Document M0zaJGzeX5gqEZ0nKXy9O2bL

41CHAPTER TABLE OF CHEMICAL HAZARDS Using Hie table: recognition . Format of Hie table: listings Table of chemical hoxordt----- evaluation . definitions control----references. 41-1 41-2 41-4 The safety engineer is required to make judgments on the degree of hazard associ ated with chemical exposures It is his duty, therefore, to obtain information on the fire and health hazards of these chem icals and use it to evaluate and, where nec essary, control the exposures This chapter tabulates the basic physical constants of many common industrial chem icals. New chemicals are being introduced and new data on the properties of existing chemicals are constantly being published and revised For this reason, the safety en gineer should also consult the most up-todate revisions of the references referred to for each chemical. . Using the Table Recognition The material in this chapter can be used to determine the degree of fire and health hazards in using a new chemical For ex ample, the safety engineer can compare evaporation rates, vapor volumes, and Hath points and choose a solvent that combines the lowest volatility and fire and health hazards consistent with process needs Then too, this tabulation can serve as a means of gaining familiarity with the prop erties of chemicals--liquids, dusts, gases, vapors, and solids--encountered in the work ing environment Evaluation Also in this chapter is the fundamental information needed for a preliminary evalu ation of a chemical hazard The more com plex problems require the services of an industrial hygienist The following is an example in which the degree of health hazard resulting from a solvent exposure is to be evaluated using data from the Table in this chapter. Tnchloroetbylene is being used in a raetal-finishing workroom 20 by 10 by 20 ft In an 8-hr workday, 5 gal of the solvent is lost through evaporation There are two air changes per hour Is there a potential health hazard7 Solution Assuming there is complete mixing of the trichloroethylene throughout the workroom, then Volume of room = 20 x 10 x 20 = 4,000 cu ft This chapter was revised by Grant Shibley, based upon reviews by selected mem bers of the National Safety Council 41-1