Working Safely with Chemicals

Common Chemicals in Construction

Adhesives and Sealants

• Epoxies
• Construction adhesives
• Caulks and sealants
• Contact cement
• May contain solvents, isocyanates, or formaldehyde

Coatings and Finishes

• Paints and primers
• Stains and varnishes
• Waterproofing compounds
• Floor finishes
• May contain VOCs, heavy metals, or isocyanates

Cleaning Products

• Concrete cleaners
• Glass cleaners
• Degreasers
• Mold removers
• Often contain acids, bases, or solvents

Concrete and Masonry Products

• Cement
• Concrete additives
• Grouts
• Mortars
• Contain caustic materials that can cause chemical burns

Solvents

• Paint thinners
• Mineral spirits
• Acetone
• MEK (methyl ethyl ketone)
• Highly flammable and often toxic

Fuels and Lubricants

• Gasoline
• Diesel
• Motor oil
• Hydraulic fluid
• Fire and environmental hazards

Understanding Chemical Hazards

Physical Hazards

• Flammable: Can ignite easily
• Combustible: Can burn
• Explosive: Can detonate or explode
• Corrosive: Can destroy materials or tissue
• Reactive: Can react violently with other substances
• Compressed Gas: Pressurized containers

Health Hazards

• Toxic: Poisonous if ingested, inhaled, or absorbed
• Irritant: Causes inflammation of tissues
• Sensitizer: Causes allergic reaction with repeated exposure
• Carcinogen: Can cause cancer
• Reproductive Hazard: Affects reproductive system or development
• Target Organ Toxin: Damages specific organs

Routes of Exposure

• Inhalation: Breathing vapors, mists, or dusts
• Skin Contact: Direct contact with skin
• Ingestion: Swallowing chemical
• Injection: Puncture wounds or high-pressure equipment

The Hazard Communication Standard

Chemical Labeling

• Product identifier (name)
• Signal word ("Danger" or "Warning")
• Hazard statements
• Precautionary statements
• Pictograms
• Supplier information

Key GHS Pictograms

• Skull and Crossbones: Acute toxicity
• Health Hazard: Carcinogen, respiratory sensitizer
• Exclamation Mark: Irritant, skin sensitizer
• Corrosion: Skin/eye damage, corrosive to metals
• Flame: Flammable materials
• Exploding Bomb: Explosives, self-reactives
• Gas Cylinder: Gases under pressure
• Flame Over Circle: Oxidizers
• Environment: Aquatic toxicity

Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

• Must be available for all hazardous chemicals
• 16 standardized sections
• Contains detailed hazard information
• Includes first aid and spill response
• Must be readily accessible to workers
• Maintained by employers

Chemical Storage and Handling

General Storage Guidelines

• Store chemicals according to compatibility
• Keep flammables in approved cabinets
• Maintain good ventilation
• Keep containers closed when not in use
• Store at eye level or below
• Secure containers to prevent tipping
• Maintain clear aisles and access

Chemical Compatibility

• Separate incompatible materials
• Keep acids away from bases
• Isolate oxidizers from flammables
• Store flammables away from ignition sources
• Use secondary containment for liquids
• Follow SDS recommendations
• Use storage compatibility charts

Safe Handling Practices

• Read labels and SDS before use
• Use smallest amount necessary
• Transfer carefully to avoid spills
• Use proper tools for dispensing
• Keep containers closed when not in use
• Clean up spills immediately
• Label all secondary containers

Container Management

• Use only approved containers
• Never use food containers for chemicals
• Keep original labels intact
• Properly label secondary containers
• Check containers regularly for damage
• Dispose of empty containers properly
• Follow specific instructions for pressurized containers

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Skin Protection

• Chemical-resistant gloves appropriate for specific chemicals
• Full coverage clothing
• Chemical splash aprons
• Chemical-resistant suits for high-hazard tasks
• Face shields for splash hazards
• Closed-toe shoes or chemical-resistant boots

Eye Protection

• Safety glasses with side shields (minimum)
• Chemical splash goggles
• Face shields (used with goggles for high splash hazard)
• Ensure proper fit
• Keep clean and unscratched
• Replace damaged eye protection

Respiratory Protection

• Dust masks for nuisance dusts
• Air-purifying respirators with appropriate cartridges
• Supplied air systems for highly toxic chemicals
• Proper fit testing required
• Medical evaluation before use
• Regular maintenance and inspection

PPE Selection Factors

• Type of chemical
• Concentration
• Duration of exposure
• Temperature conditions
• Physical state (solid, liquid, gas)
• Other hazards present
• Work activities

Ventilation and Engineering Controls

Local Exhaust Ventilation

• Captures contaminants at source
• Hoods positioned close to work
• Ducting to move contaminants away
• Collection device or exhaust to outside
• Regular maintenance and testing
• Properly designed for specific contaminants

General Ventilation

• Dilutes air contaminants
• Brings in fresh air
• Exhausts contaminated air
• Less effective than local exhaust
• May require air monitoring to verify effectiveness
• Not sufficient for highly toxic materials

Other Engineering Controls

• Enclosed systems
• Automation to reduce handling
• Proper tools for application
• Mixing stations with containment
• Barriers between workers and chemicals
• Temperature controls for volatile chemicals

Chemical Exposure Response

Skin Contact

• Remove contaminated clothing
• Flush with water for at least 15-20 minutes
• Check SDS for specific instructions
• Do not use neutralizing chemicals unless specified by SDS
• Cover with clean bandage
• Seek medical attention as needed

Eye Contact

• Go to eyewash station immediately
• Hold eyelids open
• Flush for at least 15-20 minutes
• Remove contact lenses if present
• Have someone read SDS for specific instructions
• Seek medical attention

Inhalation

• Move to fresh air immediately
• Loosen tight clothing
• Administer oxygen if available and trained
• Check SDS for specific response
• Seek medical attention
• Monitor for delayed symptoms

Ingestion

• Never induce vomiting unless directed by poison control
• Call poison control (1-800-222-1222)
• Check SDS for specific instructions
• Seek immediate medical attention
• Bring SDS or product container to medical facility

Spill Response

Small Spill Response

• Alert others in the area
• Refer to SDS for guidance
• Wear appropriate PPE
• Use proper absorbent materials
• Work from outside inward
• Dispose of waste properly
• Document the incident

Large Spill Response

• Evacuate the area
• Call for trained responders
• Contain spill if safe to do so
• Prevent entry into drains or water
• Follow emergency response plan
• Report as required by regulations
• Document thoroughly

Spill Kit Contents

• Appropriate absorbents for expected chemicals
• Chemical-resistant gloves
• Goggles and face shield
• Disposable coveralls
• Disposal bags or containers
• Neutralizing agents (if appropriate)
• Warning signs or barrier tape

Chemical Waste Management

Hazardous Waste Identification

• Know regulatory requirements
• Understand what constitutes hazardous waste
• Identify waste streams
• Proper classification
• Documentation requirements
• Training for those handling waste

Waste Collection

• Use appropriate containers
• Label clearly as waste
• Keep incompatible wastes separate
• Seal containers securely
• Store in designated areas
• Inspect regularly
• Secondary containment for liquids

Disposal Procedures

• Follow federal, state, and local regulations
• Use licensed waste haulers
• Maintain required documentation
• Track waste through manifests
• Regular employee training
• Proper PPE for waste handlers

Special Chemical Hazards

Highly Toxic Materials

• Special handling procedures
• Designated work areas
• Enhanced ventilation requirements
• Specific decontamination protocols
• Medical monitoring may be required
• Detailed emergency procedures
• Restricted access

Confined Space Chemical Use

• Requires confined space permit
• Air monitoring before and during use
• Enhanced ventilation
• Rescue procedures in place
• Attendant monitoring workers
• Appropriate respiratory protection
• Limited chemical quantities

Reactive Chemicals

• Special storage requirements
• Temperature controls
• Compatibility considerations
• Limited quantities
• Specific handling tools
• Enhanced PPE
• Specialized training

Worker Training and Rights

Required Training

• Hazard Communication (HazCom) training
• Chemical-specific training
• Emergency procedures
• PPE use and limitations
• Spill response
• Waste handling
• Refresher training as needed

Worker Rights

• Right to know about chemical hazards
• Access to SDS and chemical information
• Appropriate PPE at no cost
• Training in a language you understand
• Right to refuse unsafe work
• Protection from retaliation
• Medical evaluation if exposed