3. Hazardous Substances
• Hazardous Substances are those which have the potential to cause harm
and may include:
• Substances brought directly into the work area and used/stored
there. (Paints, Solvents, etc.)
• Substances generated by a work activity or process. (Sawdust,
fumes, etc.)
• Substances generated as waste. (Smoke, Chemical By-products,
etc.)
• Hazardous substances can cause serious harm to people as well as the
environment if their use is not carefully monitored and controlled.
• Every effort possible should be made to eliminate/avoid the use of
hazardous substances in the classroom wherever possible.
• Hazardous substance inventories should be regularly reviewed to ensure
that all stored hazardous substances are still necessary.
• Or to determine if a non-hazardous substance has become available
which can replace the hazardous one.
4. Where Are Hazardous Substances Found?
• EVERYWHERE!!
• Shops.
• Farms.
• Schools.
• Factories.
• Hospitals.
• The Home.
• BE VIGILANT!!!
5. Relevant Legislation
• Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act
2005 as well as 2007 regulations.
• General duty to manage Health &
Safety in the workplace.
• Also contains important guidance for
the safe use of chemicals in the
workplace.
• Calls for an identification of all
chemical hazards and an assessment
of the risks that they pose.
• Also calls for a preventative strategy for
safely working with chemicals to be
implemented.
• PPE
• Safe equipment
• Provide safe systems of work
6. Relevant Legislation
• Safety, Health and Welfare at work
(Carcinogens) Regulations, 2001.
• Relates to the prevention of
exposure to carcinogens or
mutagens while at work.
• Persons responsibility for
workplaces must ensure the
following:
• Eliminate where possible
• Identify
• Training
• PPE
• Health surveillance
• Record keeping
7. Relevant Legislation
• Safety, Health and Welfare at work
(Chemical Agents) Regulations,
2001.
• Require employers to assess the
risk of any chemical agent used in
the workplace and to put
measures in place to remove any
associated risks.
• Require specific safety steps to be
taken for all of the “life-cycle”
steps of a chemical
• Buying
• Storage
• Handling
• Disposal
8. Safety, Health and Welfare at work (Chemical Agents) Regulations, 2001
REQUIREMENTS OF THE REGULATIONS (Employers)
• Determine what hazards substances there are present in the
workplace.
• Assess the risk to employees posed by the presence of these
substances.
• Put systems in place to prevent employees becoming exposed
to these hazardous substances.
• Prevent exposure if possible. If not,
• Provide and enforce use of PPE.
• Draw up action plans for dealing with emergency situations
involving the hazardous substances – Plan for worst case
scenarios.
• Provide training and information to all persons expected to work
with or around hazardous substances.
9. Safety, Health and Welfare at work (Chemical Agents) Regulations,
2001
Employers must convey the following information to their
employees:
• What hazardous substances will be present in the workplace.
• How employees may exposed to these hazards.
• The necessary precautions employees must take to prevent
exposure.
• Any control measures which are in place and how to use
them effectively.
• What to do in the event of an accident.
• The importance of reporting accidents or defects involving
hazardous substances.
10. Responsibilities of Principals
• Principals will:
• Identify and compile an inventory of all hazardous
substances used in their classrooms.
• Determine if each individual hazardous substance is still
required and if it can be disposed of.
• Dispose of substances which are no longer required in a safe
manner.
• Ensure that only persons having received any special training
necessary are allowed to use hazardous substances.
• Ensure that all necessary PPE is available and correctly
maintained.
• Make sure that all necessary emergency procedures are in
place for dealing with accidental exposure to hazardous
substances.
• Provide information and training to employees working
with or in the vicinity of hazardous substances.
• Make arrangements for surveillance and proper use of
chemicals.
• Keep records of chemicals used
11. Responsibilities of Teachers / Students
• Cooperate with employer/Head Teacher/Principal
• Read the label and MSDS for any hazardous substances worked with.
• Read and understand any relevant risk assessment relating to
particular hazardous substances.
• Make full and proper use of PPE and risk control measures as
outlined/ trained to do so.
• Report promptly any spillages of hazardous substances or
malfunctions in the hazardous substances or defects in any control
measures used.
12. Further Reading
For full information see the following;
• “A Short Guide to The Safety, Health and
Welfare at work (Chemical Agents)
Regulations, 2001” HSA
• Free download www.hsa.ie
• Guidelines to The Safety, Health and
Welfare at work (Chemical Agents)
Regulations, 2001 (HSA)
• Free download www.hsa.ie
• See: “A Guide to the Safety, Health and
Welfare at work (Pregnant Employees etc.)
Regulations, 2000 (S.I. no. 218 of 2000)”
• Free download at www.hsa.ie
13. Other Relevant Legislation
• European Communities (Classification, Packaging, Labeling
and Notification of Dangerous Substances) Regulations 2003
(S.I. no. 116 of 2003)
• Regulations relating to the Manufacturing and Use of
Dangerous Substances and Preparations (S.I. no. 220 of
2003) & (S.I. no 503 of 2003)
• European Communities (Control of Major Accident Hazards
Involving Dangerous Substances) Regulations (S.I. no. of 476
2000) & (S.I. no. 402 of 2003)
• Safety, Health and Welfare at work (Pregnant Employees etc.)
Regulations, 2000. (S.I. no. 218 of 2000)
14. Who Could be Exposed to the Hazardous Substance?
• Consider who could potentially be
exposed to the substance:
• Employees
• Cleaners
• Visitors
• Students
• Pregnant Workers
• Inexperienced Workers
• Maintenance Persons
• Security
• All must be considered!!!!!
15. Consequences of Exposure to Hazardous Substances
• Possible death
• Asthma
• Skin irritation
• Cancer
• Loss of Consciousness
• Infection
• Eye Irritation
• Poisoning
• Harm to internal organs
• Harm to nervous system
• Allergic reactions
16. Duration and Level of Exposure to Hazardous
Substances.
Harm may result from exposure to
Hazardous Substances in two ways:
1. A once off exposure to a high
concentration to a toxic substance.
2. Continuous or multiple exposures
to a low concentration of a toxic
substance over a long period of
time.
17. Toxicity vs. Dose
• The toxicity of a chemical refers to the potential
of the chemical to harm you.
• Certain chemicals are more harmful to you
than others and are therefore deemed to be
more toxic.
• Dose refers to the amount of the chemical that
enters your body.
• A large amount of a chemical with a low
toxicity rating can have the same ill effects of
a small dose of a highly toxic chemical
entering the body.
18. Acute vs. Chronic Effects
• The harmful effect that a chemical has on a person can be either
acute or chronic.
• ACUTE effects happen in a relatively short period of time,
sometimes after a single exposure to an offending substance.
• Skin becoming badly burned and scared after coming into
direct contact with corrosive substances.
• Sudden & Severe
• CHRONIC effects on the other hand take a relatively long time
to occur, usually after repeated exposure to low concentrations
of toxic substances.
• Lung cancer caused by exposure to asbestos fibres usually
occurs between 20 and 40 years later.
• Develop over long periods of time.
19. Routes of Exposure
Hazardous substances may enter the body via a
number of routes:
• Inhalation
• Breathing in dust, fumes and vapours.
• Absorption
• Substance absorbed through the skin.
• Ingestion
• Hazardous substance is eaten – Even small
amounts transferred from hand to mouth.
• (They can also enter the body through the eye.)
20. Inhalation
• Hazardous substances may enter
the body by breathing in a gas,
mist or fume of a hazardous
substance.
• Once inhaled, the contaminants can
be deposited in the lungs or
absorbed into the bloodstream
21. Absorption; Skin Contact
• Many chemicals can be absorbed
into the body through the skin.
• Chemicals that are corrosive in their
nature can cause burns and tissue
damage.
• While working with such chemicals:
• Wear eye protection
• Wear gloves
• Wear Apron/ Lab coat
22. Ingestion
• It can be easy to eat or swallow
small quantities of Chemicals.
• To avoid this from happening,
• Never eat in areas where
chemicals are stored, prepared
or used.
• Never smoke around chemicals.
• Wash hands and face thoroughly
with soap and hot water after
working with chemicals, and
especially before eating, drinking
or smoking.
23. Control Measures
• Where it is not reasonably practicable to eliminate a certain
hazardous substance from use totally, certain control measures
must be listed in the risk assessment/safety statement to make
certain that the risk is adequately controlled.
• Fume cupboard
• Gloves
• Goggles
• Lab coats
• Dust extraction
• Spray booths
24. Control Measures
• Limit quantities of stored hazardous materials
• Ensure safe handling and disposal through training
• Secure cupboard for storing hazardous materials
• Purpose build store for flammable substances – lockable
• Proper means for transporting substances
• Limit number of people exposed to hazardous
substances
• No smoking, eating or drinking in area of hazardous
substances
• Clean areas that are prone to gathering of dust
• Provide washing facilities
• Appropriate hazard warning signs on cupboards and
storage areas
• Select and use adequate PPE
• Draw up emergency procedures
• Provide training and instruction
• Obtain and provide MSDS for hazardous materials
• Display hazard warning signs
25. Control Measures
• ELIMINATION
• SUBSTITUTION – use a safer process.
• ISOLATION – prevent student access to
dangerous substance.
• ENCLOSURE OF PROCESS
• LOCAL EXHAUST VENTILATION – Remove
toxic elements at source
• GENERAL VENTILATION – Fresh air
• GOOD HOUSEKEEPING – Reduce accidental
contact
• REDUCE EXPOSURE TIME
• TRAINING – In how to work safely with hazards.
• PPE – last resort
26.
27. Disposal of Hazardous Substances
• It is an offence to dispose of hazardous
Substances incorrectly.
• Under no circumstances should hazardous
substances such as chemicals or unused
varnishes or oils etc. be disposed of down
sinks, toilets or drains.
• Waste disposal facilities in Ireland
• 9 in Dublin
• Athy
• Cork
• Fermoy
• Kildare
• Mulingar
• Portlaoise
• Shannon
• tullamore
28. Chemicals
• Chemicals are essential for the smooth running of everyday life both at
work and in the home.
• However, most chemicals are dangerous; If not respected, they can:
• Catch Fire
• Cause Burn
• Damage one’s health
• Damage Property
• Damage the Environment
• Chemicals are used everywhere.
• Detergents
• Bleaches
• Drain Cleaner
• Weed Killer
• Paints
• Solvents
• Disinfectants
• Adhesives
• Finishes
29. Chemical Do’s & Don'ts
DO DON’T
• Study the label well. • Transfer chemicals into
• Read and head all warnings unmarked containers.
and instructions on label.
• Burn aerosol containers.
• Use any PPE recommended.
• Use flammable chemicals
• Keep chemicals out of reach
close to a source of ignition.
of children.
• Mix different chemicals
unless CERTAIN they will not
react with each other.
30. The First Step
• The first step to take when considering
the use of hazardous materials in your
classroom is to recognise the health
hazards associated in using them.
• If a dangerous substance must be used,
it is vital to first know the following
information about it:
• How it effects the body if inhaled,
ingested swallowed or absorbed
through the skin.
• Symptoms of over-exposure
• The consequences of over-exposure.
• Emergency actions to take.
31. Recognising Hazardous Substances
• All hazardous substances should be packaged and
labeled to highlight the fact that they are
dangerous.
• NOTE:
• Not all hazardous substances will be in
neatly labeled containers. For example,
airborne dust generated from the machine
processing of Medium Density Fibreboard
• There are a number of ways for an employer to
determine the nature of a hazardous substance:
• Labels on the substance or its container.
• The Material Safety Data Sheet of the
substance provided by the manufacturer or
supplier.
• Guidance from the HSA and other competent
Health and Safety bodies.
• Technical reference sources such as technical
documents and books.
• The Internet.
32. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
• In order to achieve a safe and healthy working
environment it is vital that teachers and
students be aware of the dangers which are
inherent in the materials and products which
they will be using on a daily basis.
• A Safety Data Sheet is a detailed document
outlining all relevant health and safety
information about a specific substance, as
specified under the Classification, Packaging
and Labeling (CPL) Regulations, S.I. No. 116 of
2003 (for substances) and S.I. No.62 of 2004
(for preparations).
• The hazards associated with certain
substances can be determined by consulting
the appropriate Material Safety Data Sheet.
33. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
• A Material Safety Data Sheet is a document
prepared by the manufacturer, supplier or
importer of a material or a substance outling,
among other things, its potential hazards, safe
conditions of use and any special storage
considerations.
• Manufacturers and suppliers are required by law
to prepare or have prepared MSDSs for each
hazardous substance that they produce or
supply.
• The distributor of a hazardous substance is
solely responsible for getting a MSDS to the
employer.
• A copy of the MSDS should always be kept with
the chemical.
34. MSDS Contents
• The following information is required by law to be provided in all
Material Safety Data Sheets
• Name & make-up of material/substance.
• Name & Location of manufacturer/Distributor.
• Emergency telephone numbers.
• Any pertinent safety symbols (Danger, Harmful, Flammable, etc)
• Directions for safe handling & Storage.
• Transport Considerations.
• Routes of exposure
• Exposure limits
• Stability & Reactivity information
• List of hazardous ingredients.
• Health hazard information.
• Emergency procedures/ directions.
• First Aid & Fire Fighting Measures
• Spill/Leak procedures.
• Special exposure control requirements (PPE required)
• Directions for safe disposal.
• Any other relevant information.
35. MSDS in the Technologies Classrooms
• The person who is responsible for the
workplace is required to have an MSDS for
every hazardous substance which is
purchased for use by employees (teachers) or
students.
• If a supplier is unable to provide an adequate
and up to date MSDS, USE A DIFFERENT
SUPPLIER!
• Should have a MSDS in the classroom for
every hazardous material there.
• Should be readily available.
• In the event of an emergency or a query,
the material’s properties or emergency
procedures can be easily checked.
36. Safety Labels
• Label should contain
• Hazards
• Risk control measures
• Name of product
• Contents
• Name and address of
• For this reason it is vital do store
substances in their proper
containers
37. Safety Label Legislation
• Controlled throughout Europe by the
• EC (Classification, Packaging, Labeling and
Notification of Dangerous Substances)
Regulations 1994
• EC (Classification, Packaging, Labeling and
Notification of Dangerous Substances)
Regulations 1995
• European Communities (Classification, Packaging,
Labeling and Notification of Dangerous
Substances) Regulations 2003 (S.I. no. 116 of
2003)
• European Communities (Classification, Packaging,
Labeling and Notification of Dangerous
Substances) Regulations 2003 (S.I. no. 116 of
2003)
• under these laws, labels must provide information
about the hazard of the product and necessary
precautions which should be taken
38. IMAGE SOURCE: “Short Guide to
The Safety, Health and Welfare at
work (Chemical Agents)
Regulations, 2001” (HSA)
40. Harmful (Xn)
• A black cross on an orange
background along with the word
“Harmful” should appear on the
label of a substance which may
cause limited health risks if it;
• Is swallowed.
• Is inhaled.
• Penetrates the skin.
41. Irritant (Xi)
• The same symbol that is used
for “Harmful” substances but
with the word “Irritant” used
instead denotes a substance
which may cause inflammation
and reddening of the skin
through immediate, prolonged
or repeated contact with the
skin or eyes.
42. Very toxic (T+)
Toxic (T)
• The skull and crossbones
indicates a substance with a
much higher
degree of danger than those
described as being
“harmful”.
• Such substances
are toxic by inhalation,
ingestion and contact with
the skin.
• Often are Carcinogenic.
43. Corrosive (C)
• This symbol along with the word
“Corrosive” warns of substances
that may destroy tissue
immediately upon contact;
• Human skin
• Animals
• Wood
• These chemicals may burn the
skin and eyes.
• Inhalation of corrosive
substances will burn the lining of
the nose, throat and lungs.
44. Extremely flammable (F+)
Highly flammable (F)
• A flame on an orange
background denotes
substances that are
flammable.
• Vapors from such substances
will catch fire in the presence
of a flame or spark
45. Oxidising (O)
• The “flaming O” symbol on an
orange background denotes
oxidising substances.
• These substances react
exothermically with other
chemicals releasing a lot of
heat in the process.
• Oxidizers can promote or
initiate combustion in other
materials either by causing a
fire themselves or releasing
oxygen, making fire more
likely.
46. Explosive (E)
• Some chemicals are
hazardous because of their
ability to rapidly release
large amounts of energy.
• This symbol along with the
word "explosive" denotes a
substance which may
explode when exposed to a
flame or if subjected to
shocks or friction.
47. Dangerous for the Environment (N)
• This hazard symbol must be
used in the labeling of nature
polluting substances.
48.
49. Hazard Substance Emergencies
• Make sure info is available – MSDS
• Practice of emergency drills
• Emergency services information
• Info on procedures for safe cleaning
up and removal of hazardous
substances
• If there is an accident involving a
hazardous substance, bring the
MSDS and the label/container.
• A sample of the substance will be a
great help to the emergency room
50. Storage of Hazardous Materials
• Store hazardous substances in accordance with manufacturers
instructions.
• Storage should prevent unauthorised access to hazardous
substances.
• Should be stored separately so as to avoid incompatible materials
coming into contact with each other
• Adequate Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) should be provided.
• Emergency procedures should be in place in case of a spill or
accident.
• Eye wash station – eye irrigation
• Pre prepared spill kits should be available
• Reduce risk of physical damage of containers
• Prevent chemicals from being mixed or spilled
• Use information from the supplier and the package label to decide
storage arrangements.
51. Storing Flammable Liquids
• Store in a secure area away from heaters, lights and any combustible
materials such as sawdust, wood, paper.
• Ensure that smoking is prohibited.
• Keep away from naked flames, heat and other sources of ignition.
• Do not store close to where welding or other hot work will take
place.
• Volume of stored flammables should be kept to an absolute
minimum.
• Containers and storage should be appropriately labeled
• “highly flammable”
• Keep storage canisters locked away
• Transfer flammable liquids between different canisters outdoors.
• Ensure Adequate ventilation exists.
52. Wood Dust
• In bulk, wood is not likely to be classified as a health
hazard.
• When machined and worked, some of the wood is broken
down into tiny dust particles: A SEVERE HEALTH
HAZARD.
• For years, wood dust was considered to be a nuisance and
irritation to the throat eyes and nose rather than a
hazard.
• Recently has been identified as having much more
devastating effects.
• A study observed that a large number of sawmill
workers developed a rare form of nasal cancer
(adenoccarcinoma)
(Demers et al, 1995)
• Highest seems to be those who work with those exposed
to hardwoods; beech, oak, etc.
• Cancer may take more than 20 years to develop.
53. Dust Hazards
SKIN
• Irritation
• Dermatitus caused by chemicals in the wood. The skin becomes red,
itchy and dry – blisters may develop
• Allergic dermatitus is most frequently caused by tropical hardwoods
such as rosewood and mahogany.
NOSE
• Nose obstruction and irritation and rhinitis
• Asthma
• Runny Nose.
• Impared sense of smell.
• Nosebleeds.
• Hardwood and MDF dust has been classified by the International
Agency for Cancer Research (IARC) as being carcinogenic – promotes
cancer – especially Nasal cancer
See “Occupational Asthma, An Employees’ Guide” (HSA) Free download at
54. Dust hazards
LUNGS
• Impairment of lung function
• Decreased lung capacity
• Occupational asthma
• First signs are seen late night
• Similar to the effects of an oncoming cold
• Runny nose and eyes
• Dry cough
• Irritated eyes
• Narrowing of the airways. - breathlessness
• Allergic reactions within the lungs
EYES
• Soreness
• Watering
• Conjunctivitis
• Mucous membrane of the eye becomes inflamed.
OTHERS
• Headaches
• Giddiness
• Breathlessness
• Cramps
55. HAZARD: Explosion
• Fine wood dust is considered to be explosive.
• Small concentrations of dust particles in the air can form a mixture
that will explode if ignited.
• Usually occurs in dust extraction equipment.
• Wood dust will also burn freely if ignited.
• Even a small explosion may lead to a fire starting
• Source of ignition
• Badly maintained equipment may spark
• Hot work such as Welding sparks
• Electrical sparks.
• Solution;
• Locate dust collection points outside where possible
• Regular housekeeping to avoid the accumulation of dust.
• Avoid using compressed air to clean up.
56. Occupational Exposure Limits (OEL)
• Occupational Exposure Limit Values are available for many hazardous
substances.
• An OELV is the time-weighted average of the concentration of a hazardous
substance in the workplace over an 8-hour period.
• Code of practice (2002) associated to the Safety, Health and Welfare at
work (Chemical Agents) Regulations, 2001, lays down exposure limit values
for over 700 chemicals (and also how to measure them)
• An Occupational Exposure Limits (OEL) is the concentration of a hazardous
substance in the workplace air which most people can be exposed to without
any negative effects.
• These limits are not so much sharp dividing lines as guidelines. – Different
people will react in different ways to exposure levels.
• Employers must ensure the exposure levels are not exceeded (and are below
recommended levels as much as possible)
• Wood dust hard and soft, have been assigned occupational exposure limits
(OELVs)
• Respirable dust = diameter <10um – lets the dust penetrate deeply into the
lungs and penetrate the small cavities therein.
57. Medium Density Fibreboard
• MDF is a highly useful and versatile
material and is commonplace in
most technology classrooms around
the country.
• However, MDF usually produces a
very fine dust when worked,
especially when machined using high
speed machinery.
• The use of MDF and hardwoods
should be eliminated in the
technologies classrooms where
possible.
58. Control of Exposure
• Exposure is related to the density of the wood and the type of
work being performed – sanding and machining – very fine dust -
Greater exposure risk
• Freshness of wood also effects exposure - dryer woods tend to
produce more dust.
• Keeping exposure below OEL values can be achieved in a number of
ways:
• Alter process so dust is no longer generated or the quantity
thereof is greatly reduced.
• Ensure proper maintenance of dust extraction systems
• Totally enclose the process to prevent dust entering the
classroom environment.
• Remove dust at source as soon as it is generated and before it
can enter the classroom atmosphere
• Use correctly designed ventillation systems
• As a last resort, use PPE in the form of respiratory protection.
59. Circular M45/01 – Wood dust extraction at second level
• Circular letter M45/01
• The Department of Education and Science (DES) has investigated
ways of controlling airborne dust in technologies classrooms.
• D.E.S. introduced a scheme allowing second level schools to apply for
funding for dust extraction for various woodworking machines.
• Chance for schools to avail of grants for fitting dust extraction
systems to their machinery.
60. Dust Extraction
• Circular letter M45/01 outlines 4
specific machines that are considered
to be a significant dust hazard.
• Band Saw
• Sander
• Circular Saw
• Planer/Thicknesser
• All of the above should be fitted with
dust extraction.
• NOTE; A sander in the teaching area
MUST NOT be fitted to a centralised
extraction system
• Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) must
be used in the form of individual
extraction units.
• Dust is collected at source as it is
generated.
• Sweep up points should not be used
*As stated in Circular Letter
61. Portable dust extraction
• Portable dust extraction units are
often used on machines such as
sanders.
• Also useful for portable tools such
as routers and when a centralised
extraction system is not possible.
• Local system
• Collection of waste occurs
adjacent to the machine – as it is
generated
