Chemical Exposure in the Workplace-2

Chemical Exposure in the Workplace Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace from an Occupational Health and Safety Perspective

The use of chemicals has enabled humanity to improve work processes and produce innovative products and technologies that would be impossible to achieve without them. However, chemicals, which typically have flammable, caustic, toxic and corrosive properties, contain hazards and risks that must be managed and controlled in the workplace and in our environment. This textbook will provide students with the minimum required information on occupational health and safety in industry and the chemical industry, covering the identification, classification, labeling and safe use of chemicals, as well as how and by what methods possible risks can be minimized or eliminated.

1.1. What are Chemical Hazards?

Chemical hazards are risks associated with the use of a chemical. Briefly, chemical hazards in the workplace are as follows:

1.1.1. Physicochemical Hazards

These are risks that, due to the physical structure of a chemical, may cause harm to workers, the workplace and the environment, either wholly or in part. These risks relate to the physical properties of the chemical (flammable, explosive, corrosive, reactive) and how they should be handled and stored.

1.1.2. Health Hazards

Cases where workers and other personnel in production are affected by hazardous chemicals through inhalation, absorption through skin and eyes, or ingestion, resulting in acute health conditions (nausea, vomiting, acid burns, asphyxiation) or chronic diseases and conditions (dermatitis, asthma, liver damage, cancer, etc.) resulting from long-term repeated exposure.

1.1.3. Environmental Hazards

When chemicals are released into the environment or their waste is accidentally dispersed into the natural flora and fauna, they exhibit acute or chronic effects, which are defined as environmental hazards of chemicals.

1.2. Common Chemical Hazards

Many hazardous chemical substances are flammable and can rapidly cause serious fires or explosions. Chemical risks exist when flammable substances are used and in locations where people smoke or where sparks and significant heat effects can occur in work processes. Fire and explosion risks can occur when containers of chemicals are misused or when they are tipped over or dropped in accidents. Because flammable and combustible substances are generally found in medium or large-sized packages and drums, warehouse personnel and forklift operators in the workplace must be informed and trained regarding these substances in relation to safe handling of chemicals.

1.3. Chemical Reactions

Many chemical substances react violently when they come into contact with incompatible other chemicals. For this reason, from an occupational health and safety perspective, such substances must be used and stored with great care. Such reactions can also occur when the chemical is affected by heat, sunlight, water and other reactive substances. Chemical risks can also be observed when certain chemicals are mixed together. In some cases, a violent and rapidly developing reaction can occur when a solvent-type substance is added to a mixture. It must not be overlooked that if workers do not have sufficient knowledge about the chemicals they use or do not know what to do in emergencies, the chemical risk will inevitably be greater. Many tragic incidents resulting from such negligence occur in the work environment. It must be remembered that if safe operating procedures are prepared, chemical risks will be relatively easy to control.

1.4. Environmental Hazards

Many chemicals pose risks to the environment. These risks can take the form of gas and heat releases into the atmosphere, seepage of toxic substances into surface and groundwater reserves, fires and explosions, or losses and damages resulting from chemical reactions. Most health risks affecting humans also affect plants, wildlife and microorganisms, damaging or destroying entire ecosystems.

1.5. Controlling Chemicals in the Workplace

Hazardous chemicals pose certain risks to workers in the workplace. In order to help reduce these risks to an acceptable level or eliminate them, risks related to hazardous substances must be systematically controlled by a professional team. The best way to control chemical risks in the workplace is to develop a balanced and consistent chemical management procedure. Four important steps for chemical management procedure are as follows:

1.5.1. Identification

Each chemical used in the workplace should be clearly identified, and information should be provided regarding both health and physicochemical risks of these substances.

1.5.2. Evaluation

A risk assessment should be conducted for each hazardous chemical. Additionally, how they are obtained, distributed, used and stored is very important. What accidents or hazardous events could occur and their possible consequences should be considered.

1.5.3. Control

Using the control hierarchy, changes should be made in the workplace to eliminate or minimize risks. The control hierarchy ranks measures using the effectiveness of different control methods, from those providing the highest level of protection and reliability against risks to those providing the lowest level of security and protection.

These measures/controls are respectively as follows:

1.5.3.1. Elimination: Physically eliminating the risk at its source. For example, using dilute sulfuric acid instead of concentrated fuming sulfuric acid. 1.5.3.2. Substitution: Replacing a high-risk chemical with another lower-risk chemical. For example, using formic acid instead of concentrated sulfuric acid. 1.5.3.3. Engineering Controls: Technical measures necessary to keep workers away from risks; for example, separation (isolation), general ventilation, local ventilation, air conditioning, automation, work under a fume hood, etc. 1.5.3.4. Administrative Controls: Measures to be taken to change work methods; for example, shortening work periods, shift work, reducing the number of workers, providing longer breaks, training, etc. 1.5.3.5. Personal Protective Equipment: Protecting workers against risks with PPE; for example, head, eye, ear, hand, respiratory system, body, foot protection and fall prevention systems. 1.5.4. Sustainability In addition to reviewing all the control measures given above, a sustainable system must be established to identify, evaluate and control newly acquired chemicals in the workplace. I extend my sincere thanks to my valued colleague Ilker Erdoğan, Chemical Engineer, for his contribution to the preparation of these lecture notes on "Chemical Exposure in the Workplace." MCG

References [1] ILO, 1993, Safety in The Use of Chemicals at Work. URL: https:// www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/---ed_protect/---protrav/--- safework/documents/normativeinstrument/wcms_107823.pdf [2] ILO Encyclopaedia of Occupational Health and Safety, Part IX. Chemicals. URL: http://www.iloencyclopaedia.org

  Mustafa Cüneyt Gezen Instructor Üsküdar University Textile Chemical Engineer         Ilker Erdoğan Chemical Engineer IGU (B), SOP Preparer Technical Protection