What’s on This Page:

Read More At:

https://ehs.ncsu.edu/laboratory/chemical-safety/

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Perchloric Acid
  • Can form shock sensitive salts when heated or concentrated (>72%)
  • Requires specially designed fume hood

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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

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Eyewash & 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

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Safety Shower

  • Typically tested annually by facilities
  • Keep access to the shower clear. Ensure the area under the shower is clear

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Chemical Safety webpage

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More Information

Visit our Safety Plan webpage –  https://ehs.ncsu.edu/safety-plan/

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SSC Group Comments & Questions

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