Hazards and Hazardous Substances

This document provides information on hazards and types of hazards, as well as information on identifying and storing hazardous substances.

1. HAZARDS AND HAZARD OUS SUBSTANCES

2. OBJECTIVES At the end of this lesson, you should be able to: Describe what is a hazard and classify the various types of hazards Describe what is a hazardous substance Identify the types of hazards associated with hazardous substances Associate hazard pictograms with the relevant hazard Discuss the importance of an MSDS, and Explain how to store hazardous substances safely

3. A hazard is a source or a situation with the potential for harm in terms of human injury or ill-health, damage to property, damage to the environment, or a combination of these . What is a hazard? HAZARDS

4. TYPES OF HAZARDS Hazards can be broadly grouped based on their nature. Hazards are commonly classified by the following categories: Physical Safety Ergonomic Psychological Biological Chemical HAZARDS

5. Physical Hazards Physical hazards are factors within the environment that can harm the body with or without contact such as: Extreme temperatures- hot and cold Exposure to sunlight/ultra violet rays Constant loud noise Radiation Vibration Fire Explosion HAZARDS

6. Safety Hazards These are the most common and will be present in most workplaces at one time or another. Such hazards include: Unguarded machinery and moving machinery parts Spills on floors or tripping hazards Working from heights Electrical hazards like frayed cords, improper wiring Confined spaces Machinery-related hazards HAZARDS

7. Ergonomic Hazards These hazards occur when the type of work, body positions and working conditions put strain on your body. They are the hardest to spot since you don’t always immediately notice the strain on your body or the harm that these hazards pose . They include: Improperly adjusted workstations and chairs Frequently having to use too much force Awkward and repetitive movements Frequent lifting Poor posture HAZARDS

8. Psychological Hazards A psychological hazard is any occupational hazard that affects the psychological and physical well-being of workers, including their ability to participate in a work environment among other people, such as: Stress or work-related violence Harassment or discrimination Excessive workload Threat of danger Constant low-level noise Alcohol or drugs HAZARDS

9. Biological Hazards Also known as biohazards, they include: Bacteria , viruses, fungi Infectious diseases Human and blood products A nimal waste Sharp wastes HAZARDS

10. Chemical Hazards This occupational hazard is caused by exposure to chemicals in any form solid , liquid or gas. It poses several types of danger depending on the physical, chemical and toxic properties of substances such as: Poisons Acids Cleaning agents Flammable materials Pesticides HAZARDS

11. Activity 1 Identify six (6) hazards observed in the drawing above. HAZARDS

12. What is a hazardous substance? A hazardous substance can be any substance, whether solid, liquid or gas, that may cause harm to your health . Such substances can include those used at the workplace or home, as well as substances that can naturally occur (such as dust). A hazardous substance can be classified as chemical with a potential to cause: Physical hazard Health hazard HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES

13. Hazards Associated With Hazardous Substances HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES

14. Physical Hazards Hazardous substances when improperly handled or stored can cause physical hazards such as: Fire Explosion or Violent reaction HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES

15. Health Hazards Hazardous substances can also be harmful to one’s health, posing health hazards that produces: Short-term (acute) health problems Long term (chronic) health problems Harm to health may happen suddenly (acute), such as dizziness, nausea and itchy eyes or skin; or it may happen gradually over years (chronic), such as dermatitis or cancer. Some people can be more susceptible than others. HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES

16. Health Hazards OSHA considers a health hazard to be any chemical which: Is toxic Is corrosive to the skin or eyes Is a respiratory sensitizer May cause cancer, birth defects or reproductive issues Attacks specific organs Is harmful or deadly when inhaled HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES

17. HAZARD PICTOGRAMS Pictograms are graphic images that immediately show the user of a hazardous product what type of hazard is present. With a quick glance, you can see, for example, that the product is flammable, or if it might be a health hazard . Hazard pictograms appear in the shape of a diamond with a distinctive red border and white background. One or more pictograms might appear on the labelling of a single chemical. HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES

18. HAZARD PICTOGRAMS The graphic aside shows hazard pictograms. The bold type is the name given to the pictogram; the information listed thereunder describes the hazard. HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES

19. Activity 2 Name three (3) hazardous substances that can be found at: Home School and The workplace Identify one (1) hazard that each hazardous substance named in question 1 can pose. HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES

20. MATERIAL SAETY DATA SHEET (MSDS) A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is a document that contains information on the potential hazards and how to work safely with the chemical product. It is an essential starting point for the development of a complete health and safety program. It also contains information on the use, storage, handling and emergency procedures all related to the hazards of the material. The MSDS contains much more information about the material than the label. MSDSs are prepared by the supplier or manufacturer of the material. It is intended to tell what the hazards of the product are, how to use the product safely, what to expect if the recommendations are not followed, what to do if accidents occur, how to recognize symptoms of overexposure , and what to do if such incidents occur . HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES

21. What information is on the MSDS? The Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) generally show the following : Product Information: product identifier (name), manufacturer and suppliers names, addresses, and emergency phone numbers Hazardous Ingredients Physical Data Fire or Explosion Hazard Data Reactivity Data: information on the chemical instability of a product and the substances it may react with Toxicological Properties: health effects Preventive Measures First Aid Measures Preparation Information: who is responsible for preparation and date of preparation of MSDS HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES

22. When would I use an MSDS? It is always important to be familiar with the hazards of a product BEFORE you start using it. You should look at a MSDS, match the name of the chemical on your container to the one on the MSDS, know the hazards, understand safe handling and storage instructions, as well as understand what to do in an emergency. HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES

23. RELABELLING OF HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES Relabeling can take place when: Your employer chooses to use an OSHA-approved label in your workplace. A large quantity of a chemical is broken down into smaller ones to use in different areas . Never use a chemical from an unlabeled container . HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES

24. STORING OF HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES Safe storage begins with an up-to-date inventory of hazardous chemicals that can be used to apprise personnel of the dangers in a laboratory, shop, or work area. An accurate inventory is also necessary if emergency responders are to respond effectively to a fire or chemical release in the area. The following basic storage requirements apply to all hazardous chemicals: Label storage areas according to the type of chemical family or hazard classification Inspect storage areas at least annually Keep storage areas well lit, appropriately ventilated, and at a consistent, cool temperature HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES

25. STORING OF HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES 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 Don’t store chemicals on dirt or grass, near a creek or storm drain entrance, where they could contaminate the environment Don’t store chemicals on the floor, window ledges, or balconies. HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES

26. REFERENCES Gislason , E. (2018). Types of hazards . Retrieved from https:// naspweb.com/blog/types-of-hazards CCOHS. ( n.d. ). WHMIS 1988 - Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs): General. Viewed on 19/08/2021 and retrieved from https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/legisl/msdss.html Atlantic. ( n.d. ). Do you know the hazard communication pictograms?. Viewed on 18/08/2021 and retrieved from https:// www.atlantictraining.com/blog/hazard-communication-pictograms PicsHealth . (2018). H ealth and safety hazards in the workplace pictures [Image]. https :// picshealth.blogspot.com/2018/06/health-and-safety-hazards-in-workplace.html

27. “People who do stupid things with hazardous materials  often die .” Jim Davidson HAZARDS AND HAZARD OUS SUBSTANCES