Hazard Materials and Personal Protective Equipment

SAF 001 HazMat & PPE

Hazard Materials

and

Personal Protective Equipment

 Chemicals - in all phases of gases, liquids, and solids - are so much a part of our day-to-day lives that it's easy to forget they are there. We cannot go very far without encountering them in some form.

 In our homes, our workplaces, and everywhere in between, chemicals are used to make the products with which we live, eat, work, drive, and entertain ourselves.

 Hazardous chemicals can be handled safely if we are aware of their specific hazards and what is needed, in terms of awareness, equipment, and procedures, to use those chemicals safely.

Levels of Regulation

The Federal government and many state governments require all employers who use chemicals in their work environments to:

 Inform their employees that chemicals are in the workplace.

 Train their employees to handle the chemicals appropriately.

In fact, by law, you have a right to know this information.

OSHA and You

 The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, is the Federal agency charged with enforcing this right.

 The OSHA standards that describe your rights are commonly referred to as "Right to Know" regulations, which refers to the employees' right to know about the hazardous chemicals they work with and how to protect themselves from those chemical hazards.

California Proposition 65

 Some states have passed legislation which is similar to, and often more restrictive than, the OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard.

 A 1986 ballot initiative in California, known as Proposition 65, added protection for its citizens from chemicals known to cause cancer and birth defects.

 Proposition 65 requires additional occupational exposure warnings which may include warning signs or labels not required by OSHA.

The Toxic Substance Control Act

 Due to a federal requirement established by the Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA), most manufacturing sites are required to have a specific process for reporting injuries and health effects due to chemical exposure.

 If you incur any injury in the process of using or through exposure to chemicals in any work area, you must report this to your Supervisor and Medical.

 If you think you are experiencing any health effects from exposure to chemicals, report this to your Supervisor or company safety representative.

Chemicals have different types of hazards associated with them. Each chemical has its own characteristics. Chemicals can have both physical and health hazards.

For example, when pumping gas at a gas station, you are working with a chemical that presents possible fire hazards in addition to possible health hazards.

Understanding the hazards of a specific chemical helps us identify controls in order to use that chemical safely. Later in this course you will learn about methods to control the physical and chemical hazards of the chemicals you use.

When discussing the hazards of working with chemicals, a major issue is chemical exposure. Exposure to a chemical depends on 3 key factors:

 What the chemical is and what its specific hazards are

 The amount of the chemical to which one is exposed

 The length of time that one is exposed to the chemical

Dose is the term used to describe the amount of a chemical affecting the body. We remember the concept of dose from the use of medication.

 If you take only one quarter of an aspirin, it may not relieve your headache. Two aspirin may have the desired effect. Taking 8 aspirin will have a harmful effect, an overdose.

 Most chemicals have an increased effect with increasing the dose - the amount of the chemical to which your body may be exposed. The higher the dose, the more serious the consequence.

Chemicals can get into your body through four different routes of entry:

 Inhalation, or breathing, is the route through the nose and lungs. Chemical gases, vapors and dust use this route into the body, then may be absorbed into the tissues in your lungs.

 Dermal, or skin exposure, is a second route. Chemicals that get on your skin may get into the body by going through the skin surface or your eyes.

Chemicals can get into your body through four different routes of entry:

 Ingestion, or eating, is a third route of entry. Chemicals can get into your body if they are present on your hands, then you eat a snack or wipe your mouth. Ingestion of chemicals is usually accidental.

 Injection is also a possible but less common route of entry.

Protection from a chemical frequently involves blocking its route of entry into the body.

Acute vs. Chronic

When discussing health effects it is important to look at the period of time over which health hazards may be experienced. Some health effects occur quickly, while others occur only after a longer period of time.

 Acute effects occur quickly after a short term, high concentration exposure. An example is a chemical burn from an acid splash.

 Chronic effects occur slowly over a longer term and typically low concentration. An example is exposure to smoking over a period of years, which can cause asthma and lung cancer.

The health effects of a single chemical may be different for acute exposure than for chronic exposure.

There are two general categories of chemical hazards - physical hazards and health hazards:

 Physical hazards affect or damage property as well as people. The effects of physical hazards typically occur quickly. Examples of these effects include fires, explosions, or a rapid release of gases.

 Health hazards affect the human body and may occur quickly or over a long period of time. These hazards can cause diseases or injuries, such as asthma or chemical burns. Health hazards typically affect a specific part or parts of the body.

Specific chemicals we work with may have both physical hazards and chemical hazards.

Physical hazards of chemicals effect property and/or people. These effects typically occur quickly, with little or no warning.

Physical hazard categories:

 Fire  Oxidizers  Reactives  Cryogenics

First we will look at the physical hazards related to fires and supporting fire. A fire requires a fuel, oxygen, and a source of heat or ignition.

Flammable materials are liquids that can catch fire and burn given a certain amount of heat and an ignition source. An example is gasoline. We are all aware of the ban on smoking while we are fueling our cars because of the fire hazard. Gasoline vapors catch fire very easily if given a spark.

Combustible materials are ones that will burn, but not as easily as flammable materials. Combustible materials will burn, but need higher temperatures to catch fire.

JP8, or jet fuel, is combustible. JP8 will ignite and burn, but not as easily as gasoline. We use appropriate controls to prevent ignition of both flammable and combustible materials to prevent fires.

Flashpoint is the measure of just how easily materials burn - the lower the flashpoint, the easier it is to ignite the material. From our previous example:

 Gasoline burns more readily than JP8 aviation fuel because of its lower flashpoint.

 Many solvents are flammable or combustible. Those with higher flashpoints are less likely to fuel a fire and may be considered safer solvents with which to work.

Some chemicals, while not flammable or combustible themselves, are very good promoters of fire. These materials contribute to the fire by providing oxygen which is needed to support the burning process.

We call these materials Oxidizers. A subgroup of these materials are Organic Peroxides

An example of the symbol used for Oxidizers. It is yellow, and shows the O for Oxygen and a flame.

Examples of oxidizers include:  Nitric Acid  pure O2  Hydrogen Peroxide

Now let us take a look at physical hazards that involve release of pressure or gas, sometimes violently.

Compressed gases are gases under pressure in a container or cylinder. If the container breaks, the gases are released very rapidly, yielding extreme cold as the compressed gas expands. Also, the container and its fragments may fly forcefully through the air causing damage.

Explosives are chemicals that are very sensitive to heat, flame, impact, or friction. They release uncontrolled heat and pressure over a very short period of time; one second or less. Common explosives include nitroglycerin, TNT, and Dynamite. In our aircraft, we may use explosive charges to deploy emergency slides.

Water-Reactives are chemicals which release energy violently when they come into contact with moisture, either as a liquid, or even as water vapor in the air. An example of a water-reactive material is elemental sodium, which reacts with water to violently release hydrogen gas.

The fourth category of physical hazards deals with extreme cold.

Cryogenic materials are chemicals whose storage and use involves release of very cold temperatures. This extreme cold can lead to thermal burns of the skin.

Examples of cryogenic materials include liquid nitrogen, LN2, which is used for cryofit; and dry ice, or solid Carbon Dioxide, which is used to achieve very cold temperatures.

Health hazards of chemicals are the ability of the chemical to cause a harmful effect on a person's body.

Health hazard categories include:

 Irritants  Corrosives  Sensitizers  Toxics  Carcinogens

Health hazards can vary, depending not only on what the chemical is, but its concentration, how much of the chemical you are exposed to, and for what time period.

An irritant is a chemical that causes inflammation, redness, and/or soreness to a body part at the point of contact.

Chemical irritants can effect different parts of the body. Some materials may be skin irritants while others may irritate the eyes, nose, or throat.

An example of an irritant chemical is gasoline. If you soak parts in gasoline to degrease them, and your hands are directly immersed in the liquid, the skin can get red, dry, and chapped.

An example of a respiratory and eye irritant is ammonia. This gas is extremely irritating to the eyes as well as the nose, throat, and other respiratory tissues.

A corrosive is a chemical that can burn the skin and other body tissues at the point of contact. Corrosives can also react with metals; therefore, corrosives are typically delivered and stored in plastic or glass containers.

Examples of corrosive materials are acids and bases.

 Acids include hydrochloric acid (HCL), sulfuric acid (H2SO4), and nitric acid (HNO3).

 Bases include Sodium hydroxide (NaOH), and Ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH).

The speed with which corrosives burn and eat the skin depends on which acid or base it is and how strong or concentrated it is. Acids and bases are frequently used in a water solution, so the concentration of that solution is critical to handling it safely.

Other chemicals besides acids and bases can also be corrosive if they burn the skin. The activator in many two-part resin systems is a corrosive.

Sensitizers are chemicals that can cause an allergic reaction after repeated exposure to the substance. Sensitizers can affect the skin or the respiratory system.

Sensitizers do not affect all individuals equally. You may use a sensitizing chemical only one time, once a month, or for several years before becoming sensitized to that chemical.

There are two common examples of sensitizers found in the general population:

 Poison ivy is a plant that contains a sensitizing chemical. Some people are allergic to it while others are not. People who were not sensitive to poison ivy may become sensitized after being exposed to it over time.

 Nickel is another common example of sensitivity-- some people have become sensitized to the metal nickel in tools and jewelry that contain it. Once sensitized, even a small amount of nickel can cause an allergic itching reaction to the skin.

Examples of sensitizers that may be used in Aerospace include epoxy resin systems, which can cause an allergic skin reaction, and isocyanate paints, which can cause a respiratory sensitization.

Once sensitized to a specific chemical, your reaction to that chemical increases greatly with successive exposure.

Toxic materials are chemicals that cause harm, sickness, or damage to some part or parts of the body.

 Another word for toxic is poison, and the chemical may be referred to as a toxin. Common symbols for materials that are toxins are the skull and crossbones symbol, or "Mr. Yuk," popularized by poison control centers at hospitals to help children learn to stay away from harmful materials.

We are familiar with some materials that are toxic, or poisonous, such as Arsenic, Ethyl Alcohol, and Carbon Monoxide, from news reports or crime dramas.

Each of these chemicals has a harmful effect on the body, and if you are exposed to enough of that material, it can cause death.

Carcinogens are substances that may cause cancer. Cancer occurs when normal cells change and start growing more rapidly than normal. Sometimes, but not always, these cells grow out of control, and create a tumor.

Some cancers can be caused by carcinogenic chemicals and these typically are very specific.

Examples of carcinogens include:

 Asbestos, which can, but does not always, cause lung cancer or another cancer of the lung lining, called Mesothelioma

 Benzene, which can cause leukemia, a cancer of the blood system

 Tobacco products, whether chewed or smoked, are cancer-causing chemicals

Not all toxic materials have the same effect, but they do affect specific organs or systems. Some affect the lungs or blood system, while others may affect your liver, kidneys or nervous system.

To understand how a toxic material may affect the body, you need to know which target organ may be affected by that material.

Different chemicals can attack different body systems:

 The circulatory system  The respiratory system  The reproductive system  The kidneys  The nervous system

Effects of Physical Hazards may include:

 Fires  Explosions  Release of hazardous gases  Thermal Burns

Effects of Health Hazards may include:

 Dermatitis (red dry or chapped hands)  Chemical burn of the skin  Dizziness or light-headedness  Asthma or shortness of breath  Allergic reactions  Adverse conditions of kidney, circulatory system, or other target organs

Chemicals used in the workplace may be pure chemicals or mixtures of several chemicals. For example, paints contain pigments, base materials such as resins or latex, and solvents that make them easier to spray or spread. The physical and chemical hazards of a mixture may be some combination of the hazards of each ingredient.

Chemical families are groups of chemicals that behave in similar ways.

Recognizing chemical families helps you detect possible hazards, understand their effects, and the best ways to avoid exposure.

Examples of families include:

 Solvents - may or may not be flammable. Solvent vapors typically create breathing problems and/or dry the skin. Solvents can target internal organs (kidneys and liver).

 Paints - present some of the same hazards as solvents, and may also contain metals such as lead and/or chrome.

 Oils and greases - are primarily skin irritants.

 Adhesives, resins, and sealers - can be 2-part systems that are irritants, and can also be sensitizers.

 Cleaners - may be as simple as soap solutions, or can be more aggressive cleaners that can burn the skin.

Remember…

 All chemicals have hazards, whether physical, chemical, or both. Chemicals can be used safely if we understand the hazards and use the equipment and practices put in place to control those specific hazards.

 You have a right to know about the chemicals you work with, and you have a responsibility to handle them according to established procedures for safety.

When working around hazardous chemicals, it is important to know where to find information on the chemicals themselves and the hazards that are associated with them.

 For example, when you pump gas, you may notice there are many signs that communicate the potential hazards associated with gasoline, in addition to information on where more information can be found.

There are several places to find information about the chemicals you work with:

 Work sites have a list of the chemicals used at that site  There may also be a smaller list of chemicals used in your specific work area  Labels identifying chemical contents are found on containers

Each site has a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for each chemical used or stored in the area

 There may be process information telling you the specific nature of the chemical hazards in the process

Chemical containers are required to have a basic identification label. These labels are either provided by the manufacturer, or prepared and provided by the employer.

Remember  Labels must be legible.  When a label is no longer legible, replace it!

Labels must display:

1. Name of the material as it appears on the MSDS 2. Hazards of the material 3. Name of the manufacturer or packager

All chemical containers must be labeled. Non- hazardous materials (such as water) must be labeled so they are not confused with hazardous materials.

Another labeling system that you may have seen to identify large tanks is one developed by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

It is composed of a diamond divided into 4 sections.

Each section covers a particular hazard and uses a certain color.

 Red = Flammable  Blue = Health  Yellow = Reactivity  White = Other hazards

In each section, the hazard is rated from 0-4, with 0 being the lowest hazard and 4 being the highest.

Reading NFPA Numbers and Colors Together

Reading the numbers AND the colors tells you if anything about the materials is very dangerous - and what that danger might be.

The example in the next slide is an NFPA label for gasoline:

"4" in the red area means the material is highly flammable

"1" in the blue area means that the material is slightly hazardous

"0" in yellow area means the material is relatively non-reactive

DOT Numbering and Color-Coding

The Department of Transportation (DOT) labeling system for hazardous materials uses colors and symbols to communicate hazards.

You may see these labels on individual containers, drums, or vehicles.

OSHA requires every manufacturer to provide safety information about their products in a standard format.

The Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is that standard format. This is another method used to communicate information about hazardous materials.

Manufacturers are required to send MSDSs with the shipments of their chemical products.

Not all MSDSs are easy to read. If you need help contact your supervisor.

Learning to detect the release of hazardous chemicals is an important component of Hazard Communication training.

When you drive up to a gas station and get out of your car, the familiar smell of gasoline acts as a means of knowing that a hazardous, flammable material is present.

In addition, on warm days, the physical properties of gasoline result in gasoline vapors indicating release of the material.

There are a number of ways to detect the presence and/or release of hazardous chemicals:

 Recognizing warning signs and common chemical storage equipment

 Using the five senses (Sight, Smell, Touch, Taste, Hearing)

 Specific Chemical Alarms

It is important to recognize common warning signs used to identify the presence of chemicals.

Common warning signs are located on storage equipment :

 Flammable Storage Cabinets  Bulk tanks  Placards on vehicles  Tank lines  Paint Booths

Chemical warning properties are those characteristics of a chemical that let you know it is present.

 Some chemicals, like ammonia, have good (effective) warning properties: their odor is strong or unpleasant and easily detected. For example, ammonia's odor is so irritating that you naturally move away from it.

 Other chemicals, such as carbon monoxide (CO), have poor warning properties - they are difficult or impossible to detect with the five senses.

 Carbon monoxide is odorless and tasteless. Blocked furnace flues or grilling inside closed garages can produce fatal doses of CO.

Each of the 5 senses helps to warn us of the presence of chemicals.

 Sight: smoke, steam, vapors with color

 Smell: odor (for example gasoline, propane or ammonia)

 Touch: chemicals may be cold, cause tingle sensations, irritation, or burns

 Taste: you can actually taste salts forming in your mouth when exposed to a chemical tank line with acid processes

 Hearing: there may be hissing of leaks from lines or tanks or chemical release alarms

Remember…

 Just because you see/hear/smell/taste or feel something, does not necessarily mean you are at risk.

 On the other hand, because you don't see/hear/smell/taste or feel anything does not mean you are safe.

Alarms

Some operations have detection and alarm systems because of the difficulty to detect the presence of hazardous conditions.

These systems use sensitive chemical detection technology to identify the presence of specific chemicals early enough before a hazard exists.

Always respond appropriately to any alarm, and report it as necessary to the appropriate authorities.

Your awareness, remaining alert, and following guidelines regarding your protection, are always required. But these things alone are not always enough to keep you safe in the workplace.

As you work, you are covered by three levels of protection:

 Engineering Controls  Administrative Controls  Personal Protective Equipment

Engineering controls can include the way the work space is designed, the way the processes are defined, or what chemicals are used.

Examples of engineering controls:

 Ventilation (paint shop ventilation or fume hoods)

 Enclosures (including glove boxes and paint booths

 Isolation (including robotic paint rooms)

Administrative controls involve procedures and human behaviors.

Specific examples include:

 Rotating workers through various job assignments so that they do not exceed exposure thresholds.

 Training employees on chemical hazards and procedures.

 Controlling worker access to areas with chemical hazards. For example: areas with carcinogens (such as asbestos).

 Proper housekeeping. Reducing clutter reduces the chances of spills and other chemical exposures.

 Establishing chemical hygiene work practices.

 Performing certain operations at night or on back-shift when fewer staff are present.

Chemical Hygiene and Work Practices include:

 Washing hands after using chemicals

 Keeping chemical containers closed when not in use

 Not eating near, or on surfaces where chemicals have been used

 Not using tobacco products or applying make-up in chemical use areas

 Using caution when wearing contact lenses

 Not storing food, cigarettes, or make-up near chemicals

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is the third level of protection. PPE place a barrier between you and the chemical.

Use PPE where engineering controls, such as ventilation, or administrative controls cannot adequately control the hazardous exposure.

Examples of commonly used PPE include:

 Goggles & safety glasses  Face shields  Respiratory equipment  Protective clothing  Hard hats  Gloves & footwear  Hearing protection  Aprons  Fall Protection

Personal protective equipment is not optional!

 OSHA requires employers to specify when PPE is required, and to provide PPE to employees

 OSHA requires employees to use the PPE when required by procedure

 The PPE used must meet the requirements of the appropriate standard rules, such as NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) and/or ANSI (American National Standards Institute)

PPE works by creating a barrier between an employee and the hazard.

Safety glasses, goggles, welding helmets, filter lenses, and face shields are designed to prevent injuries to the eyes and face that can result from:

 Flying objects  Dust particles  Liquid splashes  Glare  Chemical vapors or gases  Radiation

Earplugs, canal caps and earmuffs are designed to protect your hearing from noise damage that can result from:

 Machinery  Boiler tools  Power tools  Internal combustion engines  Pumps

There are four routes of entry for chemicals into the body:

 Inhalation  Ingestion  Skin absorption  Injection

Blocking a route of entry relies on:

 Selecting the right protective device or method

 Using the device correctly

 Using the device for the proper period of time

 Replacing equipment or clothing when necessary

Various PPE provide protection for specific parts of your body:

 Eyes and face  Hands  Body (torso)  Feet  Other

Be sure to consult local procedures and manuals for types and limitations of all PPE.

Injuries to the eyes and face can result from:

Flying objects Dust particles Liquid splashes Glare Chemical vapors or gases Radiation

Safety glasses, goggles (chemical or impact), welding helmets, filter lenses, and face shields are designed to prevent injuries from these hazards.

Just keep these requirements in mind:

 Use safety glasses/goggles/face shields around chemicals and flying particles

 Use goggles and face shields when working with liquid chemicals

 Proper shading number welding lens used for welding/cutting tasks, glare screens

 Laser safety goggles to be used around laser light

Injuries to the arms and hands can result from, among other sources:

 Heat and cold sources  Sharp objects and edges  Hazardous chemicals  Electric shock  Poisonous plants  Radiation

Use gloves and protective sleeves to reduce exposure to these hazards.

Barrier materials are very specific to the chemicals they will protect you from.

No chemical glove material will provide protection against all chemicals, and all chemical barrier materials work for only a limited time.

The size, condition and type of glove makes a difference!

 Gloves must be the correct thickness and material for the chemical being used

 Gloves must be free of holes, tears, and distortion

 Gloves must fit well

 Cuffs of gloves should be rolled back to prevent drips from dripping back to the arm

 Cover and bandage any skin lacerations prior to putting gloves on

 Wear cotton glove liners under chemical protective gloves in order to address hand perspiration

Your employer will provide you with guidance on which glove to use and how frequently they should be changed for your specific work processes.

Injuries to the torso (center areas of the body) can result from, among other sources:

 Heat  Extreme cold  Liquid or hot metal splashes  Cuts  Hazardous materials  Radiation  Electric shock

Depending on the type of hazard, appropriate PPE includes vests, coveralls, aprons, or vapor and splash protection suits.

Even our feet are at risk - from injuries due to:

 Falling or rolling objects  Sharp objects  Electrical shock  Hot or cold liquids and temperatures  Wet or slippery surfaces

Safety toed/leather shoes or chemically resistant shoes may protect feet from hazards.

Specialized forms of personal protective equipment, including respirators and other devices for fall protection and radiation protection, require specialized training.

Remember, no matter what situation calls for PPE use, always:

 Match the PPE to the type of hazard.

 Be aware of chemical compatibility between the protective item and the chemical.

 Inspect PPE items before use. Reject equipment that has holes, tears, or other damage.

Remember, no matter what situation calls for PPE use, always:

 If you're unsure of how to use equipment, ask for instruction.

 Know the correct procedures for storing PPE and its disposal.

 Dispose of all gloves and other PPE that have been exposed to chemicals.