Reviewing the SDS, specifically Section 2: Hazardous Identification and Section 14: Transport Considerations, for the chemical being shipped, as detailed above in Section 2.1.1 of the CHP; Reviewing the chemical label and looking for hazard information detailed above in Section 2.1.2 of the CHP; and Understanding the chemical and physical properties of the chemical. All hazardous chemicals must be properly labeled by the chemical manufacturer or distributor before transportation occurs. Chemical containers stored in laboratories are not required to be labeled per DOT standards; however the DOT 9 hazard classes are often seen on chemical containers and are discussed in Section 14 of GHS-formatted SDSs. The DOT 9 hazard classes are illustrated below in Figure 2.5. It should be noted that Figure 2.5 only lists the primary hazard classes, the sub classes (e.g., Organic Peroxides, DOT Class 5.2) were omitted for stylistic purposes. DOT Class 1 Explosives DOT Class 2 Compressed Gases DOT Class 3 Flammable Liquids DOT Class 4 Flammable Solids DOT Class 5 Oxidizers DOT Class 6 Poisons DOT Class 7 Radioactive Materials DOT Class 8 Corrosives DOT Class 9 Miscellaneous Figure 2.5 – NFPA Hazard Rating System
Classes of Hazardous Chemicals Chemicals can be divided into several different hazard classes. The hazard class provides information to help determine how a chemical can be safely stored and handled. Each chemical container, whether supplied by a chemical manufacturer or produced in the laboratory, must have a label that clearly identifies the chemical constituents. In addition to a specific chemical label, more comprehensive hazard information can be found by referencing the SDS for that chemical. The OSHA Laboratory Standard defines a hazardous chemical as any element, chemical compound, or mixture of elements and/or compounds which is a physical or health hazard. This definition of a hazardous chemical and the GHS primary classes of chemicals are briefly discussed below. Physical Hazards A chemical is a physical hazard if there is scientifically valid evidence that it is flammable, combustible, compressed gas, explosive, organic peroxide, oxidizer, pyrophoric, self-heating, self-reactive, or water-reactive. Each physical hazard is briefly defined below. Refer to Appendix B (section B.1) for detailed information on each physical hazard. Explosives: A liquid or solid which is in itself capable by chemical reaction of producing gas at such a temperature and pressure and at such a speed as to cause damage to the surroundings. Flammable Liquids: Materials which under standard conditions can generate sufficient vapor to cause a fire in the presence of an ignition source and have a flash point no greater than 93 °C (200 °F). Flammable Solid: A solid which is readily combustible, or may cause or contribute to a fire through friction. Gases under Pressure: Gases which are contained in a receptacle at a pressure not less than 280 kPA at 20 °C or as a refrigerated liquid. Organic Peroxide: A liquid or solid which contains the bivalent -0-0- structure and may be considered a derivative of hydrogen peroxide, where one or both of the hydrogen atoms have been replaced by organic radicals. Oxidizer: A liquid or solid, while in itself is not necessarily combustible, may generally by yielding oxygen, cause or contribute to the combustion of other material. Pyrophoric Substance (also called Spontaneously Combustible): A liquid or solid that even in small quantities and without an external ignition source can ignite after coming in contact with the air.
See REM webpage for the location evaluation hazard assessment template. () Job Title Evaluation Hazard Assessment Job title evaluation hazard assessments should be conducted for specific positions. These types of hazard assessments should be written in a comprehensive manner that includes the majority of hazards that a specific job position (e.g., Animal Care Technician) routinely encounters during the normal course of work. This type of hazard assessment is commonly used for positions where the hazards encountered do not frequently change. If the employee encounters a hazard that is not covered by the job title evaluation hazard assessment, then it will be necessary to perform another type of hazard assessment such as the task evaluation hazard assessment that does address the specific hazards of that task. The following describes the steps that should be taken to perform a task evaluation hazard assessment: Identify hazards that the position title may encounter while performing normal duties. List each task where hazard is present. Determine PPE requirements for each task. List other control measures required. See the REM webpage for the job title evaluation hazard assessment template. () Minimum PPE Requirements for Laboratories This section details the minimum PPE requirements for all laboratories using hazardous chemicals. These requirements do not apply to labs that involve solely mechanical, computer, laser or other non-ionizing radiation, or electrical operations. The requirements listed do not cover all operations in all laboratories. Some operations and procedures may warrant further PPE, as indicated by the SDS, the SOP for the chemical(s) being used, facility policies, or regulatory requirements. Figure 6.1 illustrates the minimum PPE required when using hazardous chemicals in a laboratory. Figure 6.1 – Appropriate PPE for the Laboratory