SOP 2.3 Right-to-Know Program



SOP 2.3: Right-to-Know Program

Contents

1. Introduction 1

2. Regulatory and contractual requirements 1

3. Implementing a RTK Program 1

Attachment A: RTK Information Notice 5

Attachment B: Chemical and Physical Hazards List 6

Information sheets:

Carbon Monoxide 7

Corrosives and Irritants 8

Gases 9

Heat Stress 10

Particulates 12

Solvents and Solvent-based Products 13

1. Introduction

If facility staff have a “reasonable” potential for exposure to chemicals, this Facility shall have a Right-to-Know (RTK) Program. This RTK Program does not pertain to the chemicals collected as waste, but rather chemicals used within the Facility.

2. Regulatory and contractual requirements

RTK requirements are established in the HHW program and state agency contract (Exhibit A, parts A and B), and Minnesota Rules 1910.1200(g)(8), 5205.0110, Chapters 5206.and CFR 1910.146.

3. Implementing a RTK Program

3.1 Designate a RTK Coordinator

Designate a specific staff person to act as the RTK coordinator to be responsible for implementing the Facility RTK Program. For this Program, the RTK coordinator is the Facility Manager. Post the name and title of this person in the Facility; see Attachment A of this SOP.

3.2 Obtain information on chemical and physical hazards

The employer shall maintain in the workplace copies of the required MSDS sheets for each hazardous chemical, and shall ensure that they are readily accessible to staff when they are in their work area(s) to immediately obtain the required information in an emergency.

3.3 Set up right-to-know notebook

Alphabetically compile RTK/Material Safety Data Sheets (RTK/MSDS) and fact sheets into a notebook and place in a well-marked Facility location.

3.3.1 Chemical and physical hazards list

Prepare a list of chemicals currently being used by staff (trade or product name) and obtain corresponding MSDS sheets, HHW chemical category fact sheets, and physical hazards fact sheets (such as noise or heat). Update list as new hazards occur or when new MSDS sheets are obtained. Electronic access, microfiche, and other alternatives to maintaining paper copies of the MSDS sheets are permitted as long as no barriers to immediate staff access in each workplace are created by such options; see Attachment B of this SOP.

• Chemicals/MSDS. Compile and maintain a list (in alphabetical order) of the chemicals/products purchased for facility use. MSDS are not mandatory on hazardous materials processed at the facility. Update list as new chemicals are added.

• HHW chemical category fact sheets. Include HHW chemical category fact sheets, which are currently available, and update the list as new fact sheets are added.

• Physical hazards fact sheets. Heat stress is a common listing on the Chemical and Physical Hazards List. If facility staff exposures exceed the limits of the OSHA noise standard, add noise to the list under physical hazards fact sheets (if limits are exceeded, a hearing conservation program is also required; see SOP 2.12 Hearing Conservation).

3.3.2 RTK/MSDS notebook

File the Chemical and Physical Hazards List, MSDS, and fact sheets in the RTK/MSDS notebook. The list shall be kept up-to-date. Use this list as a table of contents for filing fact sheets and MSDS sheets.

3.4 Complete and post information notice

Complete and post RTK Information Notice to provide a quick reference guide for Facility staff on where to locate RTK information. If the Facility is already covered under an existing RTK Program administered by the employer, complete Attachment A of this SOP and file a copy of the employer’s RTK Program as an attachment to this SOP.

3.5 Labeling

3.5.1 The RTK coordinator shall verify that all containers of chemicals purchased for use at the facility are clearly labeled in English with the following information:

• chemical’s identity (trade name)

• appropriate hazard warning (including target organ)

• manufacturer’s name and address

3.5.2 When staff transfers a chemical into a secondary container, the container shall be labeled to identity the product and a hazard warning. Labels are not required on immediate-use containers, pipes, or piping systems. However, the contents of pipes or piping systems shall be described in the training session.

3.6 Provide facility staff training

The RTK coordinator shall ensure that all Facility staff are trained and kept up-to-date on MSDS and other information covered under the RTK Program. For more training information, see SOP 1.4 HHW Training Requirements.

3.6.1 Initial training

The State HHW program provides HHW Initial Safety and Health training three days each year. Facility staff responsible for processing waste shall take the HHW 3-day course or equivalent training. All new Facility staff, prior to starting work with chemicals or physical agents (as applicable), shall receive basic RTK training as well as facility-specific RTK training, which shall include the:

• overview of the RTK Standard and the HHW RTK Program.

• location and availability of the facility’s written RTK Program, MSDS, postings, and other written information.

• physical and health effects of the chemicals (HHW chemical categories) and physical agents, as applicable.

• instruction to read and interpret information on labels and MSDS.

• methods and observation techniques used to determine the presence of chemicals in the work area.

• techniques for reducing or preventing exposure to hazardous chemicals or physical agents by using good work practices, personal protective equipment, etc.

• information on steps the facility has taken to reduce or prevent exposure to chemicals or physical agents.

• emergency procedures.

3.6.2 Additional training requirements

• annual refresher.

• when a new chemical is introduced into a work area.

• information shall be provided on new chemicals or categories.

• basic RTK training may be required for volunteers and return-to-work Facility staff, if exposed to chemicals (depending on extent of chemical exposure).

• document, review annually, and update training as needed.

3.6.3 Training for hazardous, non-routine tasks

Facility staff may be required to perform hazardous, non-routine tasks. Prior to starting work on such projects, the RTK coordinator shall provide training on potential hazardous chemical exposures. This information shall include:

• specific chemical hazards

• protective/safety measures

• precautions to take to reduce or avoid exposure

3.7 Inform contractors

The RTK coordinator is responsible for informing contractors, before work is started at this facility, including:

• the MSDS/chemical information for the chemicals being used are available on-site.

• chemicals to which they may be exposed while at this facility.

• required protective equipment.

3.8 Keep records

3.8.1 Training records

The RTK coordinator is responsible for maintaining training attendance records for at least three years, including:

• staff name

• staff identification and/or job title

• date of training

• trainer

• summary, outline, or agenda of contents of the training session

• training handouts, etc.

3.8.2 MSDS records

The RTK coordinator or other designated person is responsible for maintaining MSDS for chemicals that were purchased by the Facility, but are no longer being used, including:

• pull non-current MSDS and keep separate from the current sheets.

• write the month and year on the MSDS, indicating when last used.

• keep on file for 30 years after last date of use.

• Attachment A

RTK Information Notice

(Please post)

General information:

______________________________________ is the RTK Coordinator for this HHW Facility.

(name/title of facility manager)

A copy of the RTK Program is located in the Facility:

________________________________________________________________________

(location of SOP documents in Facility)

How to obtain information on HHW chemicals:

Emergency situations: dial: 911

Non-emergency situations:

1. Chemical category and physical hazards fact sheets and MSDS are available in the RTK/MSDS notebook.

2. Contact the manufacturer by phone or on the Internet.

3. Search the Internet for MSDS:





library/msds.htm

_________________________

4. Contact the Minnesota Poison Center: 1-800-222-1222.

5. Refer to the NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards.

Attachment B

Chemical and Physical Hazards List

|HHW Chemical Category Information Sheets |

|Carbon Monoxide |

|Corrosives and Irritants |

|Gases |

|Mercury (See SOP 4.23 Managing Mercury) |

|Particulates |

|Pesticides (See SOP 4.17 Managing Pesticides) |

|Solvents and Solvent-based Products |

| |

| |

|Physical Hazards Information Sheets |

|Heat Stress |

|Incorrect Lifting or Repetitive Movements (See SOP 2.11 Ergonomics) |

|Loud Noises (See SOP 2.12 Hearing Conservation) |

| |

| |

|Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) – For products used in the Facility |

| |

| |

| |

| |

| |

Carbon Monoxide

What is carbon monoxide?

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous, colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas. Although it has no detectable odor, CO is often mixed with other gases that do have an odor.

CO is a common industrial hazard resulting from the incomplete combustion of natural gas and any other material containing carbon such as gasoline, kerosene, oil, propane, coal, or wood. The most common source of exposure in the workplace is the internal combustion engine.

How CO can cause harm

CO is harmful when inhaled because it deprives the heart, brain, and other vital organs of oxygen. Large amounts of CO can quickly overcome a victim without warning, causing loss of consciousness and death.

Besides tightness in the chest, initial symptoms of CO poisoning may include: headache, fatigue, dizziness, drowsiness, or nausea. Sudden chest pain may occur in people suffering from angina. During prolonged or high exposures, symptoms may worsen and include: vomiting, confusion, muscle weakness, and finally loss of consciousness. Symptoms vary widely from person to person. CO poisoning may occur sooner in people most susceptible, including those who are: young, elderly, pregnant, suffering from lung or heart disease, located at high altitudes, or already exhibiting elevated CO blood levels (smokers).

CO poisoning can be reversed if caught in time. However, even following complete recovery, acute poisoning may still result in permanent damage to body parts requiring a lot of oxygen (e.g., heart, brain). Significant reproductive risk has also been linked to CO poisoning.

What to do if CO poisoning is suspected

When CO poisoning is suspected, promptly take the following actions that may save lives:

• Move the victim immediately to fresh air.

• Call 911 for medical attention or assistance and inform them of suspected CO exposure.

• If the victim has stopped breathing, perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Warning: Ensure rescue attempts do not create additional victims by exposure to fatal CO levels.

How to prevent CO poisoning

To reduce the chances of CO poisoning in the workplace, employers shall take the following actions:

• Install an effective ventilation system to remove CO from work areas.

• Maintain equipment and appliances which may produce CO (e.g., water heaters, space heaters) to assure safe operation and reduce CO formation.

• Consider switching from gasoline-powered equipment to equipment powered by electricity, batteries, or compressed air (if it can be used safely).

• Prohibit the use of gasoline-powered engines or tools in poorly ventilated areas.

• Install CO monitors with audible alarms.

• Test air regularly in areas where CO may be present, including confined spaces.

• Educate staff about CO poisoning, including likely sources and to report suspected symptoms (e.g, dizziness, nausea, drowsiness).

• Report any situation that might cause CO to accumulate.

• If CO poisoning is suspected, avoid overexertion and leave the contaminated area.

OSHA standards for CO exposure

The OSHA PEL is 50 parts per million (ppm). OSHA standards prohibit worker exposure to more than 50 ppm averaged during an 8-hour time period. Note: Minnesota PEL for carbon monoxide is 35 ppm (8-hour TWA) and 200 ppm (C).

Carbon monoxide monitoring devices

There are three types of CO monitoring devices that are suitable for determining worker exposure. There are advantages and disadvantages to each device.

1) Electronic sensing instruments with digital readout.

2) Colorimetric detector tubes with a hand-held pump.

3) Passive colorimetric detector tube.

• Corrosives and Irritants

Corrosives and irritants include acids and bases (alkaline, caustic), as well as other chemicals. Skin and eye contact are the more common routes of exposure. Exposure to irritants and corrosives usually occurs when the chemical is spilled or splashed. When corrosives are heated, vapors are produced. These vapors can be irritating to the nose and throat when inhaled.

|Corrosives and irritants |Products containing these materials |

|Acids, inorganic |Cleaners |Naval jelly |

|Includes nitric, hydrofluoric,|Strippers |Battery acid |

|muriatic, and hydrochloric. |Drain cleaners | |

|Acids, organic |Rust removers |Cleaners |

|Includes oxalic, citric, and |Photos chemicals |Etchants, |

|acetic. | |descalers |

|Alkalines/bases |Cleaners |Liquid wood |

|Includes calcium, sodium and |Detergents |bleach |

|potassium hydroxide; borax, |Strippers |Surfactants |

|carbonates, lye, soda ash, | |Cement |

|caustic soda, ammonia, TSP, | | |

|and sodium metasillicate. | | |

|Irritants |Cleaners |Bleach |

| |Disinfectants |Latex paint |

| |Oils | |

Some corrosives and irritants are also in particulate or powder form. Exposure to a moist surface (e.g., skin, inhalation, eyes) may result in a painful reaction or burn. See the following table for examples of corrosives, irritants, and products containing these materials.

Corrosives can irritate, burn, or destroy living tissue (e.g., skin, eyes, respiratory tract). Any corrosive material that comes in contact with moist tissue may cause serious or permanent damage if not rinsed immediately. Irritants may cause tissue irritation or inflammation, as opposed to tissue destruction.

Hazard potential variables

• specific chemical

• concentration and pH

• duration of exposure/contact

• location of the contact (eye or skin)

• how quickly first aid action is taken (flush with water)

In case of accidental contact with the skin or eyes, IMMEDIATELY flush the area thoroughly with water. Continue to flush for 15 minutes.

Precautions and control measures

Wear appropriate chemical-resistant personal protective equipment (PPE); see SOP 2.4 PPE. The type of PPE (e.g., glove length, face shield, goggles, apron, footwear) is dependent upon the type of task being performed, extent of exposure, or splash potential.

Control measures may include:

• Storing acids separately from bases.

• Always adding acid to water, as doing it in reverse may cause a reaction, resulting in splashes and potential injury.

• An emergency eyewash and shower shall be readily accessible when handling corrosives.

• Refer to the material safety data sheet and the product label for additional health and safety information.

Gases

A material is described as a gas if its physical state is gaseous at normal temperature and pressure. Some materials that are normally a solid or liquid at room temperature can change their physical state to a gas (e.g., heating, burning, decreasing pressure).

Most gases are colorless at low concentrations and cannot be seen. Some gases (e.g., ammonia, chlorine) can be detected by their odor and irritating effects, at certain concentrations. However, other gases (e.g., carbon monoxide, acetylene) have no odor or immediately irritating effects on the body.

Gases can be inhaled directly into the lungs, and are either absorbed into the blood or exhaled. Some gases act as poisons to body systems, while other gases (e.g., nitrogen, carbon monoxide) reduce the amount of oxygen available to the body.

Gases are used directly in some work processes, or they can occur as by-products from work processes or operations, such as carbon monoxide from fuel-operated forklift trucks. Gases may also be contained in pressurized cylinders as compressed gases (e.g., acetylene, oxygen, propane).

Asphyxiants are gases that interfere with the body’s ability to utilize oxygen. Simple asphyxiants (e.g., methane, argon, helium, nitrogen) are materials that act by replacing the available oxygen in the air, making the oxygen concentrations too low to support life. Confined space entry is an example of a situation where oxygen deficiency could be a potential problem. Chemical asphyxiants interfere with the transportation and use of oxygen by the tissues in the body. Overexposure to chemical asphyxiants (e.g., carbon monoxide, hydrogen, cyanide) can result in suffocation. Initial symptoms may include headache, dizziness, and nausea and will usually subside upon ceasing exposure to the asphyxiant gas. Refer to Carbon Monoxide information sheet for more details.

Corrosive and irritant gases can damage, burn, or destroy the tissue of breathing passages or lungs. For example, chlorine and ammonia can irritate the upper respiratory tract, bronchial passages, skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. Symptoms of overexposure may include coughing and shortness of breath.

Compressed gas containers shall be handled with care. Cylinders shall be stored in a well-protected and ventilated area. Oxygen and acetylene cylinders shall be stored separate from fuel cylinders. See “Rules for Handling Compressed Gases” below or SOP 4.8 Cylinder Evacuation and Valve Removal.

Rules for handling compressed gases

• Always use a hand truck for transporting cylinders; do not drag. Secure or chain the cylinder and transport in an upright position.

• Never lift a cylinder by the cap.

• Cylinders shall be chained in place or otherwise secured at all times.

• Use cylinders in an upright position only.

• Protect cylinders from being struck.

• Do not drop cylinders or otherwise permit them to strike each other.

• Leave valve cap on cylinder until secured and ready for use.

• All valves shall be closed when not in use.

• Cylinder storage area shall be dry, well ventilated, and the temperature kept below 100° F.

• Always consider cylinders to contain product and handle accordingly.

Heat Stress

Some Program situations (HHW mobile collection events) may require staff to work in hot environments or in conditions that pose special hazards to safety and health.

Body reactions to heat stress

Four environmental factors affect the amount of body stress in a hot work area: ambient air temperature, humidity, radiant heat and air velocity. Important personal variables include: age, weight, fitness, medical condition, and/or acclimation to heat.

The body reacts to high temperatures by circulating blood to the skin, allowing the release of excess heat. However, if muscles are being used for physical labor, less blood is available to flow to the skin to release the heat.

Sweating is another mechanism the body uses to maintain a stable internal temperature. However, sweating is most effective when the humidity levels are low enough to permit evaporation. To prevent dehydration, replace lost fluids and salts as needed.

There are many ways to reduce the risk of heat stress, such as moving to a cooler place, reducing the work pace or load, and/or removing or loosening restrictive clothing.

If the body’s core temperature rises more rapidly than excess heat can be dissipated, the heart rate increases and the body will continue to store heat. Then the individual begins to lose concentration, has difficulty focusing on a task, may become irritable or sick, and often loses the desire to consume liquids. If the heat stress is not alleviated, the person may faint and death is possible.

Heat disorders

Heat stroke is the most serious health problem for workers in a hot environment. Sweating stops and the body can no longer rid itself of excess heat. Symptoms may include:

• mental confusion, delirium, loss of consciousness, convulsions, or coma

• body temperature of 106ºF or higher

• hot, dry skin, which may be red, mottled, or bluish

Victims of heat stroke will die unless treated promptly. While awaiting medical help, the victim shall be moved to a cool area; their clothing soaked with cool water, and fanned vigorously to increase cooling. Prompt first aid can prevent permanent injury to the brain and other vital organs.

Heat exhaustion results from loss of fluid through sweating. This occurs when there is failure to drink enough fluids, or take in enough salt, or both. The symptoms of heat exhaustion include; sweating while experiencing extreme weakness or fatigue, giddiness, nausea, or headache. The skin is clammy and moist, the complexion pale or flushed, and the body temperature is normal or slightly elevated.

Treatment requires the victim to rest in a cool place and to drink an electrolyte solution (a beverage containing potassium, calcium, and magnesium salts). Severe cases involve victims who vomit or lose consciousness, which may require treatment under medical supervision.

Heat cramps are painful muscle spasms caused by drinking large quantities of water, which fails to replace salt lost through sweating. Muscles that are tired and used for performing work are usually the ones most susceptible to cramps. Cramps may occur during or after working hours and may be relieved by drinking liquids containing electrolytes.

Heat rash (prickly heat) may occur in hot and humid environments, where sweat is not easily removed from the surface of the skin by evaporation. When complicated by infection, heat rash can be so uncomfortable that it inhibits sleep and may impede work performance, resulting in temporary or total disability. Heat rash can be prevented by resting in a cool place and allowing the skin to dry.

Preventing heat stress

The likelihood of most heat-related health problems can be prevented or reduced by following these precautions:

1. Using Facility engineering controls which include adequate ventilation, evaporative cooling, air conditioning and cooling fans. Use power tools to reduce manual labor and wear personal cooling devices or protective clothing.

2. Providing plenty of drinking water (as much as a quart per worker per hour) can help reduce the risk of heat disorders. Employers shall also consider an individual worker’s physical condition when determining their fitness for working in hot environments. Individuals who are older, obese, or on some type of medication are at greater risk.

3. Allowing longer rest periods in a cool area can help to avoid heat stress. If possible, heavy work shall be scheduled during the cooler parts of the day and appropriate protective clothing provided. Staff shall be trained to detect early signs of heat stress and shall be permitted work interruption if they are extremely uncomfortable.

4. Acclimation to the heat through short exposures followed by longer periods of work in the hot environment can reduce heat stress. New workers and Facility staff returning from an absence of two weeks or more shall have a five-day period of acclimation. This period shall begin with 50 percent of the normal workload and time exposure the first day, and gradually build up to 100 percent on the fifth day.

5. Staff education shall reinforce the importance of replacing fluids and salt lost through sweat, and how to recognize heat disorders (e.g., dehydration, exhaustion, fainting, heat cramps, salt deficiency, heat exhaustion, heat stroke).

Source: OSHA Fact Sheet No. OSHA 95-16

.

Particulates

Chemicals may be present as particulates in the air, in containers, or on surfaces. Particulate agents include dust, fumes, smoke, mist, and fog.

Dusts, fumes and smoke consist of solid particles. Grinding, crushing, or working with powder or particulate materials produces dusts. Fumes are produced when metals are heated past the melting point. Smoke is typically the result of heating or burning something.

Mists and fogs consist of liquid particles. Mists are liquid droplets produced by breaking up a liquid, such as in spraying (e.g., oil, paint mist). Fogs are formed when humid air cools and the water vapor condenses. Particles are easily released into the air and can settle onto exposed work surfaces. If the particles remain in the air, they are easily inhaled.

Depending on the size, particles may get trapped in the nose and if small enough, may reach the lungs. Solid particles can settle out of the air where it may contaminate the floor and work surfaces. Touching surfaces contaminated with toxic dust could transfer the particles to the mouth.

Exposure to particles can result in a variety of symptoms (e.g., irritation, lung damage) and depends on the chemical concentration, length of exposure, and the toxicity of the material.

Wear appropriate protective clothing and equipment. Use a filtering face piece respirator. (N, R, or P – 95 or 100). For additional safety and health information, see: the MSDS, information sheets in this SOP, or SOP 2.5 Respirator Program.

|Particulate |Information |

|Asbestos |Asbestos fibers are naturally occurring minerals. Vermiculate may contain traces of asbestos. Household remodeling|

| |debris may also contain asbestos. Do not open bags of household demolition debris. Exposure through inhalation may|

| |cause long term health effects such as asbestosis, lung cancer, or mesothelioma. |

|Fertilizers |The formulation, the physical state, and the method of application influence the exposure potential to |

| |fertilizers. The health effects depend on the fertilizer type, and have the potential to cause respiratory, skin |

| |and eye irritation. |

|Fiberglass |Direct contact with fiberglass materials or exposure to airborne dust may irritate the skin, nose, and throat or |

| |may cause lung disorders. |

|Lead |Lead sources include paint, paint chips/debris, or solder wire. Lead exposure may occur through inhalation or |

| |ingestion. The symptoms of chronic exposure include loss of appetite, anemia, and muscle or joint pain. The liver,|

| |kidneys, or reproductive systems may also be affected. |

|Metal dust and fumes |Iron oxide is the main metal fume generated from welding on steel. Iron and aluminum oxides may cause respiratory |

| |irritation. Exposure to toxic metals (e.g., beryllium or cadmium) increases health hazard potentials. See also |

| |welding fumes below. |

|Nuisance dust |At high concentrations, nuisance dust may cause respiratory irritation in some individuals. In general they are |

| |not associated with permanent lung disorders. |

|Silica |Long-term exposure to silica (sand, quartz) may result in silicosis, a lung disorder which results in decreased |

| |breathing capacity. Silica has been classified as a suspect carcinogen. Diatomaceous earth also contains silica. |

|Welding fumes |Welding fume hazards depend on the composition of the base metal, the use of local exhaust, the type of area in |

| |which the welding is being done, base metal coating, etc. Iron oxide and aluminum oxide are not associated with |

| |lung disorders. Welding on metals coated with or containing alloys of lead, nickel, zinc, copper, etc. increase |

| |the hazard potential as compared to welding aluminum or steel parts. |

|Wood dust |At high concentrations, wood dust can act as a respiratory and eye irritant. Certain woods, including pine, beech |

| |and mahogany, can cause an allergic response (asthma and dermatitis) in sensitized individuals. Chronic exposure |

| |to certain hardwood dusts is associated with the potential to cause nasal cancer. |

Solvents and Solvent-based Products

Properties

Solvents are a class of liquids used to dissolve certain other solid materials (clean, degrease, thin). Many solvents are flammable or combustible; however, chlorinated solvents are not flammable. In general, solvents evaporate readily and become airborne. With heating, solvents evaporate faster and more vapors are produced.

Most solvents can be detected by smell (odor threshold) at concentrations well below their allowable exposure limits. Solvent vapors can be sampled using organic vapor badges or detector tubes.

Solvent hazard potential variables include:

• Use of product (bulking)

• Exposure route (inhalation or absorption)

• Toxicity

• Evaporation rate

• Exposure quantity

• Exposure time length

• Susceptibility of individual

Health effects

Skin disorders: Repeated skin contact may result in irritation and drying. Repeated contact may cause a rash or inflammation (dermatitis) or may dry out the skin to the point of cracking and bleeding. Solvents shall not be used to wash or clean the skin. Some solvents can be absorbed through intact skin. Repeated contact with certain compounds (e.g., epoxy) can cause allergic skin reactions or sensitization. Use extra precautions if contact with these materials occurs. This information shall be noted on the material safety data sheet.

Eye injury: Solvent vapors can irritate the eyes. Directly splashing the liquid into eyes may cause symptoms ranging from irritation to serious burns and permanent damage.

Inhalation: Solvents act as a central nervous system depressant. General symptoms of acute (short-term) exposure include headache, dizziness, and nausea. Generally, when the exposure is stopped, the reaction disappears. Extreme exposure situations could lead to unconsciousness. Solvent vapors can also act as respiratory irritants. Chronic (long-term) exposure to some solvents (trichloroethylene and carbon tetrachloride) may cause permanent injury to the liver, kidneys, or other internal systems. Chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, and formaldehyde are suspected to be carcinogens. Some products contain chemicals that can cause allergic respiratory sensitization, including isocyanates (MDI, HDI, TDI) and urethanes.

Precautions and control measures

• Wear solvent-resistant gloves to prevent repeated or prolonged skin contact.

• In operations where the liquid could splash into the eyes, wear a face shield and/or goggles. In case of eye contact, flush the eyes with water for at least 15 minutes, while holding the eyelids open. Obtain medical assistance as needed.

• In operations where the liquid could splash onto the skin, wear appropriate protective clothing, such as a solvent-resistant apron.

• If extensive skin contact should occur, flush the area thoroughly for at least 15 minutes.

• Personal hygiene is very important. Wash thoroughly. Apply hand cream as needed to prevent drying. Do not wash up with solvents; use soap and water.

• In situations where a respirator is required, be sure the proper respirator is worn. It should protect organic vapors (OV) for solvents. As needed, a pre-filter can be used with the OV cartridge for paint particulates (N, R, or P – 95 or 100).

• In case of a solvent spill or leak, wear chemical protective clothing and gloves in order to avoid contact with the material. For larger spills, wear an organic vapor respirator to prevent overexposure, (if authorized to wear a respirator). Attempt to stop or control the spread of the material. Remove all ignition sources.

-----------------------

Guidelines for MSDS fact sheets

▪ If MSDS is not received with the purchased chemicals, MSDS shall be obtained for chemicals by contacting the manufacturer.

▪ MSDS are not required for household hazardous waste products collected by the facility.

▪ MSDS are not required for chemicals for the reuse or product exchange program. If these products are used by a HHW staff in a consumer-capacity, the product shall be returned to the exchange room immediately after use.

▪ Further information about household hazardous waste products can be obtained by:

1. Contacting the manufacturer by phone or on its web site.

2. Searching the Internet (example: ).

3. Contacting the Minnesota Poison Center: 1-800-222-1222.

▪ All incoming data sheets shall be reviewed. Any new information shall be communicated to affected staff.

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