Chemical Safety

Objective : Learning, Awareness & Actions

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Introduction

What is a Chemical Hazard?

Any chemical that can cause illness, injury, or an

emergency.

Chemical Hazards
Physical
Health
Chemical Hazards

Pyrophoric
Flammable Chemicals
Explosive Chemicals
Combustible Chemicals
Oxidizers
Corrosive
Chemical Hazards

Physical Hazards Health Hazards

Flammable/Combustible Carcinogens
Organic-metals Irritants
Explosives Mutagens
Corrosives Teratogens
Cryogenics Sensitizers
Compressed Gases Highly Toxic
Target Organ
Chemicals
 Chemical Hazards

• Irritants - Slight inflammation or other discomfort to

the body
• Sensitizers - Severe skin and/or respiratory responses
• Corrosives - Burns
• Toxins - Effect Liver (Hepatotoxin), Kidney (Nephrotoxin),
and Nervous system (Neurotoxin)
• Mutagens – Damages Genetic material in cells
• Carcinogens - Cancer-causing agents
• Teratogens – Cause Birth Defect
 Routes of Entry or Exposure
 Routes of entry or exposure means the method through
which the chemical could enter human body.
 There are four routes by which a substance can enter the body:
 Inhalation
 Ingestion
 Absorption
 Injection
Inhalation

 For most chemicals in the form of

vapors, gas, mist, or particulates
inhalation is the major route of entry.
 Once chemicals are inhaled, either it
is exhaled or deposited in the
respiratory tract.
 LC50 is commonly considered in
inhalation process.
 LC50 (Lethal Concentration) is the
concentration of substance in air,
exposure to which for a specified
length of time is expected to cause
death of 50% test subject.
Ingestion

 Ingestion is the mode in which

chemical enters the body through
mouth.
 Once chemicals are ingested, it is
affect the digestive system of the body.
 Later it dissolves into blood and
affects the internal organs.
 LD50 is commonly considered in
ingestion process.
 LD50 (Lethal Dose) is the dose which is
given & expected to cause death of 50%
test subject within given period of
time.
Absorption

 Absorption is the mode in which

chemical enters the body through
skin or eye.
 Once chemicals are absorbed, it
affect the tissue.
 Many chemicals can cross the skin
barrier & affect the blood vessel,
causing damage to the internal
organs.
 Eyes are the most sensitive to
chemicals in absorption mode.
 Even a short exposure of chemical to
eyes could damage the eyes.
Injection

 Injection is the mode in which

chemical enters the body through
puncture or penetration by
contaminated object.
 Once chemicals are injected, it is
circulated in blood vessel and
deposited in target organ.
 After getting deposited in target
organ it affects the same causing
severe damage.
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NFPA Triangle
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NFPA Triangle
MSDS
MSDS

What is MSDS ?
 Material Safety Data Sheet is a well organized
document that contains all information about a given
chemical.
 M S D S Reveals It includes name, composition,
hazards, first aid measures, fire fighting measures,
information regarding the proper steps to take with
spills, handling and storage, personal protection to be
used, physical and chemical properties, and
information about stability & reactivity, toxicology,
disposal, transporting, and regulatory requirements.
 It has 16 sections
TECHNICAL TERMS USED IN MSDS

Acute Health Effect: An adverse effect on a human or animal body with symptoms that
develop immediately and persist short to long period. As burning, sudden illness etc.

Chronic Health Effect: An adverse effect on a human or animal body with symptoms that
develop slowly over a long time period and persist or that recur frequently. As cancer and
other diseases, allergic reactions, or reproductive problems usually take a long time to
develop.

Acute Exposure: Exposure of short duration, usually to relatively high concentrations or

amounts of material.

Chronic Exposure: Continuous or intermittent exposure extending over a long time period,
usually applies to relatively low material amounts or concentrations.

Chronic Toxicity: A material's property that produces chronic health effects (see above),
usually resulting from repeated doses of or exposure to the material over a relatively
prolonged time period. Ordinarily used to denote effects noted in experimental animals.

Carcinogen: A material that either causes cancer in humans, or, because it causes
cancer in animals, is considered capable of causing cancer in humans.

Cryogenic: Relating to extremely low temperatures as for refrigerant gases

TECHNICAL TERMS USED IN MSDS

Flash Point :
Lowest temperature at which a flammable liquid gives off sufficient vapor to form an
ignitable mixture with air near its surface or within a vessel and ignite momentarily but cant
sustain the flame is called the flash point.
Flammable:
Describes any solid, liquid, vapor, or gas that ignites easily and burns rapidly. Both NFPA
and DOT generally define flammable liquids as having a flash point below 38ºC (100ºF)
Asphyxiant:
A vapor or gas that can cause unconsciousness or death by suffocation (lack of oxygen).
Most simple asphyxiants are harmful to the body only when they become so concentrated
that they reduce (displace) the available oxygen in the air (normally about 21%) to
dangerous levels (18% or lower). Examples of simple asphyxiants are carbon dioxide,
nitrogen, hydrogen, and helium. Chemical asphyxiants like carbon monoxide (CO) reduce
the blood's ability to carry oxygen, or like cyanide, interfere with the body's utilization of
oxygen.
 TECHNICAL TERMS USED IN MSDS
PEL (Permissible Exposure Limit or OSH PEL):
Established by OSHA. The permissible exposure limit (PEL) is a legal limit for exposure of an
employee to a chemical substance or physical agent. This may be expressed as a time weighted
average (TWA) limit, short-term exposure limit (STEL), or as a ceiling exposure limit.
TWA : Time Weighted Average is the average exposure over a specified period of time, usually a
nominal eight hours.
STEL : Short-Term Exposure Limit is one that addresses the average exposure over a 15-30 minute
period of maximum exposure during a single work shift.

PPE (Personal protective equipment):

Devices or clothing worn to help insulate a worker from direct exposure to hazardous materials.
Example include gloves and respirators.

T LV ( T h r e s h o l d L i m i t Va l u e ) :
A term used to express the airborne concentration of a material to which most workers can be
exposed during a normal daily and weekly schedule without adverse effects.
MSDS

The standards for MSDS specified by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
is organized in 16 sections. These are as follows:

SECTION 01 : PRODUCT & COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

SECTION 02 : COMPOSITION / INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS
SECTION 03 : HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION
SECTION 04 : FIRST AID MEASURES
SECTION 05 : FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES
SECTION 06 : ACCIDENTAL REALESE MEASURES
SECTION 07 : INFORMATION ABOUT HANDLING AND STORAGE
SECTION 08 : EXPOSURE CONTROL / PERSONAL PROTECTION
SECTION 09 : PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
SECTION 10 : STABILITY AND REACTIVITY
SECTION 11 : TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION
SECTION 12 : ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION
SECTION 13 : DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS
SECTION 14 : TRANSPORT INFORMATION
SECTION 15 : REGULATORY INFORMATION
SECTION 16 : OTHER INFORMATION
MSDS Sample

SECTION 01 : PRODUCT & COMPANY IDENTIFICATION

SECTION 02 : COMPOSITION / INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS

MSDS Sample

SECTION 03 : HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

MSDS Sample

SECTION 04 : FIRST AID MEASURES

SECTION 05 : FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES

MSDS Sample

SECTION 06 : ACCIDENTAL REALESE MEASURES

SECTION 07 : INFORMATION ABOUT HANDLING AND STORAGE

MSDS Sample

SECTION 08 :
EXPOSURE CONTROL / PERSONAL PROTECTION
MSDS Sample

SECTION 09 : PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

SECTION 10 : STABILITY AND REACTIVITY

MSDS Sample

SECTION 11 : TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION

MSDS Sample

SECTION 12 : ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION

SECTION 13 : DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS

MSDS Sample

SECTION 14 : TRANSPORT INFORMATION

SECTION 15 : REGULATORY INFORMATION

MSDS Sample

SECTION 16 : OTHER INFORMATION

Classification of Hazardous Chemicals

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Classification of Hazardous Chemicals

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 Corrosive
• A corrosive substance is one that will destroy
and damage other substances with which it
comes into contact. It may attack a great variety
of materials including metals.

• Common corrosive chemicals

• Acids:
• Sulphuric Acid
• Hydrochloric Acid

• Bases:
• Sodium Hydroxide
• Calcium Hydroxide

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 Dangerous for the environment
• Chemicals enter into air as emissions and water
as effluent. Industrial and motor vehicle
emissions of nitrogen and sulphur oxides cause
acid rain, which poisons fish and other aquatic
organisms in rivers and lakes and affects the
ability of soil to support plants. Carbon dioxide
causes the greenhouse effect and climate
change.

• Water Treatment Plant Effluents.

• Emissions from Stack.
• Chemical Effluents from main plant.

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 Explosive
• Explosive, is a reactive substance that contains a
great amount of potential energy that can produce
an explosion if released suddenly, usually
accompanied by the production of light, heat,
sound, and pressure.

• chemical energy, such as nitro-glycerine or grain

dust.
• pressurized gas, such as a gas cylinder
or aerosol can.
• Nuclear energy, such as in the fissile
isotopes
uranium-235 and plutonium-239

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 Toxic
•
Any chemical or mixture having capability
to the environment, living being’s and to
harm
human health by any mode of exposure (if
inhaled, swallowed, or absorbed through the
skin) is termed as Toxic chemical.

•
Toxic Chemicals:
•
Ammonia
•
Chlorine
•
Hydrochloric Acid
•
Hydrazine

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 Oxidizing
• Oxidizing agent is a substance that is not
necessarily combustible, but may, generally by
yielding oxygen, cause or contribute to the
combustion of other material.

• Common oxidizing agents:

• Oxygen
• Sulphuric Acid
• Hypochlorite
• Chlorine

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 Harmful/ Irritant
• Many materials or substances used or created at
work could harm your health. These substances
could be dusts, gases or fumes that you breathe
in, or liquids, gels or powders that come into
contact with your eyes or skin. There could also
be harmful micro-organisms present that can
cause infection, an allergic reaction or are toxic.
Harmful substances can be present in anything
from paints and cleaners to flour dust, solder
fume, blood or waste.

• Laboratory Chemicals
• Bulk Chemicals

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 Extremely Flammable
• A High Flammable Liquid is a liquid with a flash
point below 32 °C (The flash point of a liquid is
the lowest temperature at which the liquid gives
off vapour in sufficient concentration to form a
combustible mixture with air near the surface of
the liquid.) The flash points of some common
laboratory solvents are:

• Ethanol +12 °C
• Toluene +4 °C
• Acetone -19 °C
• Diethyl ether -45 °C

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Common Chemical Used in Industries
• Sulphuric Acid – H2SO4
• Hydrochloric Acid - HCl
• Sodium Hydroxide - NaOH
• Ammonia – NH3
• Hydrazine – N2H4
• Ferric Chloride – FeCl3
• Polyelectrolyte – (C3H4O2)n
• Hydrated Lime – Ca(OH)2
• Tri Sodium Phosphate – Na3PO4
• Chlorine - Cl
• Hydrogen – H2

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 Sulphuric Acid
• Properties:
• Sulphuric acid is a highly corrosive strong
mineral acid. It is a colourless to slightly
yellow viscous liquid that is soluble in water at
all concentrations.

• Uses in industries:
• In Treatment of Condenser cooling water and
Laboratory purpose.

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 Sulphuric Acid
• Health Hazards of Sulphuric Acid:
• Concentrated sulphuric acid is extremely corrosive and can cause
serious burns when not handled properly. This dangerous chemical
is capable of corroding skin, paper, metals, and even stone in some
cases. If sulphuric acid makes direct contact with the eyes, it can
cause permanent blindness. If ingested, this chemical may cause
internal burns, irreversible organ damage, and possibly death.

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 Hydrochloric Acid
• Properties:
• Hydrochloric acid is a colourless,
clear, pungent
highly of hydrogen
solution pungentchloride (HCl) in water. It
solution
is a highly corrosive, strong mineral acid with
many industrial uses.

• Uses in Industries:
• In regeneration of Mixed Bed and CPU and
Laboratory purpose.

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 Hydrochloric Acid
• Health Hazards of Hydrochloric Acid:
• Hydrochloric acid is a hazardous liquid which must be used with
care. The acid itself is corrosive, and concentrated forms release
acidic mists that are also dangerous. If the acid or mist come into
contact with the skin, eyes, or internal organs, the damage can be
irreversible or even fatal in severe cases.

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Sulphuric Acid & Hydrochloric Acid Safety
• It is recommended that you wear the following protective equipment
when using Sulphuric acid and hydrochloric acid of any
concentration:
• Vapour respirator,
• Long Rubber gloves
• Boots
• Full suit
• Face shield
• Chemical Safety goggles

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Care for H2SO4 / HCl Exposure
• Exposure to H2SO4/HCl can occur as skin/bodily contact, ingestion, or
inhalation of vapours. Each type of exposure can pose serious hazards to
your health and should be managed immediately and appropriately by a
medical professional to minimize damage and health risks.

• Skin Contact – If H2SO4/HCl comes into contact with your skin,

immediately flush the affected area gently with lukewarm water for at least
30 uninterrupted minutes. Seek medical attention immediately.
• Eye Contact – If H2SO4/HCl gets into your eyes, immediately flush the
eye(s) with water for at least 30 minutes. Seek medical attention
immediately.
• Ingestion – If you ingest H2SO4/HCl, rinse your mouth immediately with
water. Do not induce vomiting. Continually rinse your mouth with water and
seek medical attention as soon as possible.
• Inhalation – If you inhale H2SO4/HCl aerosols, seek fresh air and medical
attention immediately.

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Eye washer & Safety shower

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 Hydrazine
• Properties:
• Hydrazine is an inorganic compound. It
is a colourless flammable liquid with an
ammonia-like odour. Hydrazine is highly
toxic and dangerously unstable unless
handled in solution.

• Uses in industries:
• In the treatment of feed water system to
protect boiler and pre-boiler
equipment's from oxygen. Used as an
oxygen scavenger.

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 Hydrazine
• Health Hazards of Hydrazine:
• Hydrazine ishighly toxic and
dangerously unstable, especially in
the anhydrous form. of
Symptoms(short-term) exposure to
acute
high levels of hydrazine may include:
• irritation of the eyes.
• Nose and throat.
• Dizziness.
• Headache.
• Nausea.
• Coma in humans.

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 Sodium Hydroxide
• Properties:
• Sodium hydroxide (NaOH), also known as
lye and caustic soda is an inorganic
compound. It is a white solid and highly
caustic metallic base and alkali of sodium
which is available in pellets, flakes,
granules, and as prepared solutions at a
number of different concentrations.

• Uses in industries:
• In regeneration of Mixed Bed and
Laboratory purpose.

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 Sodium Hydroxide
• Health Hazards of Sodium Hydroxide:
• Contact can severely irritate and burn the skin and eyes with possible
permanent eye damage, causing blindness. Contact can irritate
mouth, nose and throat. Inhaling can irritate the causing
coughing and shortness of breath.
lungs

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Sodium Hydroxide Safety

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Ammonia
• Properties:
• Ammonia is a colourless gas with a
characteristic pungent smell. Ammonia is
extremely soluble in water and is frequently
used as a water solution called aqua
ammonia.

• Uses in industries:
• In the treatment of feed water system to
protect boiler and pre-boiler
equipment's from corrosion.

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 Ammonia
• Health Hazards of Ammonia:
• Anhydrous ammonia primarily affects three areas of the body 1.
Eyes, 2. Lungs and 3. Skin. Everything from mild irritation to
destruction of the eye can occur depending on whether a spray or
gas is involved. Ammonia penetrates the eye more rapidly than other
alkalis. In the lungs, liquid anhydrous ammonia causes destruction of
delicate respiratory tissue.

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Ammonia & Hydrazine Safety
• It is recommended that you wear the following protective equipment
when using Ammonia and hydrazine of any concentration:
• Vapour respirator,
• Rubber gloves
• Boots
• Full suit
• Face shield
• Chemical Safety goggles

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Ferric Chloride
• Properties:
• Ferric chloride is the coagulant of choice
for many industrial and sanitary
wastewater treatment applications, due
to its high efficiency, effectiveness in
clarification. The chemical leaves slight
residual colour, and offers very good
turbidity removal.

• Uses in industries:
• In the pre-treatment of raw water
and
waste water as a coagulant.

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 Ferric Chloride
• Health Hazards of Ferric chloride:
• Iron(III) chloride is toxic, highly corrosive and acidic. The anhydrous
material is a powerful dehydrating agent. Although reports of poisoning
in humans are rare, ingestion of ferric chloride can result in serious
morbidity and mortality. Inappropriate labelling and storage lead to
accidental swallowing or misdiagnosis

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 Polyelectrolyte
• Properties:
• Polyelectrolytes are whose
repeating
polymers bear
an
unitselectrolyte group. Poly cations and poly
anions are These
polyelectrolytes. groups
(water),
dissociate making
in the polymers solutions
aqueous charged.
Polyelectrolyte properties are thus similar to
both electrolytes (salts) and polymers (high
molecular weight compounds) and are
sometimes called poly salts.

• Uses in industries:
• In the pre-treatment of raw water and waste
water as a flocculent.

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Polyelectrolyte
• Health Hazards of polyelectrolyte:
• This product is not expected to be a sensitizer. Acute: A review of
available data does not identify any symptoms from exposure not
previously mentioned. Chronic: Frequent or prolonged contact with
product may defat and dry the skin, leading to discomfort and
dermatitis.

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 Hydrated Lime
• Properties:
• Calcium hydroxide, traditionally
called slaked lime, It is a colourless crystal
or white powder and is obtained
whencalcium oxide (called lime or
quicklime) is mixed, or "slaked" with water.
It has many names
including hydrated lime, caustic
lime, builders' slack lime, cal
lime,
or pickling lime.

• Uses in industries:
• In the pre-treatment of raw water and waste
water.

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 Hydrated Lime
• Health Hazards of Hydrated Lime:
• Unprotected exposure to Ca(OH)2 can pose health risks, so it should
be limited. It can cause severe skin irritation, chemical burns,
blindness, or lung damage.

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 Tri Sodium Phosphate
• Properties:
• Tri sodium phosphate (TSP) is the
inorganic compound with the chemical
formula Na3PO4. It is a white, granular or
crystalline solid, highly soluble in water
producing an alkaline solution. TSPs are
used as cleaning agent, lubricant, food
additive, stain remover and degreaser.

• Uses in industries:
• In the treatment of Boiler drum water.

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Tri Sodium Phosphate
• Health Hazards of Tri Sodium Phosphate:
• Acute Potential Health Effects: Skin: Causes skin irritation with
possible burning pain and corrosive damage. Eyes: Causes eye
irritation. This substance may cause eye burns. Inhalation: May
be harmful if inhaled. Inhalation of dust may cause respiratory
tract and mucous membrane irritation with coughing, sneezing,
choking, difficulty breathing, and pulmonary edema.

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Chlorine
• Properties:
• Chlorine is a toxic gas that irritates the
respiratory system. Because it is heavier
than air, it tends to accumulate at the
bottom of poorly ventilated spaces. Chlorine
gas is a strong oxidizer, which may react
with flammable materials. Chlorine is used
as a disinfectants in the treatment of
drinking water.This is a yellow-green gas
that has a distinctive strong odour.

• Uses in industries:
• In the pre treatment of raw water, waste
water and cooling tower.

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Chlorine
• Health Hazards of Chlorine:
• Chlorine is detectable with measuring devices in concentrations
of as low as 0.2 parts per million (ppm), and by smell at 3 ppm.
Coughing and vomiting may occur at 30 ppm and lung damage
at 60 ppm. About 1000 ppm can be fatal after a few deep breaths
of the gas.

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 Guidelines of safe handling of chlorine
• Chlorine need not be a serious hazard if the people working with it are properly
trained in its handling.
• The following are the guidelines for assuring the safe handling of chlorine.
• Provide proper instruction and supervision to workers responsible for chlorine
equipment.
• Provide proper and approved self-contained breathing apparatus in
areas where chlorine is stored or used.
• Keep all breathing apparatus stored outside the chlorine area.

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 Guidelines of safe handling of chlorine
• Prepare escape plans from areas where there might be a
chlorine emission. Remember to move uphill and upwind.
• Never store combustible or flammable materials near
chlorine
containers.
• Never apply heat directly to a chlorine
• Never attempt to weld an “empty” chlorine pipe line without purging it
with air first.

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 Guidelines of safe handling of chlorine
• Install safety showers and eye wash stations near chlorine equipment.
• If there is a leak, at least two persons should make the repairs.
• Never spray water on leaking containers; it can make the leak worse.
• When entering an equipment area, take shallow breaths until you
are sure that there is not a chlorine gas leak.
• Always keep ready Chlorine Leak Absorption System.

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 Chlorine First Aid
Inhalation
 Remove victim from contaminated area.
 Keep victim warm in a reclined position with head and
shoulders
elevated.
 Give artificial respiration, if necessary.
 Give oxygen as soon as possible.
 Call emergency personnel or a physician immediately.
Skin Contact
 Shower victim, removing all contaminated clothing.
 Wash affected area with soap and water.
Eye Contact
 Irrigate eyes with water for 15 minutes, holding eye lids wide apart.
 Call emergency personnel or a physician immediately.
 Irrigate for second 15-minute period if emergency personnel or physician
is not immediately available
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Hydrogen
• Properties:
• hydrogen is colourless, odourless,
non-metallic,
a tasteless, non-toxic, highly
combustible diatomic gas with the
molecular formula H2.

• Uses in industries:
• In the cooling of generator rotor due to
its specific heat capacity being
considerably higher than any other gas.

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 Hydrogen
• Health Hazards of Hydrogen:
• Hydrogen poses a number of hazards to human safety, from potential
detonations and fires when mixed with air to being asphyxiate in its
pure, oxygen-free form. Hydrogen gas leaking into external air may
spontaneously ignite. Moreover, hydrogen fire, while being extremely
hot, is almost invisible, and thus can lead to accidental burns.

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General precautions

• Label all storage areas appropriately

• Keep all chemicals in properly labelled containers
• Date all chemical bottles when received and
when opened
• Note expiry dates on chemicals
• Note storage conditions and adhere to them
• Familiarize yourself with the appropriate
protective measures when exposed
chemicals
General precautions
• Post warning signs for unusual hazards such as
flammable materials no naked flames or other
special problems
• Pour more concentrated solutions into less
concentrated solutions to avoid violent reactions
(i.e. add acid to water, not water to acid)
• Avoid distracting other worker
• Position and secure apparatus used for chemical
reactions in order to permit manipulation
without moving the apparatus until the entire
reaction is complete
Personal Safety
• Always use extracted wet benches for chemical
work
• Always wear safety glasses or goggles at all times
in the lab
• Always wear laboratory coat/apron in the
laboratory
• Appropriate gloves should be worn as needed
• Appropriate shoes should be worn in the
laboratory
• Wear breathing mask as and when appropriate
Personal Safety

Hand Protection:
• Always wear
protective gloves in
the laboratory
specially when
handling chemicals
• Before use, check to
make sure the gloves are
in good condition and
free from holes,
punctures, and tears
 Personal Safety
Foot Protection:
• Foot protection is designed to
prevent injury from corrosive
chemicals, heavy objects,
electrical shock, as well as
giving traction on wet floors
• Please wear sturdy shoes
that cover the foot
completely. These will
provide the best protection.
• Avoid shoes that expose
feet in any way
 Personal Safety
Personal Hygiene:
• Wash hands before leaving the laboratory
• Never mouth suck anything in a pipette in
the laboratory
• No food or drink is allowed in laboratories or
areas where chemicals are used or stored
• No food should be stored in a laboratory
refrigerator
• Never eat or drink from the laboratory
glassware
• Keep exposed skin covered in the laboratory
 Fire Prevention
• Aware yourself of ignition sources in the laboratory and service areas (open
flames,
heat, electrical equipment)
• Purchase chemicals in quantities that will be used in not distant future
• Always store flammable liquids in appropriate cabinets
• Do not store incompatible reagents together (e.g., acids with organic solvents)
• Do not store ethers or similar chemicals for extended periods of time as
explosive peroxides could form
• Make sure that all electrical cords are in good condition and all electrical
outlets are earthed
• Remain out of the area of a fire or incident if you are not in a position to help
• Familiarize yourself with siting and condition of fire extinguishers. Broken seals
mean fire extinguisher has been used and need be recharged
• Do not use fire extinguishers unless you are trained and feel confident to do so
Chemical Safety is a Shared Responsibility
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