Information, hazard sources

Hazard information sources, 71-78. See also Information needs Bretherick s Handbook, 76 Chemical Hazards Response Information System (CHRIS) Manual, 76 factors in, 71-72... 

Information needs. See also Hazard information sources... 

Assessment Phase The assessment phase aims to collect data needed to identify and analyze pollution-prevention opportunities. Assessment of the facility s waste-reduction needs includes the examination of hazardous waste streams, process operations, and the identification of techniques that often promise the reduction of waste generation. Information is often derived from obsei vations made during a facihty walk-through, interviews with employees (e.g., operators, line workers), and review of site or regulatory records. One professional organization suggests the following information sources be reviewed, as available (Ref. 7) ... 

A single unstable compound of known composition is placed in the main first volume and is located on the basis of its empirical molecular formula expressed in the Hill system used by Chemical Abstracts (C and H if present, then all other element symbols alphabetically). The use of this indexing basis permits a compound to be located if its structure can be drawn, irrespective of whether a valid name is known for it. A representation of the structure of each compound is given on the third bold title line while the name of the compound appears as the first bold title line. References to the information source are given, followed by a statement of the observed hazard, with any relevant explanation. Cross-reference to similar compounds, often in a group entry, completes the entry. See Trifluoroacetyl nitrite p. 244. 

Preliminary Hazard Analysis. The next step in the process is the development of a PHA. This analysis is the core of the FSS program and as such is vital in eliminating or reducing the inherent hazards associated with this laboratory operation. The PHA is used to further analyze the data identified in the PHL. This enhances the hazard control data base and provides specific recommended corrective action for the resolution of hazardous conditions. A combination of the informational sources used in the PHL development and any additional design information should be used in PHA development. 

In some cases, a hazard may turn out to be more severe or more widespread than previously stated. When this occurs, information sources whose previous statements are proven wrong may lose their credibility. 

In the compilation of process safety information, require that multiple sources of information be sufficiently consulted to understand and control potential reactive hazards. Useful sources include ... 

Responses to the CSB industry survey50 indicate that most companies consult a variety of information sources as a first step in compiling data on reactive hazards. However, respondents prefer literature sources and expert opinion over computerized tools such as CHETAH, The Chemical Reactivity Worksheet, or Bretherick s Database of Reactive Chemical Hazards. Such programs can be used to predict the thermal stability of compounds, reaction mixtures, or potential chemical incompatibilities. In some cases, they provide an efficient means of identifying reactive hazards without having to conduct chemical testing. Survey responses showed that five of nine companies consider computer-based tools not valuable. Only two of the surveyed companies use The Chemical Reactivity Worksheet.51... 

An estimate of the toxicity or intrinsic hazard is needed for each material identified in the inventory. Such information for many chemicals in the form of a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) are required by the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard. (Other countries have similar requirements.) Standard hazard-data sources may need to be consulted for those chemical compounds for which no MSDSs are presently available. Adequate hazard data may be lacking for various mixtures that are unique to the plant. For such mixtures, it may be necessary to analyze the contents and then estimate the overall hazard based on the individual components. 

Two types of hazards are associated with the use of chemicals—hazards that are a direct result of the physical and reactive properties of a chemical, and health hazards resulting from the biological properties. This chapter summarises hazards that are associated with working with chemicals in a laboratory, and highlights some sources of hazard information for carrying out hazard and risk assessments. 

The web is a vast resource for hazard information and advice on safe practices in the chemical laboratory. Many UK and US. university chemistry departments have posted their safety policies and guidance for laboratory workers on the web and added links to other health and safety websites. The websites of the following organisations are also useful sources of hazard information ... 

After the collection of this information, priorities should be given to the hazardous waste sources by keeping in view comphance with the current environmental regulations. This should take into consideration... 

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