11/7/2011. Chemical Hazards and Controls for Rehabilitation Professionals. What is a chemical hazard? Toxicology. Module 3

Transcription

1 Chemical Hazards and Controls for Rehabilitation Professionals Module 3 What is a chemical hazard? A chemical hazard is a chemical that, because of its characteristics and effects, may cause harm to an individual. The level of harm that may occur is impacted by a variety of factors. The amount of the chemical The time frame over which the exposure occurs The route of entry (how the exposure occurs), and Characteristics of the individual Toxicology All substances are poisons; there is none which is not a poison. The right dose differentiates a poison... Paracelsus ( ) The toxicity of chemicals is determined by many factors including chemical properties, physical properties, physical state, amount of exposure, duration of exposure, route of entry, etc. 1

2 Exposure routes for chemical hazards Inhalation Skin or mucous membrane contact (absorption) Injection Ingestion Categories of chemical hazards for rehabilitation professionals Chemicals used in cleaning and disinfection Compressed gases Latex Chemicals associated with crafts and woodworking shop activities Personal care products, scents and fragrances Examples of chemicals 2

3 WHMIS Workplace Hazardous Material Information System is the Canadian legislation addressing the safe use of controlled hazardous products. Key elements of WHMIS include the following. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) Labels Worker training Control of Chemical Hazards Hazard controls should be chosen based on a hazard assessment of the tasks being performed and the chemicals being used. Always review the MSDS and safe work procedures associated with any chemicals used in the workplace. Safe work procedures should be developed to reduce potential exposure to harmful substances. Worker Training Chemical hazards WHMIS Hazard identification and risk assessment Safe handling procedures Safe decontamination procedures for reusable equipment Storage practices Disposal procedures Proper use of PPE 3

4 Decreasing effectiveness of controls Engineering Administrative Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Chemicals used in cleaning and disinfection Exposure associated with the use of cleaning and disinfecting products Engineering controls Substitution with less harmful product, properly designed and maintained ventilation systems, automatic diluting machines, and closed systems Administrative controls Purchase of products in ready to use concentrations to minimize handling, safe work procedures, WHMIS program and maintenance of MSDSs, worker education, controlled access to work area, exposure monitoring, and accommodation for sensitized workers or those with health issues PPE Based on hazard assessment; may include gloves, eye protection, faceshield and chemical-resistant protective clothing 4

5 Compressed gases Exposure associated with compressed gases used for patient treatment (i.e. oxygen) Engineering controls Adequate ventilation, proper storage of cylinders Administrative controls Safe work procedures including transportation and storage, WHMIS program and maintenance of MSDSs, worker education and good housekeeping Storage of oxygen tank on wheelchair Latex Exposures associated with the use of gloves, medical devices, etc. that contain latex Engineering controls Substitution with less harmful products (i.e. latex free products), properly designed and maintained ventilation systems Administrative controls Purchasing controls to limit latex containing materials, safe work procedures, education of workers in the nature of the hazard, hand washing after glove removal, proper glove donning and removal, work reassignment for workers with latex allergies to areas where latex is not present 5

6 Latex free gloves Chemicals associated with crafts and woodworking shop activities Exposures associated with wood dust, glues, paints and solvents Engineering controls Substitution with less harmful product, properly designed and maintained ventilation systems, local exhaust ventilation, appropriate storage and waste disposal containers Administrative controls Safe work procedures, WHMIS program and maintenance of MSDSs, worker education, airing of products which produce off-gassing prior to installation in a well ventilated area, appropriate use and storage to decrease fire hazards, good hygiene practices, good housekeeping and equipment maintenance programs PPE Based on hazard assessment; may include gloves, eye protection, and respiratory protection Local exhaust ventilation 6

7 Waste disposal container Personal Care Products, Scents and Fragrances Exposure to personal care products, scents and fragrances used by clients and co-workers Engineering controls Elimination of scented products, substitution with less harmful products, properly designed and maintained ventilation systems Administrative controls Development, implementation and enforcement of a scent-free policy, signage in work areas where affected workers work, worker education Common PPE Gloves Goggles/safety glasses Faceshield Chemical-resistant protective clothing Respirators 7

8 What can you do to prevent exposures to chemical hazards? Participate in the hazard identification and assessment process. Become educated and aware of chemical hazards and controls, including all safe work procedures. Use all controls to minimize your exposure to chemical hazards. 8