What is a hazardous chemical: Any chemical that has either a physical or health hazard associated with its use.
Physical Hazards: The physical properties of a chemical.
| a combustible liquid | an oxidizer |
| a compressed gas | a pyrophoric (ignites spontaneously in air at 130o F or below) |
| an explosive | unstable - reactive (decomposes, condenses, or becomes self reactive under conditions of shock, pressure or temperature |
| a flammable | water - reactive (reacts with water -resulting in gas that causes flammability or health hazard) |
| an organic peroxide |
Health Hazards: Chemicals that produce a reaction within the body. These chemicals can cause you to become ill, either right away (acute) or at a later date (chronic).
The term ‘health hazard’ includes chemicals that are:
| carcinogens | hepatotoxins (toxic to the liver) |
| toxic or highly toxic | nephrotoxins (toxic to the kidneys) |
| reproductive toxins | neurotoxins (toxic to the nervous system) |
| irritants (cause reversible inflammatory effect on living tissue) | agents that act on the hematopoietic system (bone marrow and lymph nodes) |
| corrosives (cause visible destruction or irreversible alterations in tissue) | agents that damage the lungs, eyes, or mucous membranes |
| sensitizers (cause a substantial proportion of exposed people to develop an allergic reaction in normal tissue after repeated exposure) |
Who places chemicals on the Hazardous Chemical Inventory?
The chemical is first evaluated by the manufacturer or distributor (labels, MSDS)
-All chemicals with hazard warnings (Danger, Warning, Caution) must be included
-There should be a master list and a separate list for each area
Employees’ Responsibilities for Hazardous Chemical Inventory?
Even though it is the employers responsibility to maintain the hazardous chemical inventory, employees are the ones who work near the chemicals and should be aware of the risks involved. Therefore, it is to the worker’s advantage to help keep the inventory current. Here are some tips:
a. When you notice a new hazardous chemical in your work area, check the inventory to see if it’s been added. If the chemical isn’t listed, or if you can’t find its MSDS, let your supervisor know.
b. Be on the lookout for chemicals that have been forgotten or are no longer in use. Areas that may contain such chemicals are:
