What are the 5 types of chemical hazards?
Types of Chemical Hazards in the Workplace
- Asphyxiants.
- Corrosives.
- Irritants.
- Sensitizers.
- Carcinogens.
- Mutagens.
- Teratogens.
- Reactive.
What are the various chemical hazards at work?
Chemical health hazards can be acute (nausea, vomiting, acid burns, asphyxiation — which happen immediately) or chronic (dermatitis, asthma, liver damage, cancer — which develop after prolonged exposure). TIP: learn more about chemical health hazards by reading our post Using Poisons and Solvents at Work.
What are examples of hazardous chemicals?
Examples of hazardous chemicals include:
- paints.
- drugs.
- cosmetics.
- cleaning chemicals.
- degreasers.
- detergents.
- gas cylinders.
- refrigerant gases.
What are the types of chemicals found in the workplace?
Common hazardous substances in the workplace include:
- acids.
- caustic substances.
- disinfectants.
- glues.
- heavy metals, including mercury, lead, cadmium and aluminium.
- paint.
- pesticides.
- petroleum products.
What are 2 classes of hazards that chemicals have?
GHS uses three hazard classes: Health Hazards, Physical Hazards and Environmental Hazards. These aren’t required by OSHA. Health hazards present dangers to human health (i.e. breathing or vision) while physical hazards cause damage to the body (like skin corrosion).
What are the two main types of chemical hazards?
In the workplace, we find two types of chemical hazards: health hazards and physicochemical hazards.
When can chemicals be harmful?
Chemicals can be toxic because they can harm us when they enter or contact the body. Exposure to a toxic substance such as gasoline can affect your health. Since drinking gasoline can cause burns, vomiting, diarrhea and, in very large amounts, drowsiness or death, it is toxic.
Which chemical is the most hazardous?
Perhaps the most deadly chemical in the workplace, sulfuric acid is a critical component in the manufacture of most fertilizers, batteries, acids, and metals. Its extremely corrosive nature makes it exceptionally dangerous in its most common concentrations.
What should employers do to protect their workers from chemical hazards?
Employers with hazardous chemicals in the workplace must develop and implement a written hazard communication program and train employees on the hazards they are exposed to and proper precautions (and a copy of safety data sheets must be readily available). See the OSHA page on Hazard Communication.
What are the harmful materials when do they become harmful?
These substances could be dusts, gases or fumes that you breathe in, or liquids, gels or powders that come into contact with your eyes or skin. There could also be harmful micro-organisms present that can cause infection, an allergic reaction or are toxic.