37 Proper Use of Chemicals
Learning Objectives
- Describe first aid procedures if chemical contact is made considering data on MSDS
- Demonstrate proper use of chemical including calculation of strength, contact time, and correct chemical for the job considering information on MSDS
- Find potential hazards in chemical storage conditions referencing information on MSDS
Introduction
This information is intended as a quick reference and overview of first aid procedures. completing this section does not make you qualified to perform first aid. Refer to your official first aid training for more information.
Most of what needs to be done in case of accidental contact is dictated by the Material Data Safety Sheet (MSDS.) This chapter gives only a brief review of the MSDS.
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Material Safety Data Sheet
A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is a document that contains information on the potential hazards (health, fire, reactivity and environmental) and how to work safely with the chemical product. It is an essential starting point for the development of a complete health and safety program. It also contains information on the use, storage, handling and emergency procedures all related to the hazards of the material. The MSDS contains much more information about the material than the label. MSDSs are prepared by the supplier or manufacturer of the material. It is intended to tell what the hazards of the product are, how to use the product safely, what to expect if the recommendations are not followed, what to do if accidents occur, how to recognize symptoms of overexposure, and what to do if such incidents occur.
In Canada, every material that is controlled by WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) must have an accompanying MSDS that is specific to each individual product or material (both the product name and supplier on the MSDS must match the material in use).
Always be familiar with the hazards of a product BEFORE you start using it. You should look at a MSDS, match the name of the chemical on your container to the one on the MSDS, know the hazards, understand safe handling and storage instructions, as well as understand what to do in an emergency.
https://www.ccohs.ca//oshanswers/legisl/msdss.html
There are nine sections of data required on a MSDS, however the most important one for this chapter is regarding first aid measures. (Some MSDS provided by companies are in a 16 heading format.) The following is a link to a MSDS for common household bleach.
This is the section of the MSDS for bleach pertaining to first aid.
On first glance of this section, in general, you can determine that:
- Call a doctor, and have the MSDS on hand.
- If bleach is in contact with the eyes, rinse at an eyewash station for 15 – 20 minutes.
- If bleach is in contact with the skin, rinse for 15 – 20 minutes.
- If bleach is inhaled, move to fresh air.
- If bleach is ingested (swallowed) sip water.
First Aid for Chemical Contact
First aid for chemical