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'''Chemical safety''' is the practice of handling chemicals in a safe manner, minimizing the [[Chemical hazard|hazard]] to [[public health|public]] and personal [[health]]. It is the responsibility of the employer establishment to have a safety program that addresses the potential chemical hazards, best practices for handling and storing toxic materials and hazardous chemicals.
'''Chemical safety''' is the practice of minimizing risk of exposure to chemicals to persons handling the chemicals, and to the surrounding environment, as well as the communities and ecosystems of animals within that environment.


Many chemicals are hazardous when mixed with other chemicals, heated up or simply poured to fast. Chemical safety is practiced so users are able to take appropriate actions in case of accidents. Without practicing chemical safety accidents can occur causing fatalities.  <ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=Appropriate Lab Attire {{!}} Environmental Health & Safety|url=https://ehs.gatech.edu/chemical/lsm/7-4|access-date=2021-03-04|website=ehs.gatech.edu}}</ref>
== Principles ==
Chemical safety is the practice of minimizing risk of exposure to chemicals to persons handling the chemicals, and to the surrounding environment, as well as the communities and ecosystems of animals within that environment. Numerous incidents have occurred, from minor ones such as the oil accident in Mexico,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Chemical accident kills 24 in Mexico|url=https://cen.acs.org/articles/94/web/2016/04/Chemical-accident-kills-three-Mexico.html|access-date=2020-11-24|website=Chemical & Engineering News|language=en}}</ref> killing 24 people, to major ones such as [[Chernobyl disaster|Chernobyl]] and the [[Deepwater Horizon oil spill|Deepwater Horizon Spill]], devastating huge areas of land and affecting thousands of lives. Chemical Safety is implemented in every facility dealing with potentially harmful substances to the environment, and can be found in detail on the [[Centers for Disease Control and Prevention|United States CDC]] website, with a database that lists all industry safety practices managing chemicals and other harmful substances.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-02-21|title=Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances {{!}} NIOSH {{!}} CDC|url=https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/rtecs/default.html|access-date=2020-11-25|website=www.cdc.gov|language=en-us}}</ref>


== Common Safety Practices ==
== Common Safety Practices ==

[[File:NFPA-704-NFPA-Diamonds-Sign-000.png|thumb|0-4 (stable-deadly)]]
=== <small>PPE</small> ===
The most basic and common chemical safety practices include minor things such as wearing safety standard gloves, or proper headwear like goggles or other equipment. Wearing closed toed shoes, long pants/socks, and shirts/lab coats to protect the stomach, back and forearm.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Appropriate Lab Attire {{!}} Environmental Health & Safety|url=https://ehs.gatech.edu/chemical/lsm/7-4|access-date=2021-02-16|website=ehs.gatech.edu}}</ref> But extend to a very large amount of industry specific practices, especially when handling severely corrosive and basic solutions that can cause great harm to biological life. These include Respirators,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Chemical Safety Information {{!}} Office of Environmental Health and Safety|url=https://ehs.princeton.edu/workplace-construction/occupational-health/chemical-safetyhazard-communication/chemical-safety-concerns|access-date=2020-11-24|website=ehs.princeton.edu}}</ref> to maintain a safe breathing space when handling harmful chemicals, as well as hearing protection like muffs to reduce hearing damage when handling loud machinery. Familiarizing the four chemical hazards: flammability, corrosivity, toxicity, and reactivity is important when handling chemicals. Always read labels before starting a chemical experiment.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Chemistry Safety|url=https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/references/chemistry-safety|access-date=2021-02-16|website=Science Buddies|language=en-US}}</ref> All of these are important to maintain the health and safety of individual employees, but also of the surrounding environment as these precautions ensure that employees can do their jobs properly and prevent accidents from occurring.
Basic chemical safety practice includes wearing protective personal equipment such as safety googles. Personal protective equipment is combination of safe work practices but alone does not provide sufficient control of hazardous chemicals. it is an effective approach to minimize the risk of accidents. Safety googles are required when handling chemicals to prevent chemicals from getting into eyes. Wearing standard gloves, closed toed shoes, long pants/socks, and shirts/lab coats to protect the stomach, back and forearm is usually required in the lab/workplace.<ref name=":02">{{Cite web|title=Appropriate Lab Attire {{!}} Environmental Health & Safety|url=https://ehs.gatech.edu/chemical/lsm/7-4|access-date=2021-03-04|website=ehs.gatech.edu}}</ref>  Regulation is tricky and it varies by  country. Some states have extra regulations to protect laboratory workers from potential danger. <ref name=":1">{{Cite web|title=Laboratory Safety {{!}} NC DOL|url=https://www.labor.nc.gov/safety-and-health/occupational-safety-and-health/occupational-safety-and-health-topic-pages/laboratory-safety#regulations|access-date=2021-03-04|website=www.labor.nc.gov}}</ref>[[File:NFPA-704-NFPA-Diamonds-Sign-000.png|thumb|0-4 (stable-deadly)]]

==== '''[[NFPA 704|NFPA]]''' ====
The NFPA diamond is used to identify chemical hazards such as flammability, corrosivity, toxicity, and reactivity. This label is made up of four color-coded fields: red , blue, yellow, and white. The numbering ranges from 0 to 4, and 0 means that there is no potential hazard. Whereas 4 indicates the chemical is extremely hazardous.

===== '''Transportation''' =====
In workspace or during transporting chemicals are classified with preparation and distribution of safety data sheets. Safety Data Sheets ([[Safety data sheet|SDS]]), are standardized document that includes workplace health, restrictions/uses, emergency numbers, and other safety data'''.'''

<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|title=Chemical Safety Information {{!}} Office of Environmental Health and Safety|url=https://ehs.princeton.edu/workplace-construction/occupational-health/chemical-safetyhazard-communication/chemical-safety-concerns|access-date=2021-03-16|website=ehs.princeton.edu}}</ref>

* Transporting flammable liquids into another container can be very dangerous, because friction between the the two can generate static electricity. Also trying to wipe up spills or leakages can generate static electricity. <ref name=":3">{{Cite web|title=勞工處 Labour Department|url=https://www.labour.gov.hk/front.htm|access-date=2021-03-04|website=www.labour.gov.hk}}</ref>

====== '''Physical and Health hazards''' ======
Physical hazards of a chemical consist of its flammability and reactivity. <ref name=":42">{{Cite web|title=Chemical Safety Information {{!}} Office of Environmental Health and Safety|url=https://ehs.princeton.edu/workplace-construction/occupational-health/chemical-safetyhazard-communication/chemical-safety-concerns|access-date=2021-03-16|website=ehs.princeton.edu}}</ref>Flammability is the propensity of a chemical to burn or catch fire.<ref name=":42" /> Reactivity is the capability of the chemical to blow up or react viciously with air, water or other materials that it comes in contact with.<ref name=":42" /> Chemicals that effect health depends on its toxicity and hazard. Toxicity is the potential of a chemical to do harm, and hazard is the possibility that the chemical will cause harm ''under certain conditions.'' <ref name=":42" />
'''''Tips:'''''
* Watch safety training video's before handling chemicals.
* Keep workspace clean to minimize clutter and accumulated waste.
* Label test tubs, flask, beakers, and/or other containers.
* Review and practice experimental methods.
* Read Safety data sheets to recognize its hazardous properties.
* Have a partner. It’s safer to work with someone than alone.
* Absolutely no horseplay, eating smoking or drinking when handling chemicals.
*  Work in well-ventilated areas
* Do not use broken glassware
* Dilute acids/bases by ''slowly'' adding H<sub>2</sub>O.
* Operate under local exhaust ventilation to vent away the hazardous aerosol as far as practicable.
* C''hemicals are usually Classified by their [[IUPAC nomenclature of organic chemistry|IUPAC]] name.''
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hvt4sJwrMCQ Lab Techniques & Safety Video]


== Accidents ==
== Accidents ==
Accidents occur due to failures in proper conduct of chemical safety, whether it be something minor such as forgetting to apply gloves or proper clothing when handling harmful chemicals, to major incidents such as forgetting to check the temperatures of nuclear rods in a nuclear reactor. Major look-by's such as the one previously stated generally lead to the more famous chemical safety disasters such as [[Chernobyl disaster|Chernobyl]] and [[Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster|Fukushima]], where these major catastrophes could have been avoided, but ended up affecting large areas of the environment, and will be this way for hundreds of years.<ref>{{Cite web|title=NRC: Backgrounder on Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant Accident|url=https://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/fact-sheets/chernobyl-bg.html|access-date=2020-12-03|website=www.nrc.gov}}</ref>
The number of chemical incidents and injuries gradually increase each year due to poor safety reviews. Accidents occur whether it be something minor such as forgetting to apply gloves or something as major as forgetting to check the temperatures of nuclear rods in a nuclear reactor. Practicing chemical safety will help minimize the risk of incidents and injuries. Accidents can occur at anytime in the work place. Identify chemicals hazardous properties, and how it is stored and potential use. <ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-03-26|title=Top 4 Causes of Chemical Accidents in the Workplace|url=https://safetystoragesystems.co.uk/blog/top-4-causes-of-chemical-accidents-in-the-workplace/|access-date=2021-03-04|website=Safety Storage UK|language=en-US}}</ref> Preparing for accidents is key to chemical safety. Checking if first aid kits, fire extinguishers, disposal waste containers, chemical spill kits,  and eye wash stations are in the correct areas in case of emergencies minimizes wait time. Before disposing acids or bases use sodium carbonate or bicarbonate to neutralize acids and citric acid or ascorbic acid when neutralizing a base.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|title=Chemistry Safety|url=https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/references/chemistry-safety|access-date=2021-03-04|website=Science Buddies|language=en-US}}</ref>

* [[Chernobyl disaster|Chernobyl]]
=====       [https://www.arnolditkin.com/personal-injury-blog/2015/august/historys-worst-chemical-plant-accidents/ Thiokol-Woodbine Explosion] =====
* [[Deepwater Horizon oil spill|Deepwater Horizon Spill]]
[https://cen.acs.org/safety/industrial-safety/chemistry-behind-Beirut-explosion/98/web/2020/08 Aluminum Nitrate Explosion]
* [[Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster|Fukushima Disaster]]

=== '''<small>Chemical spills</small>''' ===
  Never attempt to clean spills with chemicals that are toxic, corrosive, reactive or cause eye or respiratory irritations. Isolate the area and cover the spill with appropriate material that will absorb the spill and use dustpan to sweep it up. Is spill does not meet that criteria, immediately isolate the area and exit. Call 911 or IUPD and pull fire alarm to alert other in proximity. <ref>{{Cite web|title=Standard Operating Procedures|url=https://protect.iu.edu/environmental-health/laboratory-safety/lab-safety-chemical-hygiene/sops.html|access-date=2021-03-04|website=Protect IU|language=en}}</ref>

===== <sup>   </sup> [https://www.ksl.com/article/41654601/report-west-virginia-chemical-spill-could-have-been-avoided West Virginia chemical spill] =====

====   '''Entry routes''' ====
The easiest way for chemicals to come into the body via direct contact with skin or eyes. When chemicals encounter skin a local reaction can occur such as a burn, hives, rash, or chemicals can absorbed into the bloodstream causing toxic effects organs or other parts of the body. Chemicals that produce vapors, gases, and particles can be inhaled through the lungs.


== See also ==
== See also ==
Line 22: Line 91:
==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}
*
*{{cite book|author=Mervyn Richardson|title=Chemical Safety: International Reference Manual|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HH8xEtZZC_IC|date=11 July 2008|publisher=John Wiley & Sons|isbn=978-3-527-61602-2}}
*{{cite book|author=Stephen K. Hall|title=Chemical Safety in the Laboratory|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DOd1iU7G0FMC|date=24 November 1993|publisher=CRC Press|isbn=978-0-87371-896-7}}
*{{cite book|title=Industrial Hygiene and Chemical Safety|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Msk_EtMxWrcC|publisher=I. K. International Pvt Ltd|id=GGKEY:BH8K85QG0ZJ}}
*{{cite book|author1=D.M. Pugh|author2=J.V. Tarazona|title=Regulation for Chemical Safety in Europe: Analysis, Comment and Criticism|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LL2LBQAAQBAJ&pg=PT239|date=17 April 2013|publisher=Springer Science & Business Media|isbn=978-94-011-5316-4|pages=239–}}
*{{Cite web|title=Chemical accident kills 24 in Mexico|url=https://cen.acs.org/articles/94/web/2016/04/Chemical-accident-kills-three-Mexico.html|access-date=2020-11-24|website=Chemical & Engineering News|language=en}}
*{{Cite web|title=Chemical Safety Information {{!}} Office of Environmental Health and Safety|url=https://ehs.princeton.edu/workplace-construction/occupational-health/chemical-safetyhazard-communication/chemical-safety-concerns|access-date=2020-11-24|website=ehs.princeton.edu}}
*{{Cite web|date=2020-02-21|title=Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances {{!}} NIOSH {{!}} CDC|url=https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/rtecs/default.html|access-date=2020-11-25|website=www.cdc.gov|language=en-us}}
*{{Cite web|title=NRC: Backgrounder on Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant Accident|url=https://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/fact-sheets/chernobyl-bg.html|access-date=2020-12-03|website=www.nrc.gov}}


==External links==
==External links==

Revision as of 12:46, 18 March 2021

Chemical safety is the practice of minimizing risk of exposure to chemicals to persons handling the chemicals, and to the surrounding environment, as well as the communities and ecosystems of animals within that environment.

Many chemicals are hazardous when mixed with other chemicals, heated up or simply poured to fast. Chemical safety is practiced so users are able to take appropriate actions in case of accidents. Without practicing chemical safety accidents can occur causing fatalities.  [1]

Common Safety Practices

PPE

Basic chemical safety practice includes wearing protective personal equipment such as safety googles. Personal protective equipment is combination of safe work practices but alone does not provide sufficient control of hazardous chemicals. it is an effective approach to minimize the risk of accidents. Safety googles are required when handling chemicals to prevent chemicals from getting into eyes. Wearing standard gloves, closed toed shoes, long pants/socks, and shirts/lab coats to protect the stomach, back and forearm is usually required in the lab/workplace.[2]  Regulation is tricky and it varies by  country. Some states have extra regulations to protect laboratory workers from potential danger. [3]

0-4 (stable-deadly)

NFPA

The NFPA diamond is used to identify chemical hazards such as flammability, corrosivity, toxicity, and reactivity. This label is made up of four color-coded fields: red , blue, yellow, and white. The numbering ranges from 0 to 4, and 0 means that there is no potential hazard. Whereas 4 indicates the chemical is extremely hazardous.

Transportation

In workspace or during transporting chemicals are classified with preparation and distribution of safety data sheets. Safety Data Sheets (SDS), are standardized document that includes workplace health, restrictions/uses, emergency numbers, and other safety data.

[4]

  • Transporting flammable liquids into another container can be very dangerous, because friction between the the two can generate static electricity. Also trying to wipe up spills or leakages can generate static electricity. [5]
Physical and Health hazards

Physical hazards of a chemical consist of its flammability and reactivity. [6]Flammability is the propensity of a chemical to burn or catch fire.[6] Reactivity is the capability of the chemical to blow up or react viciously with air, water or other materials that it comes in contact with.[6] Chemicals that effect health depends on its toxicity and hazard. Toxicity is the potential of a chemical to do harm, and hazard is the possibility that the chemical will cause harm under certain conditions. [6]

Tips:



* Watch safety training video's before handling chemicals.



* Keep workspace clean to minimize clutter and accumulated waste.



* Label test tubs, flask, beakers, and/or other containers.



* Review and practice experimental methods.



* Read Safety data sheets to recognize its hazardous properties.



* Have a partner. It’s safer to work with someone than alone.



* Absolutely no horseplay, eating smoking or drinking when handling chemicals.

*  Work in well-ventilated areas



* Do not use broken glassware



* Dilute acids/bases by slowly adding H2O.

* Operate  under local exhaust ventilation to vent away the hazardous aerosol as far  as practicable.

* Chemicals are usually Classified by their IUPAC name.



Lab Techniques & Safety Video

Accidents

The number of chemical incidents and injuries gradually increase each year due to poor safety reviews. Accidents occur whether it be something minor such as forgetting to apply gloves or something as major as forgetting to check the temperatures of nuclear rods in a nuclear reactor. Practicing chemical safety will help minimize the risk of incidents and injuries. Accidents can occur at anytime in the work place. Identify chemicals hazardous properties, and how it is stored and potential use. [7] Preparing for accidents is key to chemical safety. Checking if first aid kits, fire extinguishers, disposal waste containers, chemical spill kits,  and eye wash stations are in the correct areas in case of emergencies minimizes wait time. Before disposing acids or bases use sodium carbonate or bicarbonate to neutralize acids and citric acid or ascorbic acid when neutralizing a base.[8]

      Thiokol-Woodbine Explosion

Aluminum Nitrate Explosion

Chemical spills

  Never attempt to clean spills with chemicals that are toxic, corrosive, reactive or cause eye or respiratory irritations. Isolate the area and cover the spill with appropriate material that will absorb the spill and use dustpan to sweep it up. Is spill does not meet that criteria, immediately isolate the area and exit. Call 911 or IUPD and pull fire alarm to alert other in proximity. [9]

    West Virginia chemical spill

  Entry routes

The easiest way for chemicals to come into the body via direct contact with skin or eyes. When chemicals encounter skin a local reaction can occur such as a burn, hives, rash, or chemicals can absorbed into the bloodstream causing toxic effects organs or other parts of the body. Chemicals that produce vapors, gases, and particles can be inhaled through the lungs.

See also

References

  1. ^ "Appropriate Lab Attire | Environmental Health & Safety". ehs.gatech.edu. Retrieved 2021-03-04.
  2. ^ "Appropriate Lab Attire | Environmental Health & Safety". ehs.gatech.edu. Retrieved 2021-03-04.
  3. ^ "Laboratory Safety | NC DOL". www.labor.nc.gov. Retrieved 2021-03-04.
  4. ^ "Chemical Safety Information | Office of Environmental Health and Safety". ehs.princeton.edu. Retrieved 2021-03-16.
  5. ^ "勞工處 Labour Department". www.labour.gov.hk. Retrieved 2021-03-04.
  6. ^ a b c d "Chemical Safety Information | Office of Environmental Health and Safety". ehs.princeton.edu. Retrieved 2021-03-16.
  7. ^ "Top 4 Causes of Chemical Accidents in the Workplace". Safety Storage UK. 2019-03-26. Retrieved 2021-03-04.
  8. ^ "Chemistry Safety". Science Buddies. Retrieved 2021-03-04.
  9. ^ "Standard Operating Procedures". Protect IU. Retrieved 2021-03-04.

External links