Hazardous
Materials
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The
University of Washington frequently uses hazardous materials,
some of which can be very dangerous. Here are emergency
procedures in the event of exposure to hazardous materials:
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DECONTAMINATION
DIAL 222
WHAT
ARE HAZARDOUS MATERIALS?
Hazardous
materials are chemical substances, which if released or
misused can pose a threat to the environment or health.
These chemicals are used in industry, agriculture, medicine,
research, and consumer goods. Hazardous materials come in
the form of explosives, flammable and combustible substances,
poisons, and radioactive materials. These substances are
most often released as a result of transportation accidents
or because of chemical accidents in plants.
Health
Hazards:
1.
Very short exposure could cause death or serious residual
injury even though prompt medical attention was given.
2.
Short exposure could cause serious temporary or residual
injury even though prompt medical attention was given.
3.
Intense or continued exposure could cause temporary incapacitation
or possible residual injury unless prompt medical attention
is given.
4.
Exposure could cause irritation but only minor residual
injury even if no treatment is given.
5.
Exposure under fire conditions would offer no hazard beyond
that of ordinary combustible materials.
Flammability:
1. Will rapidly or completely vaporize at normal pressure
and temperature, or is readily dispersed in air and will
burn readily.
2.
Liquids and solids that can be ignited under almost all
ambient conditions.
3.
Must be moderately heated or exposed to relatively high
temperature before ignition can occur.
4.
Must be preheated before ignition can occur.
5.
Materials that will not burn.
Special
Hazards:
OX:
This denotes an oxidizer, a chemical which can greatly
increase the rate of combustion/fire.
ACID:
This indicates that the material is an acid, a corrosive
material that has a pH lower than 7.0
ALK:
This denotes an alkaline material, also called a base. These
caustic materials have a pH greater than 7.0
COR:
This denotes a material that is corrosive (it could be either
an acid or a base).
 This
is a another symbol used for corrosive.
The skull and
crossbones is used to denote a poison or highly toxic material.
The
international symbol for radioactivity is used to denote
radioactive hazards; radioactive materials are extremely
hazardous when inhaled.
Indicates an explosive
material. This symbol is somewhat redundant because explosives
are easily recognized by their Reactivity Rating.
IF
CAUGHT AT THE SCENE OF AN ACCIDENT:
If
you see an accident, call 9-1-1 or the local fire department
to report the nature and location of the accident as soon
as possible.
Move
away from the accident scene and help keep others away.
Do not walk into or touch any of the spilled substance.
Try not to inhale gases, fumes and smoke. If possible, cover
mouth with a cloth while leaving the area.
Stay
away from accident victims until the hazardous material
has been identified.
Try
to stay upstream, uphill and upwind of the accident.
COMMON
OFFICE HAZARDS:
Adhesives:
Glue and Rubber cement may be irritable to the eyes and
skin if in direct contact. Acute exposure if vapors may
cause respiratory irritation. GUIDELINES: Keep away from
heat, sparks, and open flame, prevent skin and eye contact,
and use only in areas with normal room air circulation.
Carbonless
Copy Paper: Sensitive individuals may experience various
symptoms including headaches, skin, eye of respiratory irritation.
Improved room air circulation should eliminate any potential
hazard. Avoid touching face and eyes while working with
forms. After using carbonless copy paper wash hands with
mild soap and apply hand lotion to keep skin from drying.
Cleaners:
Office
workers may have occasions to use cleaning products such
as glass cleaner for copy machine glass, desktop cleaners,
and typewriter element cleaner. These materials pose no
particular hazard when used carefully as directed.
Correction
Fluid: Correction fluid for typewritten copy contains
small quantities of solvents that may be hazardous during
uncontrolled exposure to large volumes. Acute exposure could
lead to respiratory irritation and central nervous system
disturbance. However, such overexposure cannot occur under
the normal use conditions of this product. It is considered
non-hazardous when used as directed in an office or room
with normal air circulation. Exposure of this product to
open flame can produce small amounts of poison gasses.
Copy/Duplication
Products: Dry
and liquid toners for photocopy machines contain some hazardous
materials that are mildly toxic if acute exposure occur,
but present no health hazard under normal conditions of
use. Prolonged breathing of copy machine toner powder or
vapors may cause eye and respiratory irritation and should
be avoided.
Many
photocopy machines produce ozone and a byproduct of the
copy process. This toxic gas, which has a sweet odor, can
irritate eyes, nose, and throat. The best protection from
health hazards associated with copy machine use is good
ventilation.
Inks
and Inking Materials: Black
mimeograph ink can be moderately toxic if swallowed but
does not pose health hazards under normal conditions of
use. Stamp pad inks are similar except that the blue, purple,
brown, and green inks may produce eye irritation on contact.
The chemicals in broad tip marker pens may produce flammable
vapors and prolonged breathing of the vapors may cause irritation
to mucous membranes, nausea, dizziness, and headache. Overexposure
is not expected under normal conditions of use.
General
First Aid Guidelines: Read
the MSDS for detailed first aid information. In general,
wash with soap and water, and for eye exposure, flush affected
area with water for at least 15 minutes. If overexposure
by inhalation occurs, remove the victim to fresh air, and
if a hazardous chemical is swallowed check the MSDS for
first aid procedure.
If
in doubt seek medical attention immediately.
Protection:
Employees
can protect themselves by always reading container labels
thoroughly before using an unfamiliar product. Under normal
conditions of use none of these products is expected to
produce adverse health effects. Normal conditions of use
means using products only as directed and in areas with
normal room air circulation. For more detailed information
on chemicals and chemical products, employees should consult
the material safety data sheet (MSDS).
For
more information call Environmental Health and Safety: 206-543-7262.
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