Chemical hazards are those set of chemicals which have the potential to cause damage to humans or environment when release into the environment. In this article we will see some very dangerous examples of chemical hazards; we term them dangerous because of their negative impact in it could have in your body and in the environment.
OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) defines a hazardous chemical as ‘any chemical which can cause a physical or a health hazard.’
Chemicals exist either as solid, liquid or gas; no matter its nature of existence, hazardous chemicals will still be harmful to humans and the environment. These chemicals can be classified as toxic, harmful, corrosive, explosive, etc.
Examples of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace
Here are some hazardous chemicals that are lying wait in our workplaces on daily basis;
- Acids
- Caustic substances
- Cleaning products such as toilet cleaners, disinfectants, mildew remover and chlorine bleach
- Glues
- Heavy metals, including mercury, lead, cadmium, and aluminum
- Paint
- Pesticides
- Petroleum products
- Solvents
- Photocopier toner
- Drugs
- Cosmetics
- Degreasers
- detergents
- Refrigerant gases
- Herbicides
- Diesel fuel
- Petrol
- Welding fumes
- Asbestos
- Flammable liquids
These harmful chemicals can enters the body through three (3) major means – Ingestion through the mouth, Absorption through the skin and inhalation through the nose.
Examples Of Chemical Hazards
As we defined earlier that chemical hazards are chemicals which has the potential to cause damage to human or the environment. Examples of these hazards are chemicals which has one or more of these characteristics;
- Corrosive: These are chemical that causes visible destruction of, or irreversible alterations in living tissue at the site of contact. Under the DOT hazard class system, corrosives are listed as hazard class 8. Example of such chemicals are oven cleaners and caustic soda.
- Hazardous to the environment: As the name implies, these are chemicals that are hazardous to the environment. Example of such chemicals are pesticides and mercury.
- Explosive – These are chemicals 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. Examples include nitroglycerin or grain dust.
- Toxic: These are chemicals that can can damage an organism. Examples are lead or sodium cyanide
- Health Hazard: These a chemicals that can cause health issues, ranging from mild to severe health challenges. Such as chemical irritants like adhesives; carcinogens, mutagens and reproductive toxins like asbestos, silica dust and diesel fumes.
- Sensitizer: These are chemicals that can cause exposed people to develop an allergic reaction in normal tissue after repeated exposure to the substance. For example, isocyanate paints that can cause an allergic reaction or effect, usually affecting the skin or respiratory system.
- Oxidizing: Oxidizing chemicals are materials that spontaneously evolve oxygen at room temperature or with slight heating or promote combustion. Examples are hair dyes and bleaches.
- Flammable: These chemicals can can be easily ignited in air at ambient temperatures, i.e. it has a flash point at or below nominal threshold temperatures defined by a number of national and international standards organizations. Examples are liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) or methylated spirits.
In one of my previous articles “How to use HAZCOM to manage hazardous chemicals“, hazardous chemical management was discussed using HAZCOM – Read Up!!.
HAZCOM is a set of processes and procedures that employers and importers must implement in the workplace to effectively communicate hazards associated with chemicals exposure.
Read Also: What is COSHH – What is the full meaning of COSHH
Managing Chemical Hazards
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has provided a guide employers to protect employees in the workplace from chemical hazards. Also using the strategy of the Hierarchy of Controls, developed by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) can also help in managing chemical hazards in the workplace.
However, here are other precautions you could adopt:
- Chemical Inventory and Classification: Maintain an up-to-date inventory of all chemicals used in the workplace. Classify chemicals based on their potential hazards, such as flammability, toxicity, corrosiveness, and reactivity.
- Safety Data Sheets (SDS): Obtain and maintain Safety Data Sheets for all chemicals used in the workplace, and also ensure that the SDS are easily accessible to all employees and that they understand the information provided.
- Proper Storage: Store chemicals in designated areas with proper ventilation and segregation based on compatibility. Use secure storage cabinets and containers to prevent leaks, spills, or accidental exposure.
- Labeling: Clearly label all containers with the name of the chemical, hazard information, and handling instructions.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Provide appropriate PPE, such as gloves, goggles, and respirators, based on the nature of the chemical hazards. Also all employees must be trained on proper use of these PPE’s.
- Training and Education: Conduct regular training sessions to educate employees on the hazards associated with specific chemicals. The training should include, proper handling, storage, and emergency procedures.
- Emergency Response: Chemical spillage and other emergency do occur in the workplace, so you need to develop and communicate clear emergency response procedures in case of chemical spills, leaks, or exposures.
- Ventilation: Implement effective ventilation systems to control and minimize exposure to hazardous fumes and vapors.
- Waste Management: Establish proper procedures for the disposal of chemical waste. Segregate and label waste containers appropriately, and ensure compliance with local regulations.
- Regular Inspections and Audits: Conduct regular inspections to identify and address potential hazards. Perform audits to assess the effectiveness of the chemical hazard management program and make improvements as needed.
In summary, all chemicals that has the potential to cause harm are examples of chemical hazards. In order to ensure chemical safety in the workplace, information about the identities and hazards of chemicals must be available and understandable to workers, they must also be trained on the safe use of these chemicals.
Employers with hazardous substances are legally obliged to include warning labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDS) with their products.
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