Chemical Handling

Chemical Hazards: 

•  Liquids 
•  Dust 
•  Fumes, Mist, 
•  Vapor & gas. 
•  It is color coded, Red for fire, Blue for health, Yellow for reactivity and White for specific like hazard oxidizer, alkali, acid and corrosive etc.  

Routes of Entry or Modes of Entry: 

1. Inhalation (through nose); 

2. Ingestion (through mouth); 

3. Absorption (through skin); and 

4. Injection (force full entry of chemical). 

Toxicity 

•  Ability of the substance to harm the body and the manner in which it harms the body 
•  Quantity + Duration + Toxicity = Dose 
•  The dose makes the poison 

Health Effect: 

•  Acute Effect. 
•  Chronic effect. 

Acute Effect: 

When a person exposure to high concentration of Chemical for a short period of time and this effect generate in his body which is reversible.

E.g. Exposure to Ammonia can cause temporary breathing troubles, dizziness, etc 

Chronic Effect: 

When a person exposure to low concentration of chemical for a prolong period of time and this effect generate in his body which may or may not be reversible.

E.g. Exposure to Ammonia on long time basis can cause Asthma, cancer etc.

Control Measures:

1. Chemical Approval Panel - MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet).

2. Elimination, Substitution 

3. Changed Method of work, Engineering Control (extraction) 

4. Information, Instruction & Training - COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health). 

5. Personal Protection Equipment. 

6. Monitoring. 

7. Recovery Measures (Emergency Plan) 

SDS (Safety Data Sheet): 

Safety Data Sheet is detailed information about the physical and chemical characteristics of the chemicals 

• as well as the health, safety, fire, reactivity and environmental hazards and its precautions. It is provided by 
• manufacturer. 
• The details of following things; 
• Information about chemical: (Name of the product, Composition, Ingredients, Physical and Chemical 
• Properties, Reactivity /Stability, Manufactures details), 
• Information about hazards: (Identify the hazard, Health hazard), 
• Information about Precautionary measures: (First aid Measures, Firefighting technique, Spill control, 
• Exposure controls, Handling/Storage Procedure, PPE), 
• Environmental Impact information: ( Ecological Information, Disposal consideration), 
• Other: (Regulations, Standards). 
• Basic Requirement of Chemical Storage Area: 
• Label storage areas according to the type of chemical family or hazard classification found there. 
• Display MSDS according to the chemical. 
• Keep aisles, hallways, doorways, exits, and entryways clear. 
• Keep storage areas well lit, appropriately ventilated, and at a consistent, cool temperature. 
• Eliminate ignition sources such as open flames, heat sources, or direct sunlight. 
• Keep emergency equipment such as fire extinguishers handy and in good working order. . 
• Confine chemical storage areas so that leaks or spills are controlled. Prevent chemicals from running down 
• sink, floor, or storm water drains. Clean up spills and drips immediately.