical and chemical properties associated with the substance or mixture. 10. Stability and reactivity – this section describes the reactivity hazards of the chemical and the chemical stability information. 11. Toxicological information – this section identifies toxicological and health effects information or indicates that such data are not available. 12. Ecological information – this section provides information to evaluate the environmental impact of the chemical(s) if it were released to the environment. 13. Disposal considerations – this section provides guidance on proper disposal practices, recycling or reclamation of the chemical(s) or its container, and safe handling practices. 14. Transport information – this section provides guidance on classification information for shipping and transporting of hazardous chemical(s) by road, air, rail, or sea. 15. Regulatory information – this section identifies the safety, health, and environmental regulations specific for the product that is not indicated anywhere else on the SDS. 16. Other information – this section indicates when the SDS was prepared or when the last known revision was made. CHEMICAL HAZARDS A chemical hazard is any substance, regardless of its form, that can potentially cause physical and health hazards to people, or can result in harm to the environment. It is important that employees are aware of the risks and hazards associated with their daily work. Hazard recognition also reduces the chance of exposures to hazardous chemicals and the injuries they can bring. Although there are several types of chemical hazards that have been generally identified, the following are the chemical hazards commonly found in the workplace: 1. Health hazard – chemical that can cause serious and long-term negative impacts on health. Carcinogens are also substances that are known to be cancer-causing chemicals. They are categorized as either natural or manmade, but it is crucial to note that even a small amount of this types of chemical can severely damage human health. 2. Flammable – chemicals or highly flammable gases that may catch fire or ignite once exposed to air or other ignition sources or elements. 3. Irritants/hazardous/hazardous to the ozone layer – chemicals that usually cause redness, rashes, or inflammation of the affected area. Although the presence of symptoms is normally short-term, there are still instances where they create longlasting effects on others. It is also known to either cause harm to individuals or pose a threat to public health by harming the ozone layer. 4. Gas under pressure – gases that are stored under pressure (200 kPa or 29 psi) and may explode if heated, or refrigerated gases that may cause burns or injury. 5. Corrosion – chemicals that can cause sever skin burns and damage to the tissue once contacted with. 6. Explosive – chemicals that may explode or can cause a mass explosion. 7. Oxidizers – chemicals or substances that, under certain conditions or exposure to other chemicals or elements, can cause severe physical hazards such as fires or explosions. 8. Hazardous to the environment – chemicals that can cause lasting damage to the environment. 9. Toxic – chemicals that, even at a very low exposure, can cause irreversible changes or mutations to a person’s DNA, damage to health, or even fatality. PREVENTIVE MEASURES The following are some preventive measures and other helpful tips on how to proactively maintain a safe working environment. 1. Identify hazardous chemicals present in a workplace Businesses will have to identify hazardous chemicals that are present in the workplace. Some are obvious and easy to recognize (e.g., gasoline, detergents, paints), while others are not initially evident. With this process, you will have a well-grounded basis on how to best handle each chemical. 2. Assess risks associated with identified chemicals Once the hazards are identified, there should be an evaluation of the risks associated with those chemicals, along with the likelihood of those risks occurring. 3. Control the risks This is the part where businesses will have to decide on how to manage or control the risks identified. When dealing with chemical hazards in workplaces, you must follow the principle of the hierarchy of controls. This concept gives the order or level of how you can potentially control each specific risk. a. Elimination – totally remove and discontinue the use of the hazardous chemicals. b. Substitution – find alternatives or replace with other less hazardous chemicals. c. Engineering Controls – implement changes in the process such as minimizing the contact with the chemicals, or physically separating people from them. d. Administrative Controls – implement changes in the way people work such as rotating their schedules or rearranging job assignments. e. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – if hazardous chemicals can’t be avoided, or businesses can’t reduce the contact employees have with them, ensure the use of PPE to lessen exposure and risk factors. 4. Implement good control measures Businesses should also have comprehensive and standard control measures that can be followed by all involved personnel and employees to prevent any hazardous effects of chemicals. Part of implementing and maintaining the right control measures involves constant training and review. 5. Utilize safety signs and symbols According to OSHA, it is required by the law that all chemicals have a label that not only includes what kind of chemical they are, but also the type of hazard associated with them (GHS Pictograms). 6. Perform regular inspections Businesses must perform regular inspections to ensure that they are being followed and consistently practiced. REFERENCES Hazard Communication Standard Pictogram. https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/OSHA3491QuickCardPictogram .pdf Hazard Communication Standard: Labels and Pictograms. https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/OSHA3636.pdf Hazard Communication Standard: Safety Data Sheets. https://www.osha.gov/publications/osha3514.html Healthcare Environmental Resource Center (n.d). HMIS and NFPA Labeling Systems. https://www.hercenter.org/regsandstandards/nfpa.php NFPA, HMIS, and OSHA Labels and Placards. https://tools.niehs.nih.gov/wetp/public/Course_download2.cfm?tranid=99 Reyes, J. (2023). Chemical Hazards: Definition & Types. SafetyCulture. https://safetyculture.com/topics/chemical-hazards/ Stazzone, S. (2022). What is Hazard Communication (HazCom)? Metalphoto of Cincinnati. https://www.mpofcinci.com/blog/what-is-hazard-communication/ The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). https://www.ilo.org/global/topics/labour-administration-inspection/resourceslibrary/publications/WCMS_841720/lang--en/index.htm QUIZ Test I: Multiple Choice 1. What is the primary purpose of Hazard Communication in the workplace? a. Enhancing worker productivity b. Promoting international trade c. Protecting worker health and safety d. Reducing chemical production costs 2. Which organization developed the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS)? a. World Health Organization (WHO) b. United Nations (UN) c. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) d. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 3. In GHS labelling, what does the signal word “Danger” typically indicate? a. Low-risk hazards b. Moderate-risk hazards c. Severe hazards d. No hazard 4. What is the primary goal of GHS hazard communication through labeling? a. Promoting international trade b. Providing marketing information c. Enhancing workplace safety d. Reducing product cost 5. What does a flame pictogram on a GHS label indicate? a. Flammability hazard b. Toxicity hazard c. Corrosion hazard d. Explosive hazard 6. Which GHS label element provides guidance on safe handling, storage, and disposal of a chemical? a. Signal Words b. Hazard Statements c. Pictograms d. Product Identifier 7. What is the primary purpose of Safety Data Sheets (SDS)? a. Providing marketing information b. Enhancing chemical production c. Communicating essential safety and health information d. Promoting international trade 8. In the context of chemical safety, what does “PPE” stand for? a. Personal Production Equipment b. Personal Preventive Equipment c. Personal Protective Equipment d. Personal Processing Equipment 9. What does the term “Carcinogens” refer to in chemical safety? a. Chemicals that promote muscle growth b. Chemicals that cause skin rashes c. Substances that induce cancer d. Gases that are highly pressurized 10. What is the primary purpose of the HMIS Personal Protection Index? a. To classify chemical hazards b. To recommend specific Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) c. To provide hazard communication labels d. To regulate chemical manufacturing Test II: Identification 11. What does a skull and crossbones pictogram on a GHS label represent? 12. Name three key components of the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) in the United States. 13. What does the GHS signal word “Danger” on a label typically indicate? 14. What is the primary goal of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS)? 15. What does an oxidizer signify in chemical hazard classification? Test III: Enumeration 16. List three types of information typically found in the “Precautionary Statements” section of a GHS label. 17. Name three categories of chemicals that can be hazardous to the environment. 18. Enumerate the three primary elements of a GHS Safety Data Sheet (SDS). 19. List three common types of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) used in chemical safety. 20. Name three examples of hazardous materials that can be classified as “Irritants.” Test IV: Fill in the Blank 21. The NFPA system uses ___________ coding and numbers to convey information about chemical hazards. 22. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) contain essential information about chemical ___________. 23. GHS labels typically include hazard pictograms, signal words, hazard ___________, and precautionary statements. 24. Within Chemical Hazard, “Toxic” refers to substances that can cause harm even at very ___________ levels of exposure. 25. “Gas under pressure” in chemical hazard refers to gases stored at pressures of ______ kPa or 29 psi.
