Welding chemical hazards

Many adhesives- and sealants-related activities present significant process safety risks. These activities include chemical processing, material manufacturing welding and hazardous materials transportation. When accidents occur in connection with these or other activities, individuals and employers are exposed to potential civil and criminal liabilities. 

In addition to safety hazards posed by fire, explosion, projectiles, heat and burns, and electrical and energy sources, welding produces a number of health hazards. Among these are physical and chemical hazards. 

Included ia the OSHA regulations are standards for safe work practices such as lock-out/tag-out and confined space entry, personal protective equipment, storage of hazardous materials, welding process, forklift operation, and requirements for fire protection. Basically, all activities within a chemical facihty are covered by OSHA standards. 

Substitute (substitution) Use mechanical pump seals vs. packing Use welded pipe vs. flanged Use solvents that are less toxic Use mechanical gauges vs. mercury Use chemicals with higher flash points, boiling points, and other less hazardous properties Use water as a heat transfer fluid instead of hot oil... 

It should be noted that the materials and operations used in a plant maintenance effort may involve a new set of hazards quite separate from the exposure hazards encountered with feedstocks, intermediates, and products for the process plant. For example, proper maintenance often involves such operations as welding, sandblasting, painting, chemical cleaning, catalyst handling, and insulation replacement. The maintenance of safe conditions requires extensive worker training in each one of these operations. 

International Organization for Standardization and the International Electrotechnical Commission. Over 1000 companies are members of the ANSI. One of its primary concerns is safety in such fields as hazardous chemicals, protective clothing, welding, fire control, electricity and construction operations, blasting, etc. Its address is 1819 L Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036. Website http //... 

DISPOSAL AND STORAGE METHODS do not allow this chemical to enter the environment dispose of in accordance wit federal, state and local requirements store in a cool, dry location maintain adequate ventilation fireproof if in building separate from strong acids and chemically active metals do not store in the vicinity of any area where the fire hazard may be acute keep away from areas where welding operations are in progress. 

Serves as a guard against the hazards of impact, splashes from chemicals or molten metal, liquid droplets (chemical mists and sprays), dust, gases and welding arcs. Eye protectors include safety spectacles, eye-shields, goggles, welding filters, face shields and hoods (Fig. 1.7). 

An example of an article might be a brick or a galvanized pipe. By themselves, they do not give off any hazardous chemicals, but if you cut the brick or weld the pipe, you create hazards, so they would no longer be considered articles. 

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