Personnel protection requirements, toxic

Human activities are associated with the use and disposal of a variety of chemicals and chemical products. This is the situation for a householder, a laboratory student, and also the industry worker. Many materials have properties that make them hazardous. They can create physical (fire, explosion) or health hazards (toxicity, chemical bums). However, there are many ways to work with chemicals which can both reduce the probability of an accident and reduce the consequences should an accident occur. Risk minimization depends on safe practices, appropriate engineering controls for chemical containment, the proper use of personnel protective equipment, use of the least amount of material necessary, and substitution of a less-hazardous chemical for a more hazardous one. Before beginning any chemical processing or operation, ask What would happen if. .. The answer to this question requires understanding of the hazards associated with chemicals, the equipment, and the procedure involved. The hazardous properties of the material and its intended use will dictate the precautions to be taken. 

Safety and Health Procedures Personnel Responsibilities Decontamination Procedures Required Monitoring Training Requirements Hazards Identification Personnel Protective Equipment Emergency Procedures Hazardous and Toxic Materials On Site Medical Surveillance Hospital Location Emergency Response Personnel... 

The recognition that treatment of conventional or toxic trauma in potential toxic environments requires access to and use of appropriate personnel protective equipment. 

The Army terminology for destruction of obsolete weapons Is "demilitarization". This term encompasses all the steps required to disassemble and safely destroy or decontaminate the component materials of which the munition was constructed. National Academy of Sciences and Department of the Army Guidance for demilitarization of obsolete chemical weapons (t) requires absolute safety and security, assurance of total containment of agent during processing, maximum protection of operating personnel and Incontrovertible evidence verifying the destruction of the toxic wastes. 

Fire Tabun reacts with steam and water to produce toxic and corrosive vapors. Any personnel not fighting a fire of sarin should immediately be evacuated from the area. Respiratory protection is required (positive pressure, full face piece, NIOSH-approved SCBA will be worn). When response personnel respond to handle rescue or reconnaissance, they will wear Level A protection that should be worn when the highest level of respiratory, skin, eye, and mucous membrane protection is needed. This level consists of a fully-encapsulated, vapor-tight, chemical-resistant suit, chemical-resistant boots with steel toe and shank, chemical-resistant inner/outer gloves (butyl rubber glove M3 and M4 Norton, chemical protective glove set), coveralls, hard hat, and self-contained (positive pressure) breathing apparatus (SCBA). 

Other relatively inexpensive personal protective items that are not absolutely essential but should be considered are protective garments and gloves. One-piece coveralls with head covers and booties made from lightweight plastic such as Tyvek are relatively inexpensive, semi-repellent, and disposable. These types of suits are used in the nuclear and chemical industries to provide an added protection against contamination. Tyvek suits have sewn seams and are not recommended for chemical protection, except for vapors of low toxic solvents. Saranex-coated Tyvek or other heavy multilayer suits are required for long-term protection from chemicals. These heavier specialized suits significantly increase heat stress and should not be used by untrained personnel. 

The extended ramifications for using hazardous solvents and chemicals on scale may be illustrated by the use of benzene, a known carcinogen. Concerns about benzene s toxicity dictate that operators wear protective clothing and be supplied with breathing air. More complete considerations must be paid to capture any fugitive emissions or spills. These requirements necessitate additional planning before any reaction is run on scale. At the start of a campaign, additional personnel may be needed on the floor of the scale-up facility to ensure safe operations. 

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