Chemicals in the

Workplace

Presented By:
Melba F. Marasigan
Sr. Industrial Hygienist
Objectives:
 Identify & classify chemicals based on their
chemical and physical properties and the nature of
exposure.

 Know the sources of information on the chemicals

and apply their uses at work.

 Know the hazards associated with the chemicals.

 Chemicals have
improved our
QUALITY of LIFE.
 General Concepts
 Chemicals are found everywhere around us….

…in the food we eat

… the water we drink

… the consumer products we use

… and the air we breathe

 General Concepts
 Chemicals are either
naturally occurring or
man-made.

 They have a wide range

of possible health effects.
What are Hazardous Chemicals?

 Any chemical possessing the properties that

may impair health of humans and living
organisms or can damage the environment.
Classification of Chemicals
Chemicals can be classified based on:
 Physical-chemical properties
 Health effects
 Nature of exposure
Hazard to Environment

 Toxic to living organism

 Persistent in the environment

 Bioaccumulation
 Based on
Physical - Chemical Properties
1. Explosives 10. Pyrophoric Solids
2. Flammable Gases 11. Self-Heating Substances
3. Flammable Aerosols 12. Substances which in contact
4. Oxidizing Gases with water, emit flammable
gases
5. Gases Under
Pressure 13. Oxidizing Liquids
6. Flammable Liquids 14. Oxidizing Solids
7. Flammable Solids 15. Oxidizing Peroxides
8. Self-Reactive 16. Oxidizing to Metals
Substances
9. Pyrophoric Liquids
 Explosives
Substances and preparations capable by chemical
reaction of producing gas at such a temperature,
:
pressure and speed as to cause damage to people
and surroundings: 3

Examples:
- Pyrotechnic substances / articles
- Nitroglycerin
- Trinitrotoluene
 Explosives
Explosives are assigned to one of 6 divisions
Division Characteristics
1.1 Mass explosion hazard
1.2 Projection hazard
1.3 Fire hazard or minor projection hazard
1.4 No significant hazard
1.5 Very insensitive substances with mass explosion
hazard
1.6 Extremely insensitive articles with no mass
explosion hazard
 Flammable Gases
Gases having a flammable range with air
at 20°C and 14.7 psi or 101.3 kPa
Examples: hydrogen, propane

Category 1: Extremely Flammable Gases

Gases ignitable when in mixture of < 13% in air or
having a flammable range with air of > 12%

Category 2: Flammable Gases

Gases other then those of category 1 (but with a
flammable range with air at 20°C and 101.3 kPa
 Flammable Aerosols
To classify aerosols as flammable, the following
Characteristics / results of testing need to be
considered:
- Concentration of flammable components
(all liquids, gases, solids according to GHS criteria)
- Heat of combustion *
- Ignition distance test **
- Enclosed space ignition test *
- Foam test (for foam aerosols) **
 Flammable Aerosols
Aerosols are:
- Non flammable, if concentration of flammable
components  1% and heat of combustion is < 20 kJ/g.

- Extremely flammable, if concentration of flammable

components >85% and heat of combustion is  30 kJ/g
to avoid excessive testing.

All other flammable aerosols are assigned on

the basis of the test results to:
Category 1: Extremely flammable aerosols
Category 2: Flammable aerosols
 Oxidizing Gases
Gases which may, generally by providing oxygen,
cause or contribute to the combustion of other
material, more than air does.
? Gases contained in a receptacle at a pressure  280
kPa at 20°C or as a refrigerated liquid.

? This definition covers four types of gases or gas mixtures

to cope with effects of pressure or freezing, which may lead
to serious damage to people / surroundings or death of
people independently from other hazards gases may
possess.
Compressed Gases:
 A compressed gas is a gas or mixture of gases in
a container that is under pressure.
nitrogen
compressed air
hydrogen

Physical Hazards:
 Sudden release of gas may propel cylinder at high
speeds with extreme force
Health Hazards:
 Varies based on gas in cylinder

 Check MSDS for specific health hazards

Gases Under Pressure
Gases Criteria

Compressed Entirely gaseous at -50°C

Liquified Partially liquid at T > -50°C

Refrigerated Partially liquid because of its low

Liquified temperature
Dissolved Dissolved in a liquid phase solvent
 Flammable Liquids
Liquids with flashpoint of  93 oC

Category Criteria
1 Flash point < 23°C and initial
boiling point  35 °C
2 Flash point < 23°C and initial
boiling point > 35 °C
3* Flash point  23 °C and  60 °C
4* Flash point > 60 °C and  93 °C

* Diesel, light heating oil, gas oil, having flash points  55 °C

and  75°C (may vary by charge/ season)
 Flammable Solids
Solids which are readily combustible (can be
easily ignited by brief contact with ignition source
and flame spreads rapidly) and may cause or
contribute to fire through friction.

Examples: Metal powders, matches

 Flammable Solids
Category Criteria
1 Metal Powders: burning time  5 minutes
Others: wetted zone does not stop fire &
burning time < 45 seconds or
burning rate > 2.2 mm/second
2 Metal Powders: burning time > 5 and  10
minutes
Others: wetted zone stop fire for at least 4
minutes &
burning time < 45 seconds or
burning rate > 2.2 mm/second
Self - Reactive Substances
Substances liable to undergo a strongly exothermic
decomposition even without participation of oxygen (air)

Note:
Explosives, organic peroxides and oxidizing substances
are excluded. They may have similar properties, but
such hazards are included in their specific test regime
 Pyrophoric Liquids & Solids
Substances which ignite in contact with air within 5 minutes
? Solids are tested directly in air on a surface
? Liquids are tested on an inert carrier material
? Examples: diethyl zinc, silane

Self - heating Substances

Substances or mixture which by reaction with air and
without energy supply, is liable to self-heat. The process
may lead to self ignition or hot temperatures
 Substances Which in Contact
With Water Emit Flammable
Gases
Classification on basis of test results which
measure gas evolution and speed of evolution
Category 1: 10 l/1 minute
Category 2: 20 l/1 hour + <10 l/1 minute
Category 3: 1 l/ 1 hour + <20 l/1 hour
Not Classified: <1 l/ 1 hour
 Oxidizing Liquids
Substances and preparations, which cause or
contribute to the combustion of other material
(generally by yielding oxygen, but also fluorine e.g.
Iodine pentafluoride
Categories are defined by ignition or pressure rise time
compared to defined mixtures (1:1 mixtures)
Category 1: 50% perchloric acid and cellulose
Category 2: 40% aqueous sodium chlorate
solution and cellulose
Category 3: 65% aqueous nitric acid and cellulose
 Oxidizing Solids
Substances which cause or contribute to the combustion
of other material generally by yielding oxygen

Categories are defined by mean burning time

and are compared to defined mixtures (4:1 or 1:1 ratio)
Category 1: < 3:2 mixture of potassium bromate
and cellulose
Category 2:  2:3 mixture of potassium bromate
and cellulose
Category 3:  3:7 mixture of potassium bromate
and cellulose
 Organic Peroxides
- Liquids or Solids containing the bivalent - O - O -
structure, thermally unstable and exothermic self -
accelerating decomposition

Such substances and preparations may

- be liable to explosive decomposition
- burn rapidly
- be sensitive to impact or friction
- react dangerously with other substances
 Corrosive to Metals
- Substances and mixtures which by chemical
reaction cause damage or destroy metals.
- Corrosion rate: >6 to 25 mm/year at 55°C
Classification of Chemicals
Based on Health Effects
1. Corrosives
2. Toxic
3. Irritants
4. Carcinogenic
5. Teratogenic
6. Mutagenic
1. Corrosives
A corrosive is either acidic or caustic (acid or base) and
is capable of destroying human tissue. Acids can also
destroy metal.
Acids: sulfuric acid (battery acid), hydrochloric acid
Bases: sodium hydroxide, ammonium hydroxide
2. Toxic
 Chemicals that are extremely poisonous.
 Substances, which may involve acute or
chronic health risk or even death.

Examples:
 Cyanides
 Arsenic compounds
 Mercury and lead compounds
 Carbon tetrachloride
Toxins (poisons)
 All chemicals are poisonous to some degree, but a
small dose of a toxin can cause serious health effects.

Hepatotoxins carbon tetrachloride,

ethanol
Nephrotoxins halogenated hydrocarbons
chloroform
Neurotoxins mercury, disulfide
Reproductive toxins formamide, lead
Toxic or strychnine, aniline
highly toxic agents
Toxins (poisons)
 Agents which damage
- lungs silica, asbestos
- skin acetone
- eyes organic solvents, corrosives
- mucous membranes corrosive gases,
stench compounds
 Agents that act on blood carbon monoxide,
or hematopoietic system cyanides
 Carcinogens benzene, carbon
tetrachloride
 Sensitizers latex, epoxy resins
 3. Irritants
!
 Chemical that causes:
 Inflammation of the skin
 Eye irritation
 Irritation to the respiratory system

4. Carcinogenic
 Can cause cancer in humans upon prolonged exposure
 Latency period ranged from 4 to 40 years

Examples: Benzene; Vinyl chloride

5. Teratogenic
 Congenital malformation resulting from exposure
to chemical may interfere with the development of
normal fetus
Examples: Organic solvents; Mercury

6. Mutagenic
 Results to inherited genetic damage to offspring
 80 to 85% of carcinogenic chemicals may have
effects on future generation
Examples: Acridine orange; Diazo dyes
Classification of Chemicals
Based on Nature
of Chemical Exposure
1. Vapor
2. Fumes
3. Mist
4. Gases - Smoke
5. Dust - Particulates
Vapor  gaseous form of liquids at room
temperature and pressure

Fumes  Solid particles formed from condensation

of substances from the vapor state

 Dispersion of liquid particles in the air

Mists  Examples: Phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid

Gases  Substances in the gaseous state at room

temperature and pressure

Dusts  Suspension of solid particles in the air

Sources of Information
About the Chemicals
Being Used
 Labels
 Chemical Safety Data Sheets
What is a Label?
It is the first source of information for the user.
It provides:
 Name of the chemical as it appears on MSDS
 Manufacturer’s name and address
 Physical and health hazard warnings
Be sure:
 That original label from the supplier or manufacturer
must remain attached to the container.
 To read labels before beginning work
 Not to deface or remove the label
 To replace labels if necessary
What is a Label ?
Secondary Container Labels
Non-Laboratories
name (as on MSDS)
Laboratories hazard warnings
name (as on MSDS)
 Uses of Label:
1. Immediately tells the user about the product
2. Helps prevent confusion and mishandling of
products
3. Helps to organize preventive measures
4. Helps in planning product storage
5. Guide for measures in the event of an accident
6. Provides advice on waste management and
protection of the environment
System of Labeling
 NFPA (National Fire Protection
Association)

 DOT (Department of Transportation)

 GHS (Globally Harmonized System)

Other Existing System of Labeling

 UN Transport Recommendations
 European Union (EU) Directives on
Substances and Preparations
 Canadian Requirements for Workplace,
Consumers and Pesticides
 US Requirements for Workplace, Consumers
and Pesticides
National Fire Protection Association
(NFPA) Hazard Diagram
Top – flammability hazards (RED)

00
Left – health 33 00 Right – reactivity
hazards oxy hazards
(BLUE) oxy (YELLOW)

Bottom – special characteristics of

w/c the user should be
aware (WHITE)
GHS Symbols and Indication of Danger
Flame Flame over circle Exploding bomb
(Flammable/ (Oxidizing/ (Explosives/ Corrosive
Self-reactive/ etc.) Organic peroxide) Self-reactive/ etc.)

Exclamation Mark
Skull and (Acute: lower level) Environment
Gas cylinder Double Exclamation
crossbones (Aquatic toxicity)
(Compressed gases)
(Acute toxicity) (Chronic: higher
level)
Container Labels = MSDS
Name on label = Name on MSDS
Material Safety Data Sheet
ETHANOL
DU000538
PRODUCT INFORMATION
-----------------------------
Material Identification
NEN MSDS Number : 238
ETHANOL CAS Number : 64-17-5
------------------
------------------ Molecular Weight : 46.07
------------------
CAS Name : Ethanol

Tradenames and Synonyms

ETHANOL
ETHYL ALCOHOL
What is CSDS/MSDS?
 A summary of the important
health, safety and
toxicological information on
the chemical or the mixture
ingredients.
 Describe the properties and
hazards of a specific
chemical.
Material Safety Data Sheets

They are available from:

 Workplace
 Chemical Manufacturer / Supplier
 Clinic
 Environmental Health & Safety

homepage at http://www.utexas.edu/safety/ehs
Contents of MSDS
 Product Information
 Composition, Ingredients
 Hazards Identification
 First Aid Measures
 Fire Fighting Measures
 Accidental Release Measures
 Handling and Storage
 Exposure Controls,
Personal Protection
 Physical and Chemical
Properties
 Stability and Reactivity
 Toxicological Information
 Ecological Information
 Disposal Considerations
 Transportation Information
 Regulatory Information
 Other Information
MSDS = Chemical Information
Material Safety Data Sheet

ETHANOL
DU00058
PRODUCT INFORMATION

ALL INFO
--------------------------------
Material Identification
--------------------------------
NEN MSDS Number
CAS Number : 64-17-5
: 238 YOU NEED TO BE
Formula
Molecular Weight
: C2H5OH
: 46.07 SAFE AT YOUR
WORK PLACE
CAS Name : Ethanol

Tradenames and Synonyms

ETHANOL
ETHYL ALCOHOL
ETHYL ALCOLHOL, 200 PROOF USP
ETHYL HYDRATE
ETHYL HYDROXIDE
ALCOHOL, ANHYDROUS
 “We cannot do away with Chemicals”
 Misuse of chemicals can endanger our lives – can
cause harm to human and environment.
 Understanding the nature of chemicals, its properties
and exposure prevents exposure to the risks and
hazards of chemicals.
 Understanding labels and CSDS is an essential tool
in the management of chemicals.
 Precautionary measures will control the exposure to
chemicals
 GHS :
Hazard Communication

Safety Data Sheets

(SDS)
Role of the SDS in the GHS

 SDS should provide comprehensive information about a

chemical substance or mixture for use in workplace.
 Both employers and workers use it as a source of
information about hazards, and to obtain advice on safety
precautions.
 Provide a source of information for target audiences
 Workplaces
 Consumers
 Emergency Responders
 Transporters
SDS Format
 The GHS SDS headings, sequence and content is similar
to the ISO, EU and ANSI MSDS / SDS requirements,
except the order of MSDS sections 2 and 3 have been
reversed.
 1. Product and company information
2. Composition information on ingredients
3. Hazards identification
4. First aid measures
5. Fire fighting measures
6. Accidental release
7. Handling and storage
ISO - SDS 8. Exposure controls, personal protection
9. Physical, chemical properties
10. Stability and reactivity
FORMAT 11. Toxicological information
12. Ecological information
13. Disposal considerations
14. Transport information
15. Regulatory information
16. Other information
 1. Product and company information
2. Hazards identification
3. Composition information on ingredients
4. First aid measures
5. Fire fighting measures
GHS 6. Accidental release
7. Handling and storage
SDS 8. Exposure controls, personal protection
9. Physical, chemical properties
FORMAT 10. Stability and reactivity
11. Toxicological information
12. Ecological information
13. Disposal considerations
14. Transport information
15. Regulatory information
16. Other information
 GHS Implementation – Philippines

 National GHS Implementation Committee created in

2004 headed by BOI.
 Sectoral Committees were formed:
 DOLE – OSHC
 DA - FPA
 DTI – BPS
 DENR
 DOTC (Chemicals-in-Transit) – DOTC Main
GHS Implementation – Philippines
 Sub-Committees were formed:
 Legislation
 Comprehensibility Testing
 Awareness Raising
 Technical Training
 International Affairs

 Relevant legislation:
 Occupational Safety and Health Standards (OSHS)

 Toxic Substances and Hazardous Nuclear Wastes Act of 1990

(Republic Act No.6969) and related rules and regulations (1992)
 Consumer Act of the Philippines (Republic Act No.7394)

 Household Hazardous Act (Presidential Decree No.881)

Preparation of Draft Legislation
Activities of Sub- Committee on Legislation
1. Forum on the legal implementation of GHS
 April 7, 2006 – Tacloban City
2. National consultation and workshop on the implementation of
GHS
 May 17, 2006 – Subic, Zambales
 November 7, 2006 – Davao Civil Society & Industry Directed
Activities
3. Options being considered
 Amend existing laws
 Develop a joint GHS undertaking / administrative order
Industry Activities

 Nationwide training workshops are being conducted

by SPIK (Chemical Industry Association of the
Philippines), in coordination with BOI, for SMEs &
non-SPIK member companies:
Civil Society Activities
 Awareness Raising Workshops conducted by Public
Interest and Labor Groups, in coordination with BOI
and SPIK
 Trade Union Congress of the Philippines
(TUCP) for the Industrial Workplace and
Transport Sectors
 Pesticide Action Network (PAN) for the
Agriculture Sector
 Nationwide Association of Consumers, Inc.
(NACI) for the Consumer Sector
 Strategies for the
Implementation of GHS

 Preparation of Label Standards

 Creation of a Technical Committee by the DTI - Bureau of
Product Standards for the preparation of label standards for
chemicals

 Awareness Raising
 Posters and Banners on the GHS have been reproduced
and distributed by OSHC in government offices and
industrial workplaces
 GHS awareness included in the OSHC training modules for
chemicals safety
 World Summit on
Sustainable Development

The Plan of Implementation includes:

 Encourage countries to implement the new
globally harmonized system for the
classification and labelling of chemicals as
soon as possible with a view to having the
system fully operational by 2008.
Paragraph 23 (c)
Implementation Plans
 Work has begun in international organizations on
assessment of capacity building and technical
assistance needs in developing countries.
 The GHS provides the platform upon which countries
can build chemical safety programs.
 Pilots have begun in countries from different regions to
determine what would help countries adopt and
implement the system.
 Issues such as web-based technical assistance for
countries and for companies engaged in implementation
are being explored.
Conclusions:
 Development of the GHS has been a difficult and
long-term process. The work that has been
completed has required much discussion and
compromise.
 Implementation will also require a long-term effort and
cooperation among countries, international
organizations, and stakeholders, including industry
and labor representatives.
Plans for Implementation
GHS:
• Will be a non- mandatory
recommendation available to countries
to implement
• Was adopted in December 2002
• Will be issued from UNECOSOC in July
2003
• Will be fully operational in APEC before
2006 and in every country before 2008