The document outlines the various uses and characteristics of solvents, including common types like charcoal-based lighter fluid and household cleaners. It discusses the chemistry of solvents, their health hazards (acute and chronic), and emphasizes the importance of safety measures such as using personal protective equipment (PPE) and safe work procedures. Additionally, it provides guidance on proper storage, handling, and emergency procedures related to solvents.

1. Solvents

2. Some common solvents
 Charcoal based lighter fluid,
 Windscreen washer fluid,
 Paints,
 Household cleaners,
and even
 Water!
1a

3. Use of solvents
 Cleaning
 Degreasing
 Removing paint, ink,
or other coatings
1b

4. Use of solvents
 Producing adhesives, paints,
inks, coatings, varnishes,
and other sealers
 Solvents we work
with
1c

5. How to recognize
solvents
 Usually liquid
 Many are colorless
 Most have a strong odor
 Some evaporate quickly
2a

6.  Always check the container’s
label
How to recognize
solvents
2b
 Always check and
ask for the MSDS

7. Chemistry of solvents
 Solvents are used to dissolve
something else
 Like dissolves like
 How electron are distributed is
called polarity
3a

8. Chemistry of solvents
 Polar solvents:
• Water
• Ketones
• Alcohols
 Non-polar solvents:
• Oils
• Petroleum distillates
• Many chlorinated solvents
3b

9. Chemistry of solvents
 Always use the solvent
specified for the job
 Why we use certain solvents
3c

10. Health hazards
 Routes of entry include:
• Breathing the vapors,
• Direct contact, and
• Ingestion if you are eating or
drinking while using the solvents.
4a

11. Health hazards: Acute
effects
 Dizziness
 Nausea
 Irritation
 Dryness
 Itching
 Dermatitis
4b

12. Health hazards: Chronic
effects
 Chronic diseases typically
target:
• Skin,
• Liver,
• Kidneys,
• Circulatory system,
• Reproductive system, and
• Nervous system.
4c

13. Health hazards
 Check the MSDS
 Health hazards of
the solvents
we use
4d

14. Physical hazards
 Combustible
 Flammable
 Check the MSDS
 Physical hazards of the solvents we
use
5

15. Engineering controls
that reduce exposures
 Ventilation
 Automated chemical transfer
equipment
 Engineering controls we use
6

16. Personal protective
equipment (PPE)
 See solvent’s MSDS for PPE
recommendations
 Employer selects appropriate
PPE
 Types of PPE we use
7

17. Safe work procedures
 See solvent’s MSDS for safe
handling information
 Take appropriate fire prevention
precautions
 Use only the amount needed
8a

18. Safe work procedures
 Dispense carefully to avoid
spills
 Be cautious about skin contact
 Follow all job-specific work
procedures
8b

19. Safe storage procedures
 See solvent’s MSDS for safe
storage information
 Solvents may need to be stored
separately from other materials
 Storage areas should be well
ventilated
9a

20. Safe storage procedures
 Rough handling can lead to
dangerous leaks
 Inspect containers for damage
prior to use
 Report suspected damage,
contamination, or leaks
9b

21. Proper clean-up and
disposal
 Emergency releases should be
handled by a specially trained
Hazmat team
 Waste solvents need to be
collected in proper containers
10

22. First aid and emergency
procedures
 Refer to the MSDS for first aid
and emergency information
 Always follow our company’s
specific procedures
for emergency
response and first aid
11