Hazardous chemicals handling

Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) (Dowell, 1994, pp. 30-34.) The OSHA rule for Process Safety Management (PSM) of Highly Toxic Hazardous Chemicals, 29 CFR 1910.119, part (e), reqmres an initial PHA and an update every five years for processes that handle listed chemicals or contain over 10,000 lb (4356 kg) of flammable material. The PHA must be done by a team, must include employees such as operators and mechanics, and must have at least one person skilled in the methodology employed. Suggested methodologies from Process Safety Management are listed in Table 26-1. 

Critical Equipment Equipment, instrumentation, controls, or systems whose malfunction or failure would likely result in a catastrophic release of highly hazardous chemicals, or whose proper operation is required to mitigate the consequences of such release. (Examples are most safety systems, such as area LEL monitors, fire protection systems such as deluge or underground systems, and key operational equipment usually handling high pressures or large volumes.)... 

Reactive chemical hazards may arise from the inherent properties of the chemicals handled, used or disposed of and/or from their admixture or processing. 

Compliance with limits set for stocks of potentially hazardous chemicals Storage, segregation and handling of gas cylinders Display of appropriate warnings/notices... 

This volume has been prepared as a reference source on the hazardous properties of industrial and consumer chemicals. It is designed to assist chemical handling specialists, emergency responders, and health and safety engineers and technicians in the safe handling and shipping practices of chemicals. 

Health Hazards Information - Information included are recommended personal protective equipment for hazard materials handling specialist, typical symptoms following exposure to the chemical, general first aid treatment procedures, and various toxicological information including toxicity by ingestion, inhalation and short term exposures. Additional information included are the liquid or solid irritant characteristics and odor threshold data. 

Our discussion here is for the typical petroleum-based waste or low hazard chemical waste. For this situation we prefer the common-sense approach to the handling of hazardous materials. Wliatever process is effective in making sure that the hazardous materials stay on the site and are disposed of in an appropriate manner should be utilized. 

Equipment used to process, store, or handle highly hazardous chemicals must be designed constructed, installed and maintained to minimize the risk of release. A systematic, scheduled, test and maintenance program is preferred over "breakdown" maintenance " that could compromise safety. Elements of a mechanical integrity program include 1) identification and categorization of equipment and instrumentation, 2) documentation of manufacturer data on mean time to failure, 3 ) test and inspection frequencies, 4) maintenance procedures, 5) training of maintenance personnel, 6) test criteria, and 7) documentation of test and inspection results. 

Staff at small, medium or large facilities handling hazardous chemicals... 

Stakeholder is a person or group that has a legitimate interest in the facility. For a facility handling hazardous chemicals, examples could be employees, neighbors, the board of directors, shareholders, and the regulatory community. 

Safety in transport and storage. Liquid-stabilized S03, 65% oleum, 20% oleum, 98% sulfuric acid, and chlorosulfonic acid are hazardous chemicals in transport, handling, and storage. Sulfur in liquid or solid form is a far less hazardous starting material for the production of S03. 

Chemical spills in the laboratory may be hazardous, damaging to flooring and furniture finishes, or simply messy to clean up. Laboratory equipment houses and distributors of safety equipment carry a variety of clean-up kits made for specific types of spills, depending on the types of chemicals handled. Generally, the kits contain absorbents or neutralizers, or a combination of the two, plus instructions for use. Kits should be stored as close as possible to where spills are likely to occur and not in a remote storeroom. Instructions must be kept with the kits, not in a file cabinet. Quick action in case of a spill is important in reducing both hazards and damage. 

Carson, P. A. and Mumford, C. J. (1988) Safe Handling of Chemicals in Industry, 2 vols. (Longmans). Carson, P. A. and Mumford, C. J. (2002) Hazardous Chemicals Handbook, 2nd edn (Newnes). Cheremisnoff, N. P. (1996) Noise Control in Industry A Practical Guide (Noyes). 

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