2. CHEMICAL HAZARD AWARENESS AND CONTROL
Is a type of occupational hazard caused by exposure to
chemicals in the workplace. Exposure to chemicals in the
workplace can cause acute or long-term detrimental health
effects.
There are many types of hazardous chemicals, including
neurotoxins, immune agents, dermatologic agents,
carcinogens, reproductive toxins and systemic toxins. These
hazards can cause physical and/or health risks. Depending on
chemical, the hazards involved may be varied, thus it is
important to know and apply the PPE during the exposure.
Long-term exposure to chemicals such as silica dust, engine
exhausts, tobacco smoke, and lead (among others) have been
shown to increase risk of heart disease, stroke, and high blood
pressure.
3. TYPES OF HAZARDS
Liquids such as acids,
solvents especially do
not have a labels
Vapors and fumes
Flammable materials
Chemicals can change their physical state depending on
temperature or pressure. Thus it is important to identify the
health risks as these states can determine the potential route
the chemical will take.
For example:
Gas state chemicals will be inhaled
or liquid state chemicals can be
absorbed by the skin.
4. ROUTES TO EXPOSURE - CONTROLS
Inhalation – Lungs
Breathing of contaminated air is the
most common way that workplace
chemicals enter the body.
Use fume hood – Approved respirators
HEPA - High Efficiency
Particulate Arrestance / Standard filters
Absorption - Skin or eyes
Some chemicals, when contacted, can pass through the skin into
the blood stream. The eyes may also be a route of entry. Usually,
only very small quantities of chemicals in the workplace enter the
body through the eyes.
Wear goggles and chemical resistant gloves
5. Ingestion – Mouth
Workplace chemicals may be swallowed accidentally if food, hands,
or cigarettes are contaminated. For this reason, workers should not
drink, eat, or smoke in areas where they may be exposed to
chemicals.
Don’t eat, drink, chew gum or even smoking on exposure period
Injection – Skin
Injection is also way that chemicals may enter the body. Uncommon
in most workplaces, it can occur when a sharp object punctures the
skin and injects a chemical (or virus) directly into the bloodstream.
Be careful when handling glass and sharp objects
6. GENARAL WARENESS
Regardless of manner, the chemical could gets into the body,
once it is inside it will distributed by the blood stream. Through
this, the chemical may harm organs which are far away from
the original point of entry as well as where they entered the
body.
FIRST AID
In case of emergency, it is recommended to understand first
aid procedures in order to minimize any damage. Different
types of chemicals can cause a variety of damage. Most
sources agree that it is best to rinse any contacted skin or eye
with water immediately.
Currently, there is insufficient evidence of how long the rinsing
should be done, as the degree of impacts will vary for
substances such as corrosive chemicals.
7. Recommended flush time is as follows:
5 minutes - non- to mild irritants
15 minutes - moderate to severe irritants and chemicals that
cause acute toxicity
30 minutes - most corrosives
60 minutes - strong alkalis such as sodium, potassium or
calcium hydroxide
Most standard sources recommend that
water rinsing/flushing following skin or
eye contact with a chemical should
continue for 15 or 20 minutes.
