Contents

Preface

1. Introduction

2. Health hazards due to chemical exposure

2.1 Definitions
2.2 Factors contributing to hazardous situations

2.2.1 Routes of entry
2.2.2 Concentration and type of exposure
2.2.3 Combined effects of chemicals
2.2.4 Hypersusceptible groups

2.3 The toxic effects of chemicals

2.3.1 Irritation
2.3.2 Allergy
2.3.3 Lack of oxygen (asphyxiation)
2.3.4 Narcosis and anaesthesia
2.3.5 Systemic poisoning
2.3.6 Cancer
2.3.7 Damage to the unborn foetus
2.3.8 Genetic effects on future generations
2.3.9 Dusty lung

3. Fire and explosion hazards

3.1 Fuel

3.1.1 Liquid flashpoints
3.1.2 Solids
3.1.3 Gases

3.2 Heat

3.2.1 Electrical current
3.2.2 Static electricity
3.2.3 Spontaneous combustion
3.2.4 A mixture of two chemicals
3.2.5 Friction
3.2.6 Radiant heat
3.2.7 Open flames

3.3 Oxygen

4. Basic principles of prevention

4.1 Four principles of operational control

4.1.1 Elimination or substitution
4.1.2 Putting distance or shielding between
the substance and the worker
4.1.3 Ventilation
4.1.4 Personal protective equipment
4.1.5 Personal hygiene

4.2 Organizational control

4.2.1 Identification
4.2.2 Labeling
4.2.3 Chemical safety data sheets
4.2.4 Safe storage
4.2.5 Procedures for safe transfer
4.2.6 Safe handling and use
4.2.7 Housekeeping
4.2.8 Disposal routines
4.2.9 Monitoring of exposure
4.2.10 Medical surveillance
4.2.11 Record-keeping
4.2.12 Training and education

5. Chemical emergency procedures

5.1 The emergency plan

5.2 Emergency teams

5.3 Evacuation

5.4 First aid

5.4.1 The organization of a first-aid service
5.4.2 First aid for persons who come into contact
with chemicals
5.4.3 Role of poison information centres

5.5 Fighting fire

5.5.1 The pre-fire plan
5.5.2 The organization of in-plant fire-fighting services
5.5.3 Automatic fire protection
5.5.4 Selection of extinguishers
5.5.5 The decision to fight fire

5.6 Spill and leak procedures

6. Management of a chemical control programme

6.1 Setting goals

6.2 Setting up a programme

6.2.1 Cooperation at the workplace
6.2.2 Inventory of chemicals
6.2.3 Purchasing procedure
6.2.4 Receipt, identification, classification and labeling
6.2.5 Day-to-day management of chemicals: Control
measures