Campus Security

Safety and Health Plan
2001

Chemical Safety Procedures

Toxic Effect of Chemicals

All chemicals have toxic effects at some dose level for some route of exposure.  It is therefore wise to minimize exposure to chemicals.  Chemicals can have local or systemic effects.  Local toxicity refers to the direct action of chemicals at the point of contact.  Systemic toxicity occurs when the chemical agent is absorbed into the bloodstream and distributed through the body, affecting one or more organs.  Toxic effects are also classified as acute or chronic.  Acute effects are observed shortly after exposure.  Chronic effects result from long term exposure or appear after a latency period.

Routes of Exposure

Dermal contact, one of the most frequent exposures to chemicals, is by contact with the skin.  Spills and splash can result in over contamination of the skin.  A common result of skin contact is localized irritation or burns.  Some materials are also absorbed through the skin to produce systemic poisoning.  Skin contact hazards are often associated with caustic or acidic cleaners which are highly corrosive upon contact or with petroleum base products which are irritating on repeated contact. 

Inhalation of toxic vapors, mists, gases, or dust can produce poisoning by absorption through the mucous membrane of the mouth, throat and lungs and can seriously damage these tissues by local action.  Inhaled gases or vapors may pass rapidly into the capillaries of the lungs and be carried into the circulatory system.  The degree of injury resulting from inhalation of toxic substances depends on the toxicity of the material, its solubility in tissue fluids, its concentration, and the duration of exposure.  Inhalation hazards are most often associated with gases and volatile products such as adhesives, wood finishes or paint thinners.  Dust and non-volatile liquids can also present an inhalation hazard.  Materials in the form of dust and particulates can become airborne when transferred from one container to another, or by grinding and crushing.  Splash created from spills and during vigorous shaking and mixing also result in aerosol formation.  Many of the particulates generated during such procedures do not settle out but remain suspended in the air currents in the room.  For many operations it is not obvious that an aerosol is being generated, and personnel may not be aware that a hazardous situation exists.

Ingestion of toxic materials can also occur when contaminated hands come in contact with the mouth or with food items that are placed in the mouth.  Food items and utensils themselves can become contaminated when stored near chemicals.

The eyes are of particular concern because they are so sensitive to irritants.  Ocular exposure can occur via splash or when contaminated hands rub the eyes.  Few substances are innocuous in contact with the eyes, and a considerable number are capable of causing burns and loss of vision.  The eyes are very vascular and provide for rapid absorption of many chemicals.

Safe Handling Practices

Read the container of the material you are working with.  Do not use a material if you are not sure what it is.
Review the MSDS, available from your supervisor, if you are not sure of the chemical hazards after reading the label.
Use protective gloves, goggles, etc. as instructed on the label.  If you do not have these items contact the Director of Safety and Security.
Determine ventilation needs, or if respiratory protection may be required.  In general this will depend on the following:

• Evaporation rate of the product.  Flammables of high evaporation rates

• Corrosiveness of the fumes (ammonia, bleach), or the toxicity of fumes

• Length of potential exposure

• Size of open surface area created and method of application.  A large surface area would be created by application of a think coat such as in wood finishing or cleaning.  Spray application is more hazardous than brush application.

• Temperature of the product. Heat increases evaporation.

• Note location of the nearest eye wash, shower, or other water source.  Plan how you would quickly flush your eyes or skin if an accident should occur.

• Wash your hands when finished using chemicals to prevent ingestion.  Also rinse your gloves and clean your eye goggles.

• Store chemical products at eye level or below
  Reseal all containers after use

• If a spill occurs, contain the material if safe to do so.  Evacuate people form the are and contact the Security Department.  See Lenoir-Rhyne University Emergency Procedures.

© 2004 Lenoir-Rhyne University