Working Safely With Corrosives

Working Safely With Corrosives

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Session ObjectivesYou will be able to:•Identify corrosive hazards•Find hazard and protection information•Select appropriate PPE•Store, handle, and dispense corrosives

safely•Respond effectively to emergencies•Dispose of corrosive wastes properly


What Is a Corrosive?•Can be solid, liquid,

or gas•Causes irreparable

harm to living tissue•Will damage materials

on contact


Types of Corrosives•Acids•Bases, caustics,

or alkalis•Dehydrating agents•Halogens and

halogen salts


Corrosive Hazards•Attack skin, eyes,

and tissue•Attack other materials•Contribute to fire

hazards•Generate

hydrogen gas•Create heat•Toxic when breathed


Warning Signs and Labels•Warning signs•DOT label•HMIS® labels•NFPA labels•Pay attention to

signs and read labels


MSDS•Identity of corrosive•Exposure limits•Reactivity, fire, and

explosion•Health hazards and

symptoms of exposure•PPE and first aid•Storage and spills


First Aid•Eyes—flush

with water•Skin—wash with

water and remove clothing

•Inhalation—move to fresh air

•Swallowing— medical assistance


Corrosives: True or False?Contact with corrosives can burn your skin and eyes.

Corrosives are always liquids.

If you get corrosives on your skin or in your eyes, you should move into fresh air.

Corrosives contribute to fire hazards.

The best source of information about corrosives is a warning sign.


Corrosive HazardsDo you understand:•About the types

of corrosives and corrosive hazards?

•The importance of warning signs, MSDSs, and labels?

•What the proper first-aid procedures would be if you are exposed to a corrosive?


Engineering Controls•Use safer materials•Reduce operations

that disperse corrosives

•Minimize potential leak points

•Transfer through hoses or pipes


Engineering Controls (cont.)

•Enclose corrosive operations

•Use ventilation and exhaust systems

•Select compatible materials

•Minimize operating pressures and temperatures

Image Credit: Laboratory Design & Supply


Ventilation•Removes corrosive

vapors and mists•Determined by

assessment•Checked with

monitoring•System of hoods and

ducts•Single exhaust fan


PPE•Safety glasses

or goggles•Face shield•Gloves•Protective clothing•Respiratory protection

Image Credit:WA Dept of Labor & Industries


PPE (cont.)

•Inspect before each use

•Dispose of damaged PPE

•Replace cartridges or worn parts

•Wash it carefully after use

•Store PPE safely


Storage•Away from

production areas•Corrosion-resistant

materials•Spill and leak

containment•Well ventilated,

cool, and dry


Storage (cont.)

•Warning signs•Inspections•Glass containers•Incompatible

corrosive stored separately


Emergency Equipment•First-aid kit•Spill-response supplies•Safety showers and

eyewash stations•Fire extinguishers

Image Credit: Stafford Industrial Supplies, Ltd.


•Drum hand trucks•Carboy caddies•Safety bottles•Self-closing

portable containers

Handling Corrosives

Image Credit: Vestil Manufacturing

Image Credit: University of Alberta


Dispensing Corrosives•Reduce vapors,

mists, and dusts•Use caution when

pouring into containers•Use pumps to

transfer from drums•Never pressurize a

container or add water to acid

•Use scoops for solids•Close containers

when done


Good Housekeeping•Clean up drips or spills right away•Properly dispose of unlabeled and

contaminated materials•Remove empty containers and old

corrosive materials•Ensure containers are properly marked


Personal Hygiene•Wash hands frequently•Remove contaminated

clothing •Don’t eat or drink

around corrosives•Don’t touch skin,

eyes, nose, or mouth with contaminated gloves

•Wash thoroughly at the end of your shift and change clothes


Emergency Procedures•Leave the area•Flush eyes/skin with

water•Notify others of the spill•Limit access to spill

area•Only trained personnel

can clean up large spills


Which PPE Is Required?Goggles

Chemical-resistant glovesProtective

clothing

Respirator

Face shield

Image credit: OSHA


Working with CorrosivesDo you understand about:•Engineering controls,

PPE, and storage, handling, and dispensing requirements for corrosives?

•Good housekeeping, personal hygiene, and emergency equipment and procedures?


Waste Management•Ensure containers are appropriate

for waste•Don’t mix corrosive waste with other wastes•Dispose of empty corrosive containers

properly•Don’t pour corrosives down sinks or drains


•Learn about corrosive hazards•Follow safe storage practices•Use available engineering controls•Wear proper PPE•Follow safe work practices•Know first-aid and emergency procedures

Documents

Working Safely With Corrosives