Chemical Safety 🌎

In this topic, users are taught about the effects of different kinds of chemical substances on their health. The types of substances covered in this topic include carcinogens, corrosives, toxics and highly toxics, irritants, sensitizers. This topic also reviews some common health results associated with chemical exposure like major body function changes and reproductive problems.

• Questions (level 1, 2, 3)

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1. Chemicals can be grouped together based on the types of health results they can cause if people are exposed to them. These groups include carcinogens, corrosives, toxics and highly toxics, irritants, sensitizers, major body function changes, and reproductive problems.

2. Carcinogens cause or may cause cancer.

3. Corrosives destroy or damage skin or other tissue on contact.

4. Toxics and highly toxics are poisonous if they enter the body through inhaling, swallowing, or skin contact.

5. Irritants temporarily inflame the skin or eyes.

6. Sensitizers create an allergic reaction after repeated exposure.

7. Major body function changes include damage to the liver, kidneys, respiratory system, blood, or lungs.

8. Reproductive problems cause sterility or children with birth defects.

This topic teaches some valuable tips to help keep users safe from chemical exposure. Users are taught about material data safety sheets, personal protective equipment, and some best practices when using chemicals.

• Questions (level 1, 2, 3)

• Video module

Translated content is typically AI-generated, and in some instances, it's been human-reviewed. Review the list below for translation details within this topic.

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1. Read about hazards and their symptoms on labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDS). The SDS has a lot of valuable information about the chemical and emergency procedures.

2. For your protection and the protection of everyone in your workplace, be alert, and report symptoms linked to chemical exposure.

3. Use chemicals and related equipment according to your company's procedures and the manufacturer's instructions.

4. Inspect containers regularly for leaks, damage, expiration dates, etc.

5. Keep containers closed when not in use to prevent the release of hazardous vapors, dusts, mists, gases, etc. into the workplace air.

6. Report or clean up all spills immediately, following your company's rules. The risk of spreading contamination can have serious implications.

7. Check that chemical work areas are ventilated. Well-ventilated areas remove the contaminated air, which reduces the hazards of toxic materials.

8. Wear all personal protective equipment (PPE) required by the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and your company's procedures to avoid exposure or contact with chemicals.

9. Inspect personal protective equipment (PPE) before use, and remove it after use, being careful to prevent contamination.

10. To decrease the risk of chemical exposure, don't bring food, drinks, or cigarettes into areas with chemicals.

11. Wash thoroughly before you eat, drink, or smoke as contact with or inhalation of chemicals can be dangerous or deadly.

12. To avoid the risk of chemical exposure, don't use chemically exposed tools and equipment unless they were thoroughly decontaminated.

13. Dispose of all contaminated materials properly to avoid spreading or cross-contamination.

The topic teaches the ten chemical hazard symbols identified by the Global Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals. Learners identify each symbol and the possible risks associated with each chemical hazard.

• Questions (level 1, 2, 3)

• Video module

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1. Flammable substances will catch fire if exposed to heat, fire, sparks, etc. They will also react with water to produce a flammable gas. Keep away from ignition sources.

2. Oxidizing - These substances will burn without oxygen and will intensify fires. Keep away from ignition sources.

3. Gas under pressure. These substances are often cold when released, but explode when they’re heated, punctured, or dropped. Keep containers away from heat.

4. Corrosive substances can irritate or damage skin and eyes, and damage metals. Avoid contact with skin and eyes, and do not inhale vapors.

5. Explosive substances could explode if exposed to heat, friction, or shock. Keep away from potential ignition sources.

6. Deadly or Acutely Toxic. Toxic substances are life-threatening. Avoid ingestion and skin contact.

7. Health Hazard - Short or long-term exposure could cause serious long-term health effects such as cancer, birth defects, damaged organs, etc. Avoid contact with skin and ingestion.

8. Moderate Hazard. Exposure could irritate the skin, eyes, or respiratory system, and could be fatal in larger quantities. Keep away from skin and eyes.

9. Biohazardous Infectious Materials - Indicates the presence of organisms or toxins that can cause disease in humans or animals.

10. Environmental Hazard. Substances are toxic to the environment and aquatic life and could have long-lasting effects. Dispose these substances responsibly.

As per international safety standards, all hazardous materials require a label. In this topic, users are taught the difference between supplier labels and workplace labels, when to use each of them, and what information they require. Users are also taught about the signal words, hazard statements, and precautionary statements used on these labels.

• Questions (level 1, 2, 3)

• Video module

Translated content is typically AI-generated, and in some instances, it's been human-reviewed. Review the list below for translation details within this topic.

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1. Suppliers are responsible for labeling the hazardous products that they provide to customers.

2. Supplier label MUST be affixed to, printed on, or attached to the hazardous product or the container and remain legible.

3. Supplier labels require that the chemical hazard symbol, signal word, and hazard statement be grouped together and prominently displayed.

4. The supplier label must include a product identifier: the brand name, chemical name, common name, generic name, or trade name of the hazardous product.

5. The signal word “danger” is used for high risk hazards.

6. The signal word “warning” is used for less severe hazards.

7. Hazard statements are brief, standardized sentences that tell you more about the exact hazard of the product. The statements are short, but they describe the most significant hazards of the product.

8. Precautionary statements provide advice on how to minimize or prevent adverse effects resulting from exposure to or resulting from improper storage or handling of a hazardous product. These statements can include instructions about storage, handling, first aid, personal protective equipment, and emergency measures.

9. A workplace label must be applied when the supplier label has come off or is illegible or when the material is decanted from the supplier container to another container.

10. Workplace labels require the following information:

    • Product name (matching the SDS product name)

    •Safe handling precautions

    •A reference to the SDS (if available)

11. There are two main types of hazardous product labels: supplier labels and workplace labels.

Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are an important part of maintaining chemical safety in your workplace. It’s important that you know what information can be found on these sheets, so you can use hazardous materials safely and react appropriately in an emergency. In this topic, users are taught the purpose of an SDS, what information is included on an SDS, and when an SDS needs to be replaced according to international safety standards.

• Questions (level 1, 2, 3)

• Video module

Translated content is typically AI-generated, and in some instances, it's been human-reviewed. Review the list below for translation details within this topic.

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1. Safety Data Sheets have four main purposes

   · Identify the product name and the supplier

   · Alert you to potential physical (i.e. flammable) and health hazards (i.e. carcinogenic)

   · Outline steps you can take to work safely, reduce or prevent exposure, or in an emergency

   · Emergency response in various situations (e.g., first-aid, clean-up, fire, accidental release)

2. Section 1: Identification

   This section informs you of:

   · Product name and/or product family

   · Recommended use

   · Restrictions of use

   · Supplier identifier, address, and phone number(s)

   · Supplier’s emergency telephone number

3. Section 2: Hazard Identification

   This section informs you of:

   · Hazard classification (class, category or subcategory) of the substance or mixture

   · The physical or health hazards

   · Chemical hazard symbol(s)

   · Signal word

   · Hazard statement(s)

   · Precautionary statement(s)

4. First Aid Measures (Section 4)

   First-aid measures by route of exposure: Immediate medical attention and special treatment, if necessary.

5. First Aid Measures will also provide information on symptoms and effects (acute or delayed).

6. Section 5 of the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) provides information about specific hazards as they relate to flammability as well as extinguishing procedures.

7. Sections 6, 7, and 8 of the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) outline the personal protective equipment required as well as safe handling, storage, and emergency procedures.

8. Suppliers are required to update Safety Data Sheets within 90 days of the supplier getting information about changes to the product, like new chemical compositions, updated hazards, etc.