Physical Properties of Hazardous Materials

MSDSs detailing the chemical and physical properties of hazardous materials being stored or handled, and specific emergency response measures to be implemented to contain these materials in the event of an emergency... 

Chemical and physical properties of hazardous materials (e.g., flash point, reactivity) and methods that can be used to detect the presence or release of chemicals (including chemicals in unlabeled pipes). 

The hazards associated with any faciUty which produces or uses chemicals can be quite numerous, perhaps ia the hundreds or thousands for larger facihties. These hazards are the result of the physical properties of the materials, the operating conditions, the procedures, or the design, to name a few. Most of the hazards are continually present ia a faciUty. 

Attrition of particulate materials occurs wherever solids are handled and processed. In contrast to the term comminution, which describes the intentional particle degradation, the term attrition condenses all phenomena of unwanted particle degradation which may lead to a lot of different problems. The present chapter focuses on two particular process types where attrition is of special relevance, namely fluidized beds and pneumatic conveying lines. The problems caused by attrition can be divided into two broad categories. On the one hand, there is the generation of fines. In the case of fluidized bed catalytic reactors, this will lead to a loss of valuable catalyst material. Moreover, attrition may cause dust problems like explosion hazards or additional burden on the filtration systems. On the other hand, attrition causes changes in physical properties of the material such as particle size distribution or surface area. This can result in a reduction of product quality or in difficulties with operation of the plant. 

Identification of hazards and selection of initiating events are the first steps in any risk analysis. Hazards are generally related to the physical properties of the material being transported. The properties represent the inherent risk and the potential adverse consequences if the material were released. The hazards to be considered when evaluating different movements may include ... 

Hazards and physical properties of the material Total volume shipped per container (bulk versus non-bulk)... 

The procedure begins by using a material factor that is a function only of the physical properties of the chemical in use. The more hazardous the material, the higher the material factor. A table containing factors for common materials is provided with the Index. Additionally, a procedure is detailed for determining the material factor for unlisted materials. 

In many cases, it is possible to replace environmentally hazardous chemicals with more benign species without compromising the technical and economic performance of the process. Examples include alternative solvents, polymers, and refrigerants. Group contribution methods have been conunonly used in predicting physical and chemical properties of synthesized materials. Two main frameworks have... 

The model contains a surface energy method for parameterizing winds and turbulence near the ground. Its chemical database library has physical properties (seven types, three temperature dependent) for 190 chemical compounds obtained from the DIPPR" database. Physical property data for any of the over 900 chemicals in DIPPR can be incorporated into the model, as needed. The model computes hazard zones and related health consequences. An option is provided to account for the accident frequency and chemical release probability from transportation of hazardous material containers. When coupled with preprocessed historical meteorology and population den.sitie.s, it provides quantitative risk estimates. The model is not capable of simulating dense-gas behavior. 

Hazard An inherent physical or chemical characteristic that has the potential for causing harm to people, property, or the environment. In this document, it is the combination of hazardous material, an operating environment, and certain unplanned events that could result in an accident. 

Understand the hazardous properties of the materials to be stored and handled (Flammability, Reactivity, Toxicity, Other Hazards), as well as the physical hazards associated with the expected process design. 

Hydrocarbon materials, 20 180 Hydrocarbon propellants, 2 775 physical properties of, 2 776t Hydrocarbon raw materials, 23 686-687 Hydrocarbon release hazard, 20 627 Hydrocarbon remediation, technologies for, 23 112... 

A person familiar with the chemical and physical properties of materials handled in the facility, as well as their chemical behavior under both normal and upset conditions this is especially important for facilities with chemical reactivity hazards. 

Physical Properties. Physical properties of waste as fuels are defined in accordance with the specific materials under consideration. The greatest degree of definition exists for wood and related biofuels. The least degree of definition exists for MSW, related RDF products, and the broad array of hazardous wastes. Table 3 compares the physical property data of some representative combustible wastes with the traditional fossil fuel bituminous coal. The solid oiganic wastes typically have specific gravities or bulk densities much lower than those associated with coal and lignite. 

Table 2 lists some of the physical, toxicity, flammability, and reactivity properties of common chemicals (10,13,42,45—51). Also given are some of the quantities specified for reporting spills and for compliance with legislated requirements. The OSHA regulations require that material safety data sheets (MSDS) be developed for all process materials, so that the hazard data can be communicated to employees (52). Characteristics of toxicity, flammability, chemical instability, reactivity and reaction energy, operating conditions, and corrosive properties of construction materials must all be considered in analyzing hazard potentials of chemicals and chemical operations. 

Sources of information pertaining to toxic substances indude local and national health organizations in many countries. Several treatises on the subject have been prepared, including the broad spectrum Sax s Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials, John Wiley Sons, Inc., New York, NY, 2000. This book contains 20.000 entries, each of which gives physical, chemical, and toxicological data about potentially hazardous materials. 

Sai, N. 1., Ed., 1984, Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials, 6th ed., Reinhold, New York. Physical properties, fire and explosion hazards, toxicity, and incompatibility for about 20,000 chemicals. 

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. 

Hazard is the likelihood that the known toxicity of a material will be exhibited under specific conditions of use. It follows that the toxicity of a material, ie, its potential to produce injury, is but one of many considerations to be taken into account in assessment procedures with respect to defining hazard. The following are equally important factors that need to be considered physicochemical properties of the material use pattern of the material and characteristics of the environment where the material is handled source of exposure, normal and accidental control measures used to regulate exposure the duration, magnitude, and frequency of exposure route of exposure and physical nature of exposure conditions, eg, gas, aerosol, or liquid population exposed and variability in exposure conditions and experience with exposed human populations. 

Chemical and physical properties of commodities involved, especially hazardous materials (Crude oil GOR, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), etc.). ... 

Tlie remainder of tliis cliapter provides information on relative physical properties of materials (flash point upper and lower explosive limits, tlueshold limit values, etc.) and metliods to calculate tlie conditions tliat approach or are conducive to hazardous levels. Fire liazards in industrial plants are covered in Sections 7.2 and 7.3, and Sections 7.4 and 7.5 focus on accidental explosions. Sections 7.6 and 7.7 address toxic emissions and liazardous spills respectively. tliese latter types of accident frequently result in fires and explosions tliey can cause deatlis, serious injuries and financial losses. 

---