Handling Cleaning Chemicals Safely in the Work Place

Transcription

1 Handling Cleaning Chemicals Safely in the Work Place We all use cleaning chemicals; both at work and at home. It is important that we all understand the potential risks, and where to find information, and how we use this information in everyday practices.

2 ABOUT THIS PROGRAM Note By the end of this program you should have a basic understanding of the potential hazards that chemicals may present. Be able to demonstrate the ability to locate, interpret and act on the appropriate chemical safety information for your working environment. Key sources of information that we will look at are labels and Material Safety Data Sheets/Safety Data Sheets, commonly called MSDS and SDS.

3 RESPONSIBILITIES Who is responsible for your safety? WE ARE ALL RESPONSIBLE FOR SAFETY! Each individual has a responsibility to create and maintain a safe working environment. We all have an important part to play in ensuring this takes place.

4 EMPLOYERS' RESPONSIBILITIES Note While we are all responsible for safety, employers have some specific legal responsibilities. All employers must: Identify any Hazardous Substances used; Set up a Register of Hazardous Substances; Ensure all Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS/SDS) are on hand for all employees; Ensure correct labelling of all products and containers; Conduct risk assessments; Minimise the risks identified; Consult with employees and provide safety training.

5 HOW COULD CHEMICALS AFFECT YOUR HEALTH Note There are three categories that we will examine today. Depending on the chemical they can be classified as: TOXIC With toxic substances there is a likely risk of seriously damaging your health with continuous exposure above the recommended limits. Exposure can be via ingestion, contact with the skin or through inhalation. IRRITANTS Some chemicals are irritants and may result in skin inflammation, eye irritation, serious eye effects, and irritation of respiratory system. CORROSIVE Common chemicals that are classified as corrosive include dish-machine powders. Corrosive chemicals can burn the skin, eyes and other living tissue.

6 EXPOSURE There are three ways you can be exposed to chemicals: 1. Absorption. 2. Inhalation. 3. Ingestion. Roll over the sections of the body to find out more information on these three levels of exposure.

7 DANGEROUS GOODS CLASSIFICATIONS Note Some cleaning chemicals have specific classifications. Three you need to be aware of are: Corrosives With incorrect use of corrosive substances there is the possibility of severe damage to living tissue. Corrosive substances can also cause damage to metal surfaces and they may react with other chemicals. Flammable liquids Substances labelled as flammable liquids are likely to catch fire easily, or with incorrect handling or usage may explode. Oxidising agents These substances can react with combustible material, such as paper or sawdust, so particular care needs to be taken when containing or cleaning up a spill.

8 IDENTIFYING RISKS Now that you know about some of the potential risks, where do you go to find out about the risks for a product? Manufacturer's Labels These labels give you all the basic information you require. You should always read the label before using a product. You should never remove the label. If you cannot find or read a label, or suspect it is incorrect, tell your supervisor, and do not use the contents. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS / SDS) MSDSs/SDSs give you more detailed information. They contain information necessary to use a chemical product safely. You should always read the MSDS/SDS to familiarise yourself before using a product. Ask Your Supervisor If you have more questions, or suspect anything is amiss, you should ask your supervisor. You should never use a product you are not sure about.

9 MANUFACTURER S LABELS Tip Labels contain information about the product. These include the : The product s trade name The manufacturer s contact details A list of any hazardous ingredients The possible harmful effects. Look for key words such as Hazardous, any risk /hazard phrases and dangerous goods labels or diamonds Safe usage directions Basic first aid information Basic emergency information Note 1 Note 2

10 MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS / SAFETY DATA SHEETS A MSDS/SDS contains additional information that you need to familiarise yourself with before using a product. An MSDS/SDS has more detail than a label, and includes information on : Product identification The ingredients and properties of the product Known potential health and physical hazards First aid and emergency actions Precautions you need to take when handling the product Proper storage, clean up and disposal Note Tip

11 MSDS/SDS All MSDS/SDS should have 16 sections containing detailed information that you need to know before using a product. Some of the key sections are: Hazard identification Toxicological and ecological information Handling and storage information Accidental release measures and considerations

12 MSDS/SDS IN FOCUS: Viva Section 1: Identification of the material and supplier This section includes the product name, its uses, supplier contact details and emergency contact numbers. Section 2: Hazards Identification Warning information and hazardous statements including risk and safety phrases. Section 3: Composition/ information on ingredients Contains information on any ingredients which are classified as hazardous.

13 MSDS/SDS IN FOCUS: Viva Section 4: First aid measures Has information on the need and urgency for medical attention, and what measures to take for eye contact, skin contact, inhalation and ingestion Section 5: Fire-fighting measures Contains information for use in an emergency situation, including any special protective equipment for fire fighters

14 MSDS/SDS IN FOCUS: Viva Section 6: Accidental release measures List the appropriate responses to spills including personal precautions, environmental precautions and methods to clean up spills Section 7: Handling and storage Has information on safe handling and storage practices, including compatibility (if appropriate), to minimise potential hazards

15 MSDS/SDS IN FOCUS: Viva Note Section 8: Exposure controls/ personal protection Contains measures to take to minimise any potential risks, occupational exposure limits and recommended Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Section 9: Physical and chemical properties Includes information on the physical state and colour of the product, along with other properties such as boiling points, and ph

16 MSDS/SDS IN FOCUS: Viva Note Section 10: Stability and reactivity To understand under what conditions this product is stable, what conditions to avoid and information on any hazardous reactions that could be expected Section 11: Toxicological information Has information on potential acute and chronic health effects and their symptoms

17 MSDS/SDS IN FOCUS: Viva Note 1 Section 12: Ecological information Lists any specific ecological statements about environmental hazards Section 13: Disposal considerations Contains recommended methods of dispose of the product or any by-products, including a cleaning solution, unused material and disposal of empty containers Section 14 Transport information Has codes used in preparing the product for shipping or transportation Note 2

18 MSDS/SDS IN FOCUS: Viva Section 15 &16: Regulatory information; Other information All information on an MSDS/SDS is standardised and controlled. These sections refer to additional regulatory codes and references used. Section 15 shows regulatory status of the product under relevant health, safety and environmental legislation Section 16 shows the date of the previous MSDS/SDS (which this current MSDS/SDS replaces) along with what information was changed, references and disclaimers

19 WHERE DO YOU FIND AN MSDS / SDS? Now that you know how to read an MSDS/SDS, you need to know where to find them. MSDS/SDS s are usually located near the area in which products are used or stored. There should also be a central register within the site. You need to know where to locate MSDS/SDS s, as you need to know this information before using a product. If you cannot find an MSDS/SDS, ask your supervisor.

20 DOING IT THE RIGHT WAY When working with cleaning products or any chemicals, there are some basic safety steps we all must take. They include ALWAYS: Knowing what you are handing Reading the label and MSDS/SDS Knowing what to do in an emergency Wearing the appropriate PPE, as shown on the MSDS/SDS Washing your hands after using cleaning products Adding product to water, (NOT water to product) to avoid concentrated splashes; and Always storing, dispensing and disposing of chemicals safely and correctly

21 DOING IT THE RIGHT WAY When working with cleaning products or any chemicals, there are some basic safety steps we all must take. They include NEVER: Using chemicals from unlabelled containers Storing chemicals in unlabelled containers Storing at high temperatures (refer to the MSDS / SDS) Never mixing chemicals Inhaling or ingesting chemicals e.g. do not sniff at chemicals to try to determine what it is. If it isn t labelled, do not use it; and Never allowing contact with skin or eyes Note 1 Note 2

22 EMERGENCY: HANDLING INJURIES If you do come in contact with a cleaning product, always refer to the label and MSDS / SDS for first aid information. As a general rule to reduce potential chemical injury you should: Remove contaminated clothing to reduce contact with the substance Rinse exposed skin under running water for a minimum of 15 minutes Flush eyes under running water for a minimum of 15 minutes If ingested, do not induce vomiting, sip water If inhaled, move to fresh air and rest You should report any instances to your supervisor, and seek medical attention immediately Note

23 EMERGENCY: HANDLING SPILLS If a cleaning chemical is spilled, you need to clean it up as quickly as possible, to reduce slip injuries, and the chance of the chemical contaminating drains. When you see a chemical spill remember to: Report the spill to your supervisor Put up relevant signage to warn others of the danger Refer to the label and the MSDS / SDS for information on personal precautions, environmental precautions, and methods to clean up and dispose of spills Always wear the recommended PPE when cleaning up a spill Clean up spills as quickly as possible Note

24 EMERGENCY CONTACTS If you do have an emergency, who should you call? Report all incidents to your supervisor Ring medical assistance for any injuries Ring fire brigade, they are equipped to deal with chemical spills Ecolab has a 24/7 emergency number: Australia: or New Zealand:

25 SUMMARY This course has covered many aspects of working safely with cleaning chemicals. We highlighted how it is everyone s responsibility to ensure safety in the workplace. By promoting a more informed chemical handling approach, the potential risk and danger posed will be better controlled. Let s review some of those key points: Always know what you are using and how to use it Read labels and MSDS / SDS. They will provide you will all the relevant safety information you need If a container is unlabelled, or you are not sure, do not use it, and report it to your supervisor Know the risks and how to avoid them Always follow safe working practices Use chemicals only as directed If you are not sure, ask! And at all times have a Safety First attitude Note

26 ASSESSMENT You have now completed this training session. You will be asked 20 randomly selected multiple choice questions. The pass mark is 90%. Your training supervisor will now provide you with a set of questions. Good Luck!