Working Safely with Chemicals

• Chemical Safety Concepts

• Safe Use and Storage
• Disposal of Chemicals
• Emergencies
• Radiation Safety
 Chemical Emergencies
Classification
– Simple Spill -- one which you can safely clean
up yourself
– Major Emergency or High Hazard Spill -- one
which you can not safely clean up yourself
 Chemical Emergency Response

To Clean Up a Simple Spill

• Notify your fellow workers and supervisor
• Control Access to the area, prevent contact or
spread of spill
• Call EHS for advice and to report as soon as
possible

EXAMPLE: 500 ml of a dilute acid

 Chemical Emergency Response

Major Emergency
Call 911 for
• Fires (even if you extinguish it yourself)
• Explosions
• Injuries
• Unknown vapors, fumes or smoke
• Spills that threaten human health or the
environment
• Incidents which you can not deal with safely
 911 Emergency Information

Provide the following:

–Name
–Building and Room number
–Address
–Type of Emergency (i.e, Fire, Spill,
Explosion)
Any Injuries
DO NOT HANG UP!!!!!!
 Emergency Eyewash / Safety
Shower

• Keep area around safety equipment clutter

free
• Portable squeeze bottles are NOT acceptable
• Flush affected area for at least 15 minutes
• For spill on clothing / skin:
– Remove clothes
– Wash with soap and water
– Follow info on MSDS for decon steps
– Seek medical advice
 Prepare for Chemical
Emergencies

• Know where fire extinguishers, emergency

showers and eyewash stations are located
and how to use them
• Your unit should :
– have reviewed MSDS Sheet prior to beginning work
– have PPE (I.e, gloves, goggles) for spill cleanup
– Have updated Emergency phone numbers posted
 PPC PLAN
• Preparedness Prevention and Contingency
Plan:
– 25 Pennsylvania Code and Guidelines for the
Development and Implementation of the
Environmental Emergency Response Plans.
 PPC PLAN CONT’D

• The PPC plan is intended to serve as a tool for

planning to prevent a hazardous materials or oil
release through training and contingency
planning. It also provides information on what
to do, who to call and responsibilities of those
people working with large quantities of
hazardous materials if there is a release.
• There are 21 locations that store large quantities
of single chemicals on the University Park
campus that are covered by the plan and a
 Fire Safety

• Utilize Fire Prevention Measures at all times

• If a fire occurs:
– FIRST!! Pull fire alarm or Call 911
– Evacuate the building if you are not trained in fire
extinguisher use or are unable to otherwise
extinguish the fire.
– Report all fires no matter how minor
• Know locations and types of fire extinguishers!
– Class ABC - normal combustibles, flammable liquids, electrical
fires
– Class D - Combustible metals
 Fire Safety ….
Fire Extinguisher Training
– Free to PSU Employees
– $ cost for refilling fire extinguisher
– On-Site “How To” demos
Contact:
Steve Triebold 814-865-6391
Working Safely With Chemicals
• Chemical Safety Concepts
• Safe Use and Storage
• Disposal of Chemicals
• Emergencies
• Radiation Safety