Document O1a4nRaqJKN29nDEzgb3KRwyK
STATES OF MATTER
One reason for focusing on states of matter in this presentation is that it provides a convenient way of presenting problems of containment of chemical substances and of explaining ways in which chemicals can be transported from one place to another. Another reason is that the concept helps draw attention to various routes of exposure.
A consideration of states of matter should help locate the source of a hazard. Solids can be found in containers such as drums or bags but may also sometimes be found on floors or bench tops, even though they shoukJn t be there. Liquids are also confined to their containers, which may be cans or bottles; but they also can get loose. Gases are supposed to be in gas cylinders, but when they get out. they dif fuse to fill the available space.
The further possibility of a change of state may result in a far wider dispersion of a chemical and a correspondingly greater chance of exposure.
Gases, of course, can be dispersed more easily than chemicals in the other states. They may penetrate ordinary clothing, and they may be adsorbed on various surfaces. It should be noted that the density of gases may cause them to collect in layers and to rise or settle. This may result in an increased fire or explosion hazard or in an increased danger of toxic exposure.
Liquids can evaporate, and the vapors can then pose the same kinds of hazards as gases. Liquids may also act as solvents both for gases and solids, and thus even if they are themselves inert, they may serve as a medium for carrying and dispersing hazardous materials.
Solids can get into the air and be dispersed in the form of dust particles. Some substances can go directly from the solid to the gaseous state (sublime) and so pose the same hazards as gases.
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ROUTES OF ENTRY
Industrial hygiene studies have been concentrated on a number of obvious danger points through which chemicals can come in contact with the body. The first point of contact is usually the skin, by direct contact. Because of their particular sensitivity and importance, the eyes are often given special attention. Chemicals can also get into the body by being swallowed. Normally this could only happen by accident in the chemical workplace, and it is something of a strain to imagine how such an accident could happen. It should be fatrly obvious that a chemical process area is entirely unsuited for use as a lunch room, but you may feel that it is necessary to point this out. Finally, gases can be particularly dangerous because they will be breathed in.
This consideration of routes of entry leads in turn to a consideration of the kind of protective gear required. The completeness of protection required depends on the severity of the hazard that may be encountered. Protective clothing, goggles, gloves, face masks, and respirators are all possibilities. The particular hazard in your plant should be evaluated, and the appropriate response made. The right protective equipment must be picked for the job. Some solvents will go right through shoe leather and on through the skin of the foot.
Obviously, workers must be trained in the location, use. and maintenance of protective equipment. Cleaning and disposal of contaminated equipment should also be provided for: it is not rational or safe to wear a source of contamination.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF EXPOSURE
The body will probably react to exposure to harmful chemicals. Itching, smarting or stinging sensations, reddening of the skin or a skin rash, eye irritation or reddening, choking or difficulty in breathing may result from exposure to hazardous chemicals. Inhalation of hazardous chemicals can resuit in nausea or dizziness. Some chemicals will have an anesthetic effect and will cause drowsiness or unconsciousness.
Individuals may very widely in their sensitivity to chemical exposure so, even if other workers seem to be unaffected, it is no proof that a worker complaining is "gokJbricking".
The body's own senses are extremely sensitive detectors. The OSHA standard recognizes this in requiring familiarization with the appearance and odor of chemicals used in a particular work area.
Note that some chemicals can cause harm without being noticed. Hydrofluoric acid, for instance, can penetrate the skin and cause extensive damage without causing pain. Clearly, it is necessary to know about this kind of behavior ahead of time and to take ex tra precautions in such cases.
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MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS
The OSHA standard requires that chemical manufacturers and importers obtain or develop Material Safety Data Sheets for each hazardous chemical they produce or import. The information contained on the MSDS shall include at feast the following:
The identity used on the label; Physical and chemical characteristics, e.g.. vapor pressure, flash point; Physical hazards, e.g., potential for fire or explosion, reactivity; Health hazards, including signs and symptoms of exposure and medical conditions
aggravated by exposure to the chemical: Primary routes of entry to the body; Required or recommended exposure limits or threshold limit values; h Recognition as a potential carcinogen; Required or recommended procedures for handling, use. protective measures
during repair, and clean-up procedures; Appropriate engineering controls, work practices, or personal protective
equipment; Emergency and first aid procedures: Date of preparation of the MSOS and of changes to it; The name, address, and telephone number of a responsible person who can
provide further information on the hazardous chemical and emergency procedures, if necessary.
MEASURING AND MONITORING
An essential component of a plant safety program is the monitoring of the plant environment An explanation of the need for and the importance of the monitoring program wiH do much to allay the worker's apprehensions. Mysterious black boxes are likely to rouse anyone's suspicions. Process control equipment (temperature and pres sure gauges, pH meters, for example) should be easy to explain. Sampling devices, whether batch or continuous, can also be pointed out If it is appropriate, mention can be made of threshold limit values or peak concentration monitoring.
It is natural enough for a worker to regard a personally worn monitor as a nuisance. Emphasize that personal monitoring equipment has a serious purpose and is used to protect the worker's health.
77w's is an opportunity for you to provide instruction in the use, proper care, and maintenance of personal monitoring equipment in your pient.
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HEALTH HAZARDS
Some of the hazards considered by the OSHA standard can be evaluated in terms of physical measurements. For instance, the Department of Transportation definition of a corrosive substance is based on the rate at which a steel plate it eaten away. However, even though it is less exact, the OSHA standard defines the hazards in terms of health ef fects. Corrosive hazards are evaluated in terms of results of skin testing on rabbits.
The hazards specifically defined by the standard are: Carcinogens. These are substances that have been determined to cause cancer or
to potentially cause cancer. Carcinogens or potential carcinogens are identified by the United Nations International Agency for Research on Cancer and the U.S. National Toxicology Program and may be already regulated as such by OSHA. Corrosives. These substances are defined in terms of a rabbit skin test. Label and MSDS information is important, because the chemical name may mislead an untrained worker. For example, many acids are corrosive, but not all acids are corrosive. And not all corrosives are acids. Highly toxic. These substances are extremely poisonous in extremely small doses (defined in terms of animal tests). The normal danger is from ingestion, but dermal or inhalation toxicity is also a possibility. Irritants. These substances cause inflammation of the skin or eyes. The effects are evaluated in terms of rabbit skin or eye tests; Sensitizers. These substances cause a substantial proportion of exposed people to develop an allergic reaction. a Toxic. These substances are distinguished from the "highly toxic" category be cause a larger dose is required to cause an effect. Target organ effects. The standard gives examples of chemicals that selectively damage the liver (carbon tetrachloride, for example), kidneys (haiogenated hydro carbons), nervous system (carbon disulfide), blood or blood-forming organs (cyan ides), lungs (asbestos), reproductive system (dibromochloropropane), skin (ke tones). or eyes (acids).
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DEFINITION OF CARCINOGENS
Carcinogens are substances that cause cancer. Harmful health effects of chemicals can range from gross destruction of tissue (as with corrosives) to interference with normal body functioning (as with toxic materials) to disruption of processes within body cells that affect their ability to divide. In cancer, modified body cells start reproducing and continue to do so out of control. This leads to tumor formation and is a severe assault on the body s normal functioning.
Cancer is not a single disease. Many types of body cells can show cancerous activity and result in different symptoms. The causes of cancer are not definitely known, although many of them are thought to be dietetic or environmental. Medical research is making continued progress in isolating the causes. Methods of treatment are also improving and showing a higher rate of success.
It has long been known that exposure to some substances is correlated with the development of cancer. With regard to dose levels and the duration of exposure, the range of effects seems to be broad. Some authorities hold that there is no safe exposure level, and this conservative view is certainly the safest one to take. From an occupational safety and health point of view the definition of a carcinogen results from its effects in animal testing. Specific exposure tests have been prescribed to be performed on test animals. The tests take about two years to run and analyze, so they are expensive and the amount of information obtained does not accumulate rapidly. There is an argument about the applicability of test data obtained with animals to humans.
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According to the OSHA standard, a chemical is considered to be a carcinogen if it has been;
Evaluated by the International Agency for Research on Cancer and found to be a carcinogen or potential carcinogen;
Listed m the Annual Report on Carcinogens published by the National Toxicology Program as a carcinogen or potential carcinogen.
Regulated by OSHA as a carcinogen. OSHA specifically regulates the following 18 substances;
2-Acetyiaminofluorene Acrylonitrile 4-Aminodiphenyl Arsenic, inorganic Benzidine bis-Chloromethyl ether Coke oven emissions 1,2-Dibromo-3*chloropropane 3.3'*Dichlorobenzidine
4-Dimethylaminoazobenzene Ethyleneimme Methyl chloromethyl ether alpha-Naphthylamine beta-Naphthyiamme 4-Nitrobi phenyl N-Nitrosodimethyiamine beta~Propioiactone Vinyl chloride.
it is important to keep the problem of carcinogens in the proper perspective. Millions of chemicals are known. Of these, perhaps 40.000 find some use in the chemical industry and commerce. Any given plant is not likely to use more than 2.000 at the most. Yet OSHA only specifically regulates 18 compounds.
According to the OSHA standard, information on whether a compound is a carcino gen or not must be included on a safety label and a Material Safety Oata Sheet for the substance.
HEALTH HAZARDS POSED BY CARCINOGENS
The problem of cancer initiation is extremely complex. Not only are the causes uncertain and possibly a combination of factors, including individual susceptibility; but the effects are not immediate. Some cancers may not become active for twenty years, so it is very difficult to trace back from the effect to the cause.
Further complications arise because of the existence of promoters, substances which are not themselves carcinogenic but which can ultimately allow other substances to have a carcinogenic effect.
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DEFINITION OF CORROSIVES
Corrosives are chemical substances that react with sufficient vigor to destroy the structural integnty of other materials. Some of them can eat away metals, and others can cause severe iniury to living tissue resulting in the killing of body cells. From an occupational safety and health point of view the definition of a corrosive results from its effects on living tissue rather than on metal plates. Specific tests have been prescribed to be performed on test animals (usually rabbits), and corrosives are compounds that cause, in the words of the OSHA standard, "visible destruction of. or irreversible alterations in. living tissue by chemical action at the site of contact" during a four-hour test period. Corrosives are thus defined in terms of their chemical and physiological action, which does not have any particular relation to the chemical structural class. In other words, the name or structure alone is insufficient to identify a substance as a corrosive. For example, strong acids are corrosives (in its use here, "strong" is a technical term meaning highly ionized), but that is not to say that all acids are corrosives. Boric acid, for instance, is used as an eyewash, information on whether a compound is a corrosive or not must ultimately be based on experimentation and will be recorded on a safety label and a Material Safety Oata Sheet for the substance.
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HEALTH HAZARDS POSED BY CORROSIVES
The degree of danger posed by a compound depends on its reactivity. The amount of
damage that can result depends on this reactivity, the concentration of the chemical, and the duration of exposure.
Some substances are extremely dangerous; they will cause skin destruction in the animal test in less than three minutes exposure. Other substances have a slower corrosive action (resulting in skin destruction in from three to 60 minutes) but are regarded as particularly dangerous because the vapor is toxic. Some chemicals in this worst group are:
Aliyl chiorocarbonate Bromine Chromium oxychloride Chromosuifuric acid Fluorosulfonie acid Hydrofluoric acid Hydrofluoric acid Nitrating acid, mixtures Nitric acid
Nitrohydrochloric acid Selemc acid Selenium oxychloride Sulfur trioxide Sulfur chlorides Sulfuryi chloride Thionyl chloride Triffuoroacetic acid Vanadium tetrachloride-
Substances are regarded as presenting a medium danger if they can cause skin destruction in from three minutes to 60 minutes under test conditions but have no particular additional hazard. Some of these chemicals are:
Acetic anhydride Acetic acid (50% to 80% concentration) Acetic acid, glacial Acetyl bromide Acetyl iodide Acetyl bromide Acetyl iodide Acrylic add Alkyl, aryi or toluene sulfonic acid
Ethyl chlorthioformate Ethyiphenyidichiorosilane Ethylsulfuric add Fluorotooric add Ruorosiiidc add Formic add Fumaryl chloride Hexafluorophosphoric add Hexyl trichlorosilane
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Aikylammes Ailyl tnchlorosilane Aluminum chloride Aluminum bromide Ammonium hydrogen sulfate Ammonium hydrogen sulfate Ammonium polysulfide Ammonium hydrogen fluoride Ammonium sulfide Anisoyi chloride Antimony pentachloride Benzotnchlonde Benzoyl chloride Benzyl bromide Boron trifluoride diethyl etherate Boron trifluoride dihydrate Boron trifluoride propionic acid
complex Boron trifluoride acetic acid complex Bromoacetyl bromide Butyl trichlorosilane Caustic alkali liquids, not otherwise
specified Cesium hydroxide Chioroacetic acid Chloroacetyl chloride Chromic acid Chromic fluoride t .5.9-Cydododecanetriene Cyclohexenyftrichlorosilane Oi-n-butytamine Oibenzyldichlorosilane Oichioroacetlc acid Oichioroacetyi chloride
Dichlorophenyl trichlorosilane
Hydrazine hydrate (not more than 64% by wetght)
Hydriodic acid Hydrobromic acid Hydrochloric acid Iodine monochlonde Lithium hydroxide Nitrosylsulfunc acid Nonyi trichlorosilane Octadecyl trichlorosilane Octyl trichlorosilane 1-Pentol Phenyacetyt chloride Phenyl trichlorosilane Phenyl phosphorus thiodichloride Phenyl phosphorus dichloride Phosphorus tribromide Phosphorus trichloride Phosphorus oxychloride Phosphorus pentachloride Phosphorus pentabromide Phosphorus oxybromide Potassium biffuoride Potassium oxide Potassium hydrogen sulfate Potassium hydroxide Propyl trichlorosilane Pyrosulfuryl chloride Rubidium hydroxide Silicon tetrachloride Sodium hydroxide Sodium monoxide Sodium hydrogen fluoride Sodium sulfide Stannic chloride, anhydrous
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N.N-Oiethyethyiene diamine Oiethyldichiorosilane Oiethyienetnamine Diethylthiophosphoryl chloride N.N-Oimethylcarbamoyl chloride N.N-Dimethyicyciohexylamme Oiphenyldichlorosilane Diphenyimethyl bromide Dodecyl trichiorosilane
Sulfuric acid Thiophosphoryl chloride Titanium trichloride Trichloroacetic acid Trichloroacetyl chloride Triethylenetetramme Trimethylacetyl chloride Valeryl chlorides Vanadium oxytnchioride
Substances regarded as presenting a definition of skin destruction in a four-hour
r degree of danger (but still meeting the include:
N-Ammoethylpiperazine
Ammonia solutions (from 10 to 35% ammonia)
Amyl acid phosphate Benzene suifonyl chloride Butyl acid phosphate Butyric acid Chloropropionic acid Crotonic acid Cyanuric chloride Dicyclohexyiamine 3-<Diethylamino)propylamine Oimethylthiophosphoryl
chloride Ethanolamine 2-Ethylhexylamme
Hydroxylamine sulfate 3.3'-lminotoispropylamine isophoronediamine Methacrylic acid Phosphoric acid Phosphorous acid Phosphorus thoxide Propionic anhydride Propionic add Tetraethylenepentamine Tributylamine Triethyienediamine Trimethyfcydohexylamine Vanadium trichloride Zirconium tetrachloride
It should be noted that some materials can pose multiple threats. The possibility of inhalation toxicity has been mentioned, and some substances are not only corrosive but are readily absorbed through the skin and can cause further systemic damage or poisoning. Corrosives are obviously especially reactive chemicals, and sometimes they can react with other chemicals to result in a worsened hazard situation. Some substances can decompose at high temperatures to release toxic gases. Others can react with water or even moisture in the air to release harmful substances. Others can react with organic material to generate heat. Others are not only corrosives but also flammable liquids or oxidizing materials. Information on these added dangers should be obtainable
from a Material Safety Data Sheet.
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DEFINITION OF GASES
A gas is a material in a state of matter that tends to fill the space available to it. if it is confined in a container it will expand to fill the whole container, and if it is loose in the air it will diffuse to fill a confining space (a room or building). Gases can pose the physical hazards associated with material kept at high pressure or readily flammable. Some gases also pose a health hazard because of their carcinogenic, poisonous, or corrosive characteristics. It is convenient to treat gases as a single class of compounds from the point of view of thetr handling and use m a chemical plant.
Gases can be liquefied by subjecting them to pressure or by lowering their tempera* turg. The ease with which this can be done depends on the molecular weight and the chemical structure of the substance. Permanent gases are those that cannot be liquefied at ordinary temperatures (hydrogen, oxygen). Liquefied gases can become liquid under pressure at ordinary temperatures (methyl bromide). Some gases will dissolve under pressure in a solvent, usually absorbed on porous material (acetylene). Some gases can be liquified at extremely low temperatures (oxygen is liquid at atmospheric pressure at -183C or -297"F). The practical consequence of this is that different gases may be stored under a wide range of pressure conditions-from atmospheric pressure to perhaps five times atmospheric. Even higher pressures can occur at higher temperatures or under reaction conditions.
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HEALTH HAZARDS POSED BY GASES
The health hazards identified by the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard are:
Carcinogens; Corrosive materials; Toxic materials; irritants; Sensitizers: Substances affecting target organs.
If a gaseous substance presents one of these health hazards, the OSHA standard requires that information about the hazard should be listed on a hazard label and also be available on a Material Safety Oata Sheet (MSDS).
The fact that a substance is in the gaseous state automatically increases the danger of exposure because of the possibility of inhalation and eye and skin exposure.
The OSHA standard requires labeling of "highly toxic" and "toxic" substances as determined from animal testing. Some poisonous gases are:
Ammonia, anhydrous Arsine 8oron trifluoride Bromine chloride Carbon monoxide Carbonyl fluoride Carbonyl sulfide Chlorine Cyanogen Diborane Oichlorosilane Ethylene oxide Fluorine
Germane Hydrogen chloride,
anhydrous Hydrogen fluoride, anhydrous Hydrogen sulfide Methyl bromide Methyl chloride Nitric oxide Nitrosyl chloride Phosgene Phosphine Selenium hexafluoride Sulfur dioxide
Some flammable gases, which may pose a threat of fire or explosion, are:
Acetylene Butadiene Butane
Ethylene Ethyl methyl ether Hydrogen sulfide
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Caroonyt suiflde Cyanogen Ciborane Dimethyl ether Ethane Ethylamine Ethyl chloride
Hydrogen Methane Phosphine Propane Silane Vinyl chloride Vinyl bromide
Some corrosive gases are:
Boron trichloride Bromine chloride Chlorine pentafluoride
Hydrogen bromide, anhydrous Hydrogen chloride, anhydrous Nitrosyl chloride
Many gases are heavier than air and thus tend to form layers at the lowest level they can reach. Concentrations at floor level or in equipment wells may reach unexpectedly high levels. Even inert or nontoxic gases can displace air and collect in concentrations high enough to be suffocating.
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DEFINITION OF EXPLOSIVES
An explosive s a chemical substance that in itself can react to produce gas at a temperature and pressure and at such a speed as to damage the surroundings. The explosive reaction can be initiated by ignition or shock. The severity of the reaction depends on the particular material and the conditions present. A whole range of effects is
possible, including:
Mass explosion hazard, in which the whole mass of the explosive substance is affected practically instantaneously;
Projection hazard, in which a propulsive jet i$ formed but not a mass explosion hazard:
Fire hazard or minor blast hazard:
Relative insensitivity to ignition or shock.
Besides the hazard of explosive substances, there is the hazard of explosive conditions in the workplace. Concentrations of vapor from a flammable substance may build up to form a combustible or explosive atmosphere. There is a characteristic lower concentration limit that must be reached before the mixture becomes explosive. For instance, the following are some lower combustion limits for some substances in air
(percent by volume):
Acetone Benzene Carbon disulfide Diethyl ether
2.5 1.4 1.2 1.8
Ethyl alcohol Hydrogen Octane Propane
3.2 4.0 0.9 2.1
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Considering the whole air space available, these numbers may seem fairly high. However, an explosive atmosphere need only build up in the immediate vicinity of the source, if an explosion occurs, it will almost certainly start a fire m the mam body of mate rial. which will spread and which will also disperse the material.
Characteristically, there is an upper explosive concentration also, where the mixture becomes so fuel-rich that it will not ignite. This is not a significant consideration m a safety program.
Although mixtures of gases and vapors with air are likely to pose the principal explosive hazard, explosive mixtures can also be formed with dust particles m the air. For instance, flour mills have a serious problem controlling airborne particles.
Explosive hazards can also result from the use of chemical equipment. Pressure can build up in pumping operations or in distillation columns.
Chemical processes can also result in explosions. Many reactions result in a release of heat, which in turn will accelerate the reaction, which eventually may proceed with explosive vigor.
HEALTH HAZARDS POSED BY EXPLOSIVES
The principal danger posed by explosives is the physical one of detonation. Some explosive compounds may have a subsidiary health risk. For instance, nitroglycerin and dinitrophenol are toxic. Substances that are toxic, irritants, or sensitizers must be so labeled under the provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Hazard Communica tion Standard (effective November 1965). Hazard warning information must be contained on a label and on a Material Safety Data Sheet for the material.
Because considerable physical disruption can be expected from an explosion, the possibility of the release of toxic materials present in the workpiece should be consid ered.
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DEFINITION OF OXIDIZERS
The common definition of oxidation is the reaction of a material with oxygen (actually more highly technical definitions are sometimes used, but they need not concern us here). The source of the oxygen can be the atmosphere, which contains about 20% oxygen. Common oxidation reactions using atmospheric oxygen are respiration (breath ing), combustion (burning), or slow oxidation processes like rusting. The rate at which these reactions proceed depends on the concentration of oxygen present, among other factors. The oxygen in air is diluted by inert nitrogen in a ratio of four to one. so that the
rate of oxidation is much less than it would be with pure oxygen.
Oxidizers are substances that can release oxygen when they react and thus provide a self-contained source of energy to fuel a reaction (again, in a broader technical sense
oxidizers may contain no oxygen-chlorine is an example). This property is very important in promoting useful chemical reactions, but it can also be a source of hazard. Oxidizers are very reactive compounds, and the kinds of reactions that can occur depend on the other reactants that they come into contact with and the reaction conditions. When combining with combustible materials, oxidizers will bum fiercely. In contact with other substances spontaneous combustion may occur that is, a slow oxidation reaction will cause heat to build up and uitimataly result in combustion. WHh other substances, explosive mixtures may form that may be sensitive to friction. And finally, with extremely reactive substances, oxidizers may cause immediate combustion or explosion. All of
these reactions are likely to proceed with considerable vigor releasing heat and possibly toxic gases.
Some common oxidizers are:
Aluminum nitrate Ammonium dichromate Ammonium nitrate
Chlorates Hydrogen peroxide Magnesium nitrate
Potassium nitrate Potassium peroxide Potassium persulfate
Bromine pentafiuoride Calcium chlorate Calcium perchlorate
Perchlorates Permanganates Potassium nitrate
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Sodium nitrate Sodium permanganate Sodium peroxide
ORGANIC PEROXIDES
A special class of oxidizers very useful for their chemical properties is organic peroxides. They, too. can react explosively when involved in a fire. The transportation hazard label will normally say "Organic Peroxide." A few examples of organic peroxides
are:
Acetyl peroxide Benzoyl peroxide Bis-{1-hydroxycyciohexyi) peroxide iso-Butyl methyl ketone peroxide
tert-Butyi peroxyacetate Di-(tert*butyl peroxy) phthaiate Peracetic acid Tetraiin hydroperoxide.
HEALTH HAZARDS POSED BY OXIDIZERS
Oxidizers as a class are not defined as a health hazard. They are more of a safety hazard, and the dangers of fire and explosion either from the compound itself or on reaction with another material have been pointed out. The health hazards identified by the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard are:
Carcinogens; Corrosive materials; Toxic materials; Irritants; Sensitizers; Substances affecting target organs.
if a substance presents one of these health hazards, and many oxidizers do, information about the hazard should be contained on a health-hazard label and also be available on a Material Safety Data Sheet according to the requirements of the OSHA standard.
Apart from these possible dangers, unnecessary exposure to any chemical should be avoided. Oxidizers are highly reactive, sometimes reset with moisture to release toxic materials, and can cause bums.
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DEFINITION OF POISONS
Poisons are substances that are liable to cause death or sehous injury it they are swallowed, inhaled, or come in contact with the skin. Mechanisms by which poisons act may differ widely, but the level of action is usually physiological. The poison interferes with the proper functioning of the body, for instance by affecting oxygen distribution in the bloodstream or by blocking nerve impulses. From an occupational safety and health point of view the definition of a toxic substance results from its effects on test animals. The OSHA standard defines two categories of health hazard. These are:
Highly toxic materials. A chemical falling within any of the following categories: a. A chemical that has a median lethal dose of 50 milligrams or less per kilogram of body weight when administered orally to albino rats weighing between 200 and 300 grams each. b. A chemical that has a median lethal dose of 200 milligrams or less per kilogram of body weight when administered by continuous contact for 24 hours (or less if death occurs within 24 hours) with the bare skin of albino rabbits weighing between two and three kilograms each. c. A chemical that has a median lethal concentration in air of 200 parts per million by volume or less of gas or vapor, or 2 milligrams per liter or less of mist, fume, or dust, when administered by continuous inhalation for one hour (or less if death occurs within one hour) to albino rats weighing between 200 and 300 grams each.
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Toxic materials. A chemical falling within any of the following categories: a. A chemical that has a median lethal dose of more than SO milligrams per kilogram but not more than 500 milligrams per kilogram of body weight when administered orally to albino rats weighing between 200 and 300 grams each. b. A chemical that has a median lethal dose of more than 200 milligrams per kilogram but not more than 1,000 milligrams per kilogram of body weight when administered by continuous contact for 24 hours (or less if death occurs within 24 hours) with the bare skin of albino rabbits weighing between two and three kilograms each. c. A chemical that has a median lethal concentration in air of more than 200 parts per million but not more than 2,000 parts per million by volume of gas or vapor, or more than 2 milligrams per liter but not more than 20 milligrams per liter of mist, fume, or dust, when administered by continuous inhalation for one hour (or less if death occurs within one hour) to albino rats weighing between 200 and 300 grams each.
Other classes of substances that have a physiological action and are defined as health hazards by the OSHA standard are:
Irritants. Chemicals that are not corrosive but cause a reversible inflammatory effect on living tissue by chemical action at the site of contact. Conditions for a rabbit skin test are specified in federal regulations. Eye irritants are also defined in terms of animal tests in federal regulations. Note that the definition of an irritant is different in the shipping reglations of the Department of Transportation: an irritant is defined as a substance that in contact with fire or air gives off dangerous or in* tensely irritating fumes. Because this is a more severe hazard, care should be taken to distinguish between shipping labels and health-effects labels.
Sensitizers. Chemicals that cause a substantial proportion of exposed people or animals to develop an allergic reaction in normal tissue after repeated exposure to the chemical.
HEALTH HAZARDS POSED BY POISONS
The degree of danger posed by a poison depends on its physiological action, its route of attack, and its reactivity. The amount of damage that can result depends on these factors, the concentration of the chemical, and the duration of exposure.
A whole range of physiological effects is possible. Poisons can interfere with the oxygen-distribution system of the body, paralyze muscles, and affect nervous-system activity. It is more difficult to guard against poisons that can be inhaled in the vapor phase or be absorbed through the skin, if the main hazard is ingestion of the poison, it should be relatively easy to guard against.
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Poisons can act almost instantaneously; cyanides are an example. Other materials
may take a period of hours or a day; acute arsenic poisoning is an example. In cases of chronic poisoning, repeated small doses over a long period of time can impair health and even be life-threatening; chronic lead poisoning is an example of this.
The symptoms of poisoning also have a wide range--from convulsions or cessation of breathing to no noticeable symptoms. It is possible for a poison to enter the system with no noticeable effect and then to result in delayed symptoms some time later.
Some toxic substances that are regarded as particularly dangerous because of their high toxicity or threat of exposure are:
Acetone cyanohydrin Arsenic acid, liquid Barium cyanide Bromobenzyl cyanide Calcium cyanide Chloropicrm Cyanogen bromide sym-Dichlorodimethyl ether Dimethyl sulfate Epibromohydrin Fluoroacetic acid
Hydrocyanic acid Iron pentacarbonyl Lead tetraethyl Mercuric potassium cyanide Nickel carbonyl Osmium tetroxide Phenyl mercaptan Potassium fluoroacetate Potassium cyanide Sodium cyanide Sodium fluoroacetate
Other toxic substances posing an intermediate level of hazard are:
Aldol Ally! isothiocyanate Aniline Benzidine Benzonitrile Bromoacetone Cacodylic acid Carbontetrachloride Chloral Chloroform Diethylsulfate Dinitrobenzenes
Dinitrotoluenes Epichlorohydrin Ethyl bromide Ethylene dibromide Lead arsenates Mercuric chloride Nitroanilines Nitrobenzene Nitrotoluenes Phenol Potassium arsenate Toluidines
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Substances posing a relatively small hazard are:
Acrylamide Ammonium fluoride Bromoform
Dichlorobenzenes Dichloromethane
Furfuryl alcohol Hexachlorobenzene Hexachlorophene Resorcinol
Some toxic gases. which pose an inhalation hazard, are:
Ammonia, anhydrous Arsine Boron trifluoride Bromine chloride Carbon monoxide Carbonyl fluoride Carbonyl sulfide Chlorine Cyanogen Diborane Oichlorosilane Ethylene oxide Fluorine
Germane Hydrogen chloride.
anhydrous Hydrogen fluoride, anhydrous Hydrogen sulfide Methyl bromide Methyl chloride Nitric oxide Nitrosyi chloride Phosgene Phosphine Selenium hexafluoride Sulfur dioxide
Note that the OSHA standard is based only on toxicity data without regard to subsidiary factors such as volatility. Whether or not the compounds listed above would be classed as "highly toxic" or "toxic" would depend on the results of toxicity testing. The information should be given on a warning label and on a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSOS) for the substance.
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DEFINITION OF SOLVENTS
No single chemical class can be defined as a solvent, but in looking at plant operations in the chemical industry it is natural to consider solvents as a group because 0/ their common characteristics in handling, use. and storage.
Solvents are used to dissolve other materials. Some of them are thus used as cleaning fluids or for degreasing and others are used for extracting soluble materials from raw materials. Solvents are also used in chemical processing, because more uniform and controlled behavior can be obtained with chemicals uniformly present in solution. A wide variety of solvents is used because favorable reaction conditions have to be tailored to the kind of dissolved substances and reaction conditions required. Water is a very common solvent and dissolves a wide range of substances, particularly inorganic salts. However, many specialized organic liquids are also used because they meet particular requirements better.
Many solvents are flammable liquids, and they thus present more of a safety hazard than a health hazard. However, there can also be health effects of all kinds-solvents may be toxic, corrosive, or irritant, information on these hazards should be available on a safety label and a Material Safety Data Sheet for the substance.
MCD 000012420
FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS
The flammability of materials is measured by a flashpoint test. The flashpoint is the lowest temperature at which the vapor of a combustible liquid can be made to ignite. Therefore, the lower the flashpoint, the greater is the danger of combustion. The flashpoint measured depends on the configuration of the test apparatus. The most consistent results are obtained in a closed-cup method. The Department of Transporta* tion classifies "flammable liquids" as those having a flashpoint below 100F (37.8C) and "combustible liquids" as those having a flashpoint between 100F and 200F (93 3C). A classification more closely reflecting the degree of personal hazard has been developed by a United Nations committee of experts. This classification divides substances into three flashpoint ranges.
The low flashpoint group consists of substances having a flashpoint below -18C (0F) (closed cup method), which are regarded as presenting great danger. Following are some of these substances:
Acetal Acetaldehyde Acetone Acrolein Ailyl amine Ally! chloride Amyl nitrite isoGutyraldehyde Carbon disulfide 2*Chloropropane 2-Chloropropene Cyclohexane Cyciohexene Cyclopentane Cyciopentene Diethoxymethane Diethyl ether Diethyiamine Diisopropyl ether 1.1 -Dimethoxyethane Dimethyl sulfide 2.3-Dimethylbutane
Dipropyl ether Ethyl propyl ether Ethyl mercaptan Ethyiamine Furan isoHeptene Hex-1-ene Hexadiene Hexane (soprene Methyl formate Methyl propyl ether Methyfal 2-Methylfuran Methylpentanes Monopropylamine Pentenes iso Petroleum spirit Propionaldehyde Propylene oxide Tetrahydrofuran VinyBdene chloride
MOD 000012421
The intermediate flashpoint group consists of materials having a flashpoint from -- 18#C (0*F) to 23C (73*F).which are regarded as presenting medium danger. Following are some substances in this group:
Acrylonitrile Alkylamines Ally! alcohol Ally! formate Ally! ethyl ether AHyi bromide Amyl acetates Amyl amine Benzene Benzotrifluoride 2-Bromobutane Bromopropanes Butanedione Butyl methyl ether Butyl isocyanate Butyl acetates Butyraldehyde Chloromethyl ethyl ether Chloroprene Cycloheptane
Cyctohexene Oiailylether Diethyl ketone Oiethyl sulfide Dioxane Dipropyiamme Ethanol Ethyl methyl ketone Ethyl butyl ether Ethyl acetate Ethylbenzene Heptanes Methanol Methyl propyl ketone 1 -Methylpipendine Naphtha, petroleum Propanol Pyrrolidine Toluene Xylenes
The high flashpoint group consists of substances having a flashpoint from 23C (73F) to 61 C (141*F), which are regarded as presenting minor danger. Following are some substances in this group:
Amyl acetates Amyl nitrate Amyt butyrates Anisole Bromobenzene Bromopropanes Butanol isoButyric acid Chlorobenzene Dibromobenzene
Diethylbenzene Ethyl butyrate Ethyl amyl ketone Formalin Furfural Hydrazine Nitroethane 2,4-Pentanedione Turpentine
MOD 000012422
Substances having a flashpoint above 61*C (141*F) are not considered to present a fire hazard, according to this classification scheme.
The flashpoint is not the sole measure of the degree of hazard. Substances with low boiling points will evaporate to form combustible atmospheres so that the hazard is enhanced. Substances with high viscosity do not flow easily, so the hazard is less.
TOXIC AND CORROSIVE HAZARDS
Some common toxic solvents or reactants are:
Aniline Benzonitrile Carbon tetrachloride Chloroform Chloropicrin Dichlorobenzenes Dinitrobenzenes Dinitrotoluenes Epichlorohydnn
Ethylene dibromide Hexachlorobenzene Nitroanilines Nitrobenzene Nitrotoiuenes Tetrachloroethylene Tolukjines Xylidines
Some corrosive solvents or reagents are:
Acetic anhydride Acetic acid (50% to 60%
concentration) Acetic acid, glacial Acrylic acid Atkytamines
Benzoyl chloride
Benzyl bromide Dwvbutylamine Oiethyienetriamine Ethanolamine 2-Ethylhexyiamine 1-Pentol Tributylamine
Again, warnings of these hazards should be available on safety labels and Material Safety Oata Sheets.
HEALTH HAZARDS POSED BY SOLVENTS
Various solvents can present any of the heath hazards specifically identified in the OSHA standard-carcinogens, corrosives, highly toxic substances, irritants, sensitizers, toxic substances, and substances having target-organ effects. A substance posing one of these health hazards should have a health-hazard warning label, and information should also be available on a Material Safety Oata Sheet.
Solvents should be used with adequate ventilation, because almost all organic solvents if inhaled will have an anesthetic effect, leading to wooziness and sleepiness or unconsciousness. Prolonged exposure, which could occur if an unconscious person remained in an atmosphere polluted by solvent fumes, could lead to death.
Skin exposure to solvents should be avoided as a matter of common sense. Solvents can remove protective oils in the skin, and some of them can even penetrate the skin. Many solvents can cause systemic or target-organ damage (particularly to the liver and blood-forming organs). Even if die substance is not corrosive or toxic, chemical exposure is to be avoided.
MCD 000012424
Chemical Textctty
& First Aid
C.y
MCI) 000012425
Extremely Toxic Hichly Toxic Moderately Toxic SIightly Toxic Very low Toxic? ty
Extremely Toxic Highly Toxic Moderately Toxic S?ightly Toxic Very low Toxicity
Extremely Toxic Highly Toxic Moderately Toxic SI Ightly Toxic Very Low Toxicity
HASKITL LAnOBAlQRY 1
Acute Ora? LO 50 (rats) (mg/kg)
<5 5-50
50-500 500-5000 > 5000
Acute Vapor Inhalation, Not for Ousts or Aerosols
A-hour LC50 (rats! Atmospheric Concentration*
pp* mq/1
<10 < 0.08
10-100 100-1000 1000-5000 >5000
0.08-0.B 0.8-8.0 8.0-A0 > A0
Acute Skin Absorption LD50 (rabbits) (mg/kg)
< TO 10-200
200-5000
5000-10,000
>10,000
Extremely Toxic Highly Toxic
Moderately Toxic SI ight1y Toxic low Toxicity Very lOH Toxicity
Aquatic Toxicity 96-hour IC50 (mq/1)
< 0.5 0.5-T
1-50 50-500 500*5000 > 5000
*na,pii on a chemical wit molecular weight of 200.
I TV CLASSIFICATIONS
Examples
Probable lethal Dose for 70 kg Han (150 lb)
Sodium cyanide, parathion Acrolein, propionitHle and Class B Poisons DDT Aspirin, sodfua chloride Sugar
A taste (less than 7 drops) Between 7 drops and 1 teaspoonful
Between 1 teaspoon and 1 ounce Between 1 ounce and 1 pint (or 1 lb) More than 1 pint (1 tb)
Perfluoroisobutylene (PfIB), acrolein Nitrogen dioxide HE, chlorine, sulfur dioxide CO Freon 12 (Dlchlorodtfluoromethane)
Tetraethyl pyrophosphate Acrylonitrile, Class B Pol sons Sodium laurylswlfate Dimethyl formemlde Isopropyl alcohol, ethylene glycol, trlchlorethylene,
seetan
A few drops Between a few drops end 1 ounce
Between 1 ounce end 1 pint (or 1 1b) Between 1 pint end t quart (or 2 1b) More then 1 quart (2 1b)
Pentachlorophenol, DOT Chlordene Phenol, formaldehyde, benzene SodiiM hydroxide,.acetic acid Adiponltrtle Ethyl alcohol
MOD 0 0 0 0 1 2 4 2 6
QSHA Instruction CPL 2-2.20 April 2, 1979
( Office of Field Coordination
CHAPTER XIII
MODIFICATION OF PELS FOR PROLONGED EXPOSURE PERIODS
A. Purpose and Scope. The 1968 ACGIH Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) adopted by OSHA as permissible exposure limits (PELs) are directly related to assumed conventional exposure periods of no more than 8 hours/day, AO hours/week.
1. The 8-hour exposure limits for some substances may not provide appropriate protection from health hazards when novel work schedules are utilized; e.g., exposures longer than 8 hours/day, four 10-hour days/week, six 7-hour days/ week, etc. This chapter identifies those PELs which ray inadeqifltely protect workers for prolonged exposure periods and describes how an "adjusted PEL" ray be calculated.
2. Instructions on sampling and citation procedures shall be sought from the Assistant Regional Administrator (ARA) for Technical Support who shall in turn contact the Directorate of Technical Support.
Procedure.
1. Each substance listed in the Substance Toxicity Table in Chapter II has been assigned to one of the six "Work Schedule" categories described in Figure XIII-1 on the basis of the 1968 Documentation of TLVs published by ACGIH.
2. Ourlng a health Inspection, the Industrial Hygienist has the responsibility of documenting any work schedules resulting in excessive exposures to a hazardous substance caused by exposure periods longer than 8 hours/day or 40 hours/week. This would Include routine overtime shifts.
3. The Industrial Hygienist should determine an "adjusted PEL" as necessary for each hazardous substance sampled, according to the specifications given for the category to which it is assigned.
XIII-1
mcd ooooi
OSHA Instruction CPL 2-2.20 April 2, 1979 Office of Field Coordination
4. No adjustment should be made to the PELS of substances in category 1. For all other categories, the equivalent PELs should be calculated according to the methods described in paragraphs C.l through 6 and used as a professional guide or in the evaluation of actual employee risk.
5. In all situations, the equivalent PEL will be equal to or lower (i.e. more restrictive) than the PEL values listed in 29 CFR 1910.1000.
6. The Industrial Hygienist should also elicit from the employees and document any symptomatology that may be related to the exposure.
C. Work Schedule Categories.
1. Category 1A. Ceiling Limit Standards. Substances in this category {e.g., butylamine) have ceiling limit stan dards which were intended never to be exceeded at any time, and so, are independent of the length or frequency of work shifts. The ceiling PELs for substances in this category should not be adjusted.
2. Category IB. Standards Preventing Mild Irritation. Substances in This category have a PEL designed primarily to prevent acute irritation or discomfort (e.g., eyelopentadiene). There are essentially no known cumulative effects resulting from exposures for extended periods of time at concentration levels near the PEL. The PELs for substances in this category should not be adjusted.
3. Category 1C. Standards Limited by Technologic Feasibility. The PELs of substances assigned to this category have been set either by technologic feasibility (e.g., vinyl chloride) or good hygiene practices (e.g., methyl acetylene). These factors are Independent of the length or frequency of work shifts. The PELs for substances in this category should not be adjusted.
XIII--2
OOOO V2- 42.6
OSHA Instruction CPL 2-2.20 April 2, 1979 Office of Field Coordination
4. Category 2. Acute Toxicity Standards.
a. The substances in this category have PELS which prevent excessive accumulation of the substance in the body during 8 hours of exposure in any given day (e.g., carbon monoxide).
b. The following equation determines a level which ensures that employees exposed more than 8 hours/day will not receive a dosage (i.e. length of exposure X concentration) in excess of that intended by the standard.
Equivalent PIZ. 8-hour PO. X
8 hours
Hours of ftgoaure in one day
(Bquaticn X2H-1)
c. The Industrial Hygienist should normally conduct sampling for the entire shift minus no more than one hour for equipment set-up and retrieval (e.g., at least 9 hours of a 10-hour shift). In situations where an employee works multiple shifts in a day (e.g., two 7-hour shifts), and the Industrial Hygienist can document sufficient cause to expect exposure concentra tions to be similar during the other shifts, the sampling should be done during only one shift.
5. Category 3. Cumulative Toxicity Standards
a. Substances assigned to this category present cumulative haxards (e.g., lead, mercury, ere.). The PELs for these substances are designed to prevent excessive accumulation in the body resulting from many days or even years of exposure.
b. The following equation ensures that workers exposed more than 40 hours/week will not receive a dosage in excess of that Intended by the standard.
Equivalent PSL - 8-hour PJL X
40 hour*
houra of aepoauro in cna w--K
(Equation xm-2)
XIII--3
MOD 000012429
OSHA Instruction CPL 2-2.20 April 2, 1979 Office of Field Coordination
c. It Is the responsibility of the Industrial Hygienist to conduct sufficient sampling to document exposure levels for the entire week when evaluating conditions on the basis of this equivalent PEL. For most operations the Industrial Hygienist will be able to sample during one shift only and then document sufficient cause to predict exposure concentrations during the other shifts.
6. Category 4. Acute and Cumulative Toxicity Standards. Substances in this category may present both an acute and a cumulative hazard. For this reason, the PELs of these substances should be adjusted by either equation XIII-1 or XII1-2; i.e. whichever provides the greatest protection.
7. Refined Adjustment Equations for Specific Standards. The adjustment equation presented for categories 2 and 3 reflect an oversimplification of the actual accumulation and removal of a toxic agent from the body. Additional research, however, is needed In order to apply more complex equations to estimate resulting body burden and health risk due to prolonged exposure periods. This chapter will be updated when the necessary data become available. Industrial Hygienists having sufficient data to validate adjusting PELs by a more rigorous method such as those proposed in the following articles are encouraged to do so following approval from the ARA for Technical Support:
Brief, R.S. and R.A. Seal a, "Occupational Exposure Limits for Novel Schedules," Ainer. Ind. Hyg. Assn. Jour. 36:467, 1975.
Roach, S.A., "A More Rational Basis for Air Sampling Programnes," Ann. Occup. Hyg. 20:65, 1977.
Hickey, J.L.S. and P.C. Reist, "Application of Occupational Exposure Limits to Unusual Work Schedules," Amer. Ind. Hyg. Assn. Jour. 38:613, 1977.
XII1--4
MCD 000012430
MCB 0 0 0 0 1 2 4 3 1
Work Schedule Category
1A
IB 1C
2
3
4
FIGURE XIIl-1
Summary of Work Schedule Categories
Principle Group Characteristic
Ceiling limit standards
Irritants
Technologic limitations
Acute toxicity only
Cumulative toxicity only
Both acute and cumulative toxicity
Conditions Resulting In Adjustment
None
None
None
Exposed greater ttan 8 hours/day
Exposed greater than 40 hours/week
Exposed greater than 8 hours/day and/or exposed greater than 40 hours/week
Adjustment Formula
None
None
None
Adj. PEL = PEL X 8 hours/ hours exposed/day
Adj. PEL = PEL X 40 hours/ hours exposed/week
The equation for category 2 or 3, whichever results in the greatest protection