Chemical hazards can cause health problems when ingested or inhaled and include toxins and dangerous chemicals. The document describes a case study where a worker was applying gasoline alone to clean wood cupboards. He spilled gasoline on his clothes and was then ignited by a nearby propane lantern, catching on fire. The key lessons are that gasoline is highly flammable, working alone with hazardous chemicals is risky, and ignition sources should be kept away from flammable products to prevent accidents.

1. Chemical hazards Industrial safety &
Risk assessment
1

2. A chemical hazard is any substance that can cause a health problem when ingested
or inhaled. They include toxins, dangerous chemicals, residue of excess chemicals
used in processing food products.
Chemical hazard:
2

3. Hi, I'm Spencer. This is what happened to me at work. I work part-time for a friend of my
father. He runs a woodworking business and sometimes I help him out. One day I was
applying some gasoline to clean wood cupboards. I was working alone because my dad's
friend was really busy and I had done this job hundreds of times before. I guess I was
rushing and I spilled some of the gasoline on my clothes. It was getting dark, so I turned on
a propane lantern beside me, and then it happened. All of a sudden, out of nowhere,
everything seemed to catch fire at once. I don't remember much else. They tell me that I
wasn't found for 2 hours. I guess I am lucky to be alive.
Case study:
3

4.  Gasoline is hazardous
 flammable Ignition source was close to flammable products.
 The worker was working alone with hazardous products.
Suggested Response :
4

5.  READ the label and SDS of the product and follow all of the instructions on how to work
safely with the product.
 ASK for more training on how to work safely with flammable products.
 CHECK the area carefully for possible sources of ignition (including static electricity).
 WORK carefully to avoid spills.
 Work with a co-worker, or have a system to check in at regular times.
Prevention:
5