Module 1
CHEMICAL SAFETY
Lesson 1: Hazards and Its Classifications
Introduction:
“SAFETY FIRST”, a slogan that can usually be seen in workplaces which signifies
the need to prioritize safety above anything else in the work environment. The
safety of the working individuals is very important because it is directly related to
the productivity of not just the workers but of the institution. In addition, a safe
workplace also entails reduction on costs related to the decrease in working
capacity and/or to the increase in accidental insurance. Above all, human life is
essential; it must be taken care of.
As future engineers, the workplace is where most of the day is spent and it is where
exposure to different types of hazards may be experienced and many will be work
as leaders who are to oversee the safety of his or her subordinates. With this, a
basic knowledge on how safety protocols work is needed, as part of protecting
ourselves and others.
Learning Objectives:
At the end of this lesson, the students are expected to:
1. Demonstrate “Chemical Safety” and discuss its importance.
2. Differentiate the terms “hazard” and risk”.
3. Enumerate, discuss and give examples of different hazard classifications.
Discussion:
Chemical safety refers to the condition of being safe from undergoing hurt or harm
during an occurrence of chemical incident. A chemical incident is an unintentional
event that may threaten to expose or do expose members of the public to a
chemical hazard.
What is a hazard?
Hazard is defined as any source of potential harm, damage or adverse effect on
someone of something.
Risk, on the other hand, is the probability that a person or a thing is harmed or
damaged when exposed to a hazard.
Note: The higher the risk, the higher the probability of getting harmed from the
exposure to the hazard.
Hazards Classification:
1. Physical hazards are factors within the environment that may cause harm on
the body even without touching it and they are generally discernible and
perceptible.
2. Chemical hazards refer to the chemical substances that may cause harm upon
exposure to them.
3. Ergonomic hazards are physical factors in the environment that may cause
problems on the musculoskeletal system.
4. Radiation hazards are the factors in the environment that causes exposure to
the emission of electromagnetic waves.
5. Psychological hazards are the aspects of the working environment that may
affect the mental health of the individuals such as workload, stress and
discrimination.
6. Biological hazards are biological substances that may threat the health of living
organisms exposed to it such as viruses, bacteria and animals.
What are Hazardous Substances?
According to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) of the United
States of America, a hazardous substance is any chemical that presents physical
or health hazard.
Under OSHA’s Health Communication Standard (HCS), physical hazard means
a chemical that is a combustible liquid, a compressed gas, explosive, flammable,
an organic peroxide, an oxidizer, pyrophoric, unstable (reactive) or water-reactive.
Physical hazards are classified as fire hazard, reactive hazard and explosion
hazard.
On the other hand, health hazard means a chemical that may cause acute or
chronic health effects to exposed personnel. They are classified as either
systematic effect or target organ effect.
According to Republic Act 6969, a substance is hazardous when it present either
a short-term acute hazard or long-term chronic toxicity. Acute hazards are those
that have obvious and immediate impact while chronic hazards are those that
have more hidden, cumulative and long term impact.
Self-Assessment Questions/Activities:
1. In your own words, define what chemical safety is and state its importance to
your life as (1) a member of the community, (2) a student of Chemistry for
Engineers who is to undergo laboratory classes; and (3) a future professional
working in the engineering field.
2. Cite the difference between “hazard” and “risk” by giving an example.
3. Imagine yourself to be a medical practitioner in a hospital that caters Covid-19
pandemic patients. Name a hazard under each classification that you are exposed
to.
4. How would you determine if a substance is hazardous or not?
5. What is the difference between a physical from chemical hazard? Between
chronic and acute hazard?
Lesson 2: Hazard Communication: GHS Labelling
Introduction:
Hazardous substances are those that cause harmful or adverse effects to those
that they are exposed to. However, these can be minimized, if not prevented,
through their proper and appropriate handling which can be done by proper
communication using standard chemical labels.
In this part of the lesson, you will be introduced to the GHS labelling which is the
standard means of communication on hazardous substances that is being used
around the world as established by the United Nations.
Learning Objectives:
At the end of this lesson, the students are expected to:
1. Explain what does “GHS” stands for and its importance.
2. Enumerate and discuss the different elements that compose the GHS label
template.
3. Identify the type of hazard(s) that is (are) being represented by the different GHS
pictograms.
Discussion:
The GHS Labels
Adapted from “Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of
Chemicals” by the United Nations. One of the administrative controls being
employed is the proper handling of chemicals through proper chemical labelling. It
must be recalled that a “chemical” is a substance that is used or is produced in a
reaction involving changes of atoms and molecules. Adding labels to the chemicals
will the user the idea on how to properly handle or use it.
GHS stands for Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of
Chemicals. It is an internationally agreed-upon system created by the United
Nations that requires manufacturers, importers and downstream users and
distributors of chemical substances and mixtures. GHS was started to be adopted
in June 1, 2015. The establishment of GHS had an objective of unifying the
communication on hazardous products and of replacing the specific regulations in
countries around the world.
The GHS label template has the following standardized elements according to
“Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS)”
by the Unite
d Nations.
Figure 1: GHS Label Template [Image source: [Link]]
1. Product Name or Identifier. This is the name of the substance contained inside
the labeled container.
2. Signal word. This is a single word which can either be “Warning” or “Danger”.
It is used to indicate the relative severity of the product wherein “Danger” indicates
more severe hazards and “Warning” for less severe hazards.
3. Precautionary symbols or pictogram(s). Show(s) a representation of the
classification of chemical hazard the product has to expose to its user.
4. Physical, Health and Environmental Hazard statements. Standardized and
assigned phrases that describes the hazard based on its classification.
5. Precautionary measures. Provides the measures to be undertaken to minimize
the effect from product exposure. This include the first aid measures that are
needed to be undertaken and the appropriate personal protective equipment to be
used when dealing with it.
6. Supplier identification. Gives the name, address and contact details of the
manufacturer.
7. Supplemental Information. Includes additional information that the customer
requests to include.
The GHS Pictograms and Their Representations
Oxidizers can either be solids, liquids or gases. They are materials that are not
necessarily combustible but may generally yield oxygen which may contribute to
or cause combustion reactions.
Flammable solids can either be readily combustible or may cause or contribute
to fire through friction. They can be in the form of granules, powder and pastry
which is easily ignited when come into contact with an ignition source.
Flammable liquids are liquids with flash points of not more than 93°C. Flammable
gases are gases with flammable range in air at 20°C and at standard pressure of
101.3kPa.
Flammable aerosols are any gas that (1) was compressed, liquefied or dissolved
under pressure within a non-refillable container that was made up of metal, glass
or plastic and (2) contains any component classifies as flammable solid, liquid or
gas.
Emits flammable gas are substances that can either solids or liquids that are
liable to become spontaneously flammable or to give off flammable gases when
get in contact with water.
Pyrophorics are substances which can either be solids or liquids that are liable to
ignite within five minutes after having been in contact with air even at very small
quantities.
Self-heating substances are solid or liquid substances that are not classified as
pyrophorics but is liable to self-heat when comes in contact with air even in the
absence of energy.
Self-reactive substances are either (1) thermally unstable liquids or (2) solids that
may undergo strong exothermal decomposition even in the absence of the
participation of oxygen but (3) are not classified as corrosives, explosive or organic
peroxides under the GHS.
Organic peroxides are either solid or liquid substance that contains bivalent O-O
structure. These substances may be liable to explosive decomposition, burn
rapidly, be sensitive to impact or friction or react dangerously to other substances.
Corrosive to metals are substances that materially damaged metals through
chemical reaction
Explosives are substances or mixtures of substances that can either be solids or
liquids which in their selves are capable to produce a gas, by a chemical reaction,
at such speed as to cause damage to the surroundings.
Gases under pressure are gases that are contained inside a receptacle with a
pressure of not less than 280 Pascal at 20°C.
Substances labelled with skin corrosion are substances that cause irreversible
skin damage following an application of a test substance for four (4) hours.
Skin irritation is the label being considered when the substance causes a
reversible damage to the skin following an application of a test substance for four
(4) hours.
A substance causes eye irritation if it causes changes in the eye after an
application of a test substance to the front surface of the eye, but are fully
reversible twenty-one (21) days after the application.
Serious eye damage pertains to the production of eye tissue damage or serious
physical decay of vision that is not reversible twenty-one (21) days following the
application of the substance.
Dermal sensitization is caused by substances that induce allergic reaction
following contact to the skin.
Acute toxicity are substances assigned to the Five Toxicity Categories on the
basis of LD50 (oral and dermal) and LC50 (inhalation.)
Carcinogens refer to the chemical substances that induce cancer or increase its
incidence.
Respiratory sensitizers are chemical substances that cause the airways to be
hypersensitive after inhalation of the substance.
Reproductive toxicity may cause infertility, adverse effects on sexual functions
and/or developmental toxicity on the offspring.
Target organ systemic toxicity may cause either reversible or irreversible
damages on specific body organs which affects their functions.
Germ Cell Mutagenicity may cause gene mutations of organisms to occur.
Aspiration toxicity includes severe acute effects of varying degrees of pulmonary
injury or death following aspiration.
Acute aquatic toxicity causes injury to aquatic organisms after a short-term
exposure to the substance.
Chronic aquatic toxicity causes adverse effects to aquatic organisms during
exposures based on the organism’s life cycle.
Self-Assessment Questions/Activities:
1. What does “GHS” means and why is it important?
2. Look for an available GHS-compliant label of hydrogen sulfide, identify the type
of hazards of the substances and the necessary measure(s) if someone inhales it.
3. Look for an available GHS-compliant label of n-methyl alcohol, identify the type
of hazards of the substances and the necessary measure(s) if it gets to your eyes.
Lesson 3: Hazard Communication: NFPA Diamond and SDS
Introduction:
The communication on hazardous substances does not stop with the GHS label
template. The NPFA diamond is also included which a quick visual representation
of the substance’s hazards. A standard document that bears a more detailed
information on the product’s identity, hazards, exposure prevention measures and
appropriate response in various situations is also available. It is known as the GHS
Safety Data Sheet (SDS). It is used as a primary reference material of individuals
who are dealing closely with the chemical as it provides procedures on how to use,
store, handle and transport the substance safely.
Learning Objectives:
At the end of this lesson, the students are expected to:
1. Interpret the NPFA Hazard Identification System.
2. Demonstrate the knowledge on the use of the Safety Data Sheet.
Discussion:
NFPA Hazard Identification System
The National Fire Protection Agency Hazard Identification System is a quick visual
representation of a chemical substance in terms of its reactivity, flammability,
health hazard and special hazards.
Figure 2: NFPA Hazard Identification System
GHS Safety Data Sheet
Adapted from “Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of
Chemicals” by the United Nations.
The GHS Safety Data Sheet (SDS) provides comprehensive information on the
chemical substance being handled. It comprises of the following minimum
elements:
1. Identification of the substance or mixture and of the supplier
Includes the GHS product identifier and other means of product identification,
recommended and restricted uses of the product and the supplier’s information
details.
2. Hazards identification
Includes the GHS classification of the substance or mixture, GHS label elements
and precautionary statements and other hazards that are not covered by GHS.
3. Composition or information of ingredients
For substances, this include the substance’s chemical identity, CAS number, EC
number, impurities and stabilizing additives. For mixtures, the chemical identity
and concentration of the ingredient(s) which is (are) identified us hazardous, the
cut-off levels of reproductive toxicity and, carcinogenicity, mutagenicity and other
hazard classes.
4. First aid measures
Provides description of necessary measures to each of the different routes of
exposure (inhalation, skin contact, eye contact and ingestion), the most important
symptoms and indications when medical attention or treatment is needed.
5. Firefighting measures
Provides a list of suitable distinguishing media, the specific hazards arising from
the chemicals and the proper protective equipment and precautions needed during
firefighting activities.
6. Accidental release measures
Provides the personal and environmental precautions including the proper
personal protective equipment and the appropriate method and materials used
during clean ups.
7. Handling and storage
Provides precautions during handling and the conditions for safe storage.
8. Exposure controls and personal protection
Shows the control parameters, engineering controls and appropriate personal
protective equipment.
9. Physical and chemical properties
Includes the list of both the physical and chemical properties of the substance such
as but not limited to appearance, pH, odor, melting point, initial boiling point, flash
point, evaporation rate, flammability, vapor pressure, vapor density, relative
density, solubility, auto-ignition temperature and decomposition temperature.
10. Stability and reactivity
Show the product’s stability, possible hazardous reactions, conditions to avoid,
incompatible materials and hazardous decomposition products.
11. Toxicological information
Gives concise but complete information on various toxicological effects, its route
of exposure, symptoms and delayed and immediate effects and numerical toxicity
scale
12. Ecological information
Show information of the product’s ecotoxicity, persistence and degradability, bio
accumulative potential, mobility in soil
13. Disposal considerations
Gives the description of waste residue and information of its proper handling and
disposal.
14. Transport information
Provides the UN number, UN proper shipping name, transport precautions,
identification as marine pollutant, packaging.
15. Regulatory information
Shows the environmental, safety and health regulations specific to the product.
16. Other information
Before the implementation of the GHS SDS format, manufacturers use the Material
Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). Both of the materials have the same element but they
differ in content. The GHS SDS format is the one that was discussed in the lesson
because it is the one that is more utilized in the industries now a days.
Self-Assessment Questions/Activities:
1. Make an NPFA hazard identification label for a deadly, stable radioactive
substance but does not burn.
2. You are to work with a 0.5 N hydrochloric acid purchased from LabChem, Inc.
The SDS is available for download from the company’s website.
a) Is the product applicable for food use?
b) Is the product flammable?
c) What are the personal protective equipment that you need to use when
handling the substance?
d) What is (are) the available GHS pictogram(s) for the product?
e) What is the first aid measure during skin contact?
Lesson 4: Hazard Control
Introduction:
While we cannot always run from the presence of hazards, we can always
minimize it effect by conducting activities that helps in the control of our exposure.
This part of the lesson will give ideas on different measures that are being
incorporated to keep ourselves safe from possible effects of our exposure to
substances that may have harmful or adverse effects on us and the environment.
Learning Objectives:
At the end of this lesson, the students are expected to:
1. Enumerate and discuss the different hierarchy of hazard controls.
2. Demonstrate the knowledge on the use of personal protective equipment.
3. Demonstrate knowledge on preparedness during emergencies.
Discussion:
The Hierarchy of Hazard Controls
The effect(s) of exposure to chemical hazards can be minimized using different
measure of exposure control.
Figure 3: Hierarchy of Hazard Controls. Image Source: “Chemical Safety Training
Course Material” downloaded from
[Link]
1. Elimination: This is the most effective means of minimizing the exposure of
personnel to a chemical hazard. In here, the hazard is physically removed from the
work environment.
2. Substitution: If elimination is not possible, a chemical that is less hazardous is
used to replace the existing more hazardous one.
3. Engineering Controls: If the above measures are not available, isolating the
people away from the hazard can be done such as the establishment of a safety
compartment that separates or limits the exposure of the personnel from the
hazard.
4. Administrative Controls: The way people handle the chemicals can also be a
means to minimize the effects of being exposed to the harmful substance.
Changing the way people work is what comprise the administrative controls.
5. Personal Protective Equipment: Protecting oneself from a hazard with
appropriate personal protective equipment is the first line of defense when limiting
the exposure from a hazard. However, this method of exposure control is the least
efficient of them all.
The Personal Protective Equipment for Chemical Safety
Personal protective equipment (PPE) are garments and devices that serves as
a barrier between the user and the hazard being exposed to. There are several
types of PPEs available which are classified in terms of their usage. The ones that
are included here are those that are specific for chemical safety.
Figure 4: Personal Protective Equipment
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) can be classified according to the part of the
body that it intends to protect.
1. Eye and face protection
a) Safety spectacles
b) Eye goggles
c) Face shields
2. Respiratory protection
a) Filtration respirators
b) Chemical cartridge devices
c) Air-supplying equipment
3. Hand and arm protection
a) Gloves
4. Foot and leg protection
5. Torso protection
a) Laboratory gowns and coats
However, it should be noted that the use of personal protective equipment has its
limitations. Among them are:
1. The use of PPE does not change the fact that the hazard still exists.
2. Wearing a defective PPE offers no protection.
3. Improper wearing of PPE may not give maximum protection.
4. The PPE may be a cause of additional hazard.
Preparing for Emergencies
1. In case of burns and small cuts, look for a laboratory first aid kit and treat self
accordingly. Go to the nearest clinic or hospital, as the need arises.
Figure %:
2. In case of laboratory spillage, know the property of the substance that you are
to deal with. Make sure to use the appropriate spill kit available. Protect yourself
with appropriate personal protective equipment. Confine the spill clean it up and
properly dispose.
Figure 6:
3. In case of chemical splashes, head to the nearest eye wash or eye shower and
follow proper procedures as indicated on the product’s SDS.
Figure 7: Eye Wash and Shower Stations.
4. Check on the labels of the available fire extinguishers near the workplace. In
case of fire, make sure that you are using the appropriate type
.
Figure 8: Fire Extinguisher Classifications Image source: [Link];
[Link]
5. Always put SAFETY FIRST.
Self-Assessment Questions/Activities:
1. What are the different hierarchy of hazard controls? Give an example for each.
2. Give situations when you can appropriately use safety glasses, safety goggles
and face shields.
3. The lesson on Chemical Safety ends with the slogan “Think Safety First.” Why
is this so? How are you going to practice during times of emergencies? Cite an
example of a situation to answer the question.