Chemical Hazards – SSC
What’s on This Page:
- Reactivity Hazards
- Chemical Skin Absorption Hazards
- Flammable Liquids
- Peroxide Formers
- Perchloric Acid
- Safety Data Sheets
- Eyewash and Safety Shower
Read More about Chemical Safety Here.
Reactivity Hazards
- Reactivity hazards are not as easy to identify as other hazards
- Managing reactivity hazards requires a preliminary screening of chemicals to find potential incompatibilities
- Reactivity Guide (pdf)
Skin Absorption
- Potentially significant exposure can occur through the cutaneous route, including mucous membranes and eyes
- It is important to remember that other materials may also be absorbed through skin, when mixed with these chemicals
- Take time to select the proper glove type for the chemical you are using is flammable
- Flammable vapours can spread far from the liquid. This vapour can contact an ignition source and flash back to the source, sometimes hundreds of feet away.
- Eliminate ignition sources when using flammables and close containers when they are not in use.
- Remember to store flammables away from oxidizers. This includes flammable solids
- Skin Absorption Hazard List (pdf)
Flammable Liquids
- Flammable vapours can spread far from the liquid. This vapour can contact an ignition source and flash back to the source, sometimes hundreds of feet away.
- Eliminate ignition sources when using flammables and close containers when they are not in use.
- Remember to store flammables away from oxidizers. This includes flammable solids
- Flammable Liquid Guide (pdf)
Peroxidizable
- Normally safe chemicals can evaporate over time and form peroxide crystals. These crystals are extremely shock sensitive and can cause explosions
- These chemicals should be marked with the date they are opened and only kept for up to a year
- Peroxide Former List (pdf)
Perchloric Acid
- Can form shock sensitive salts when heated or concentrated ( greater than 72%)
- Requires specially designed fume hood
- Perchloric Acid Safety (pdf)
Safety Data Sheets
- SDSs are required for each chemical based on the Hazard Communication Standard
EH&S provides a free online SDS database - Physical copies are recommended but not required as long as you have access to the online database
- NCSU SDS Database
Eyewash and Safety Shower
Eyewash stations and safety showers are considered first aid measures rather than preventative.
Proper PPE should always be used regardless of their presence
Eyewash
- Test weekly and keep a logbook
- Drench hoses and eyewash bottles do not meet ANSI standards. Deck mounted stations are recommended
- Eyewash Fact Sheet (pdf)
Safety Shower
- Typically tested annually by facilities
- Keep access to the shower clear. Ensure the area under the shower is clear
- Safety Shower Fact Sheet (pdf)