Working Safely With Solvents

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Article Title:

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Working Safely With Solvents

Article Description:

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Solvents are commonly found in many workplaces. They are used so

often that workers forget that they can be very dangerous when

not handled appropriate. Loosely defined, a solvent is a

substance, usually a liquid, that is used to dissolve another

substance. Solvents can pose a number of health risks as a result

of skin contact with the solvents or from inhalation of vapors

from the solvent. Also, improperly handled or stored solvents can

present risks of fire and explosion.

Additional Article Information:

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670 Words; formatted to 65 Characters per Line

Distribution Date and Time: 2009-06-04 11:12:00

Written By: Rathi Niyogi

Copyright: 2009

Contact Email: mailto:rathi.niyogi@...

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Working Safely With Solvents

Copyright © 2009 Rathi Niyogi

CriticalTool, Inc.

http://www.criticaltool.com/

Solvents are commonly found in many workplaces. They are used so

often that workers forget that they can be very dangerous when

not handled appropriate.

Loosely defined, a solvent is a substance, usually a liquid, that

is used to dissolve another substance. Solvents can pose a number

of health risks as a result of skin contact with the solvents or

from inhalation of vapors from the solvent. Also, improperly

handled or stored solvents can present risks of fire and

explosion.

Health Effects

One of the most common health hazards associated with exposure to

solvents is dermatitis. Contact dermatitis can develop from a

single exposure or from multiple exposures. It can leave the skin

susceptible to a short-term infection or to a chronic condition.

Exposure can also result in sensitization to the solvent, which

is a delayed allergic reaction that often becomes more severe

with subsequent exposures (for this reason, it is important that

workers wear the appropriate protective equipment, such as

chemical protective gloves, each and every time they handle

solvents). In order to prevent dermatitis, workers handling

solvents need to wear chemical protective gloves such as neoprene

gloves or nitrile gloves (remember to always check glove

manufacturer information to verify chemical compatibility for

chemical protective gloves). Also, if there is a risk of splash,

coveralls or an apron and eye protection, such as goggles or

safety glasses with face shields, should be used.

Solvents can also present respiratory hazards as the result of

the inhalation of vapors. Depending on the type and concentration

of the solvent, exposure effects can range from mild respiratory

irritation to severe damage to body organs and systems. In

extreme cases, overexposure to solvent vapors can cause

respiratory failure and death. In order to prevent injury

resulting from solvents, respiratory protection should be worn.

To determine the correct respiratory protection (generally,

air-purifying respirators with the appropriate cartridges will be

required), check the material safety data sheet (MSDS) for the

solvent. As with dermatitis, because of the possibility of

sensitization with some solvents, appropriate respiratory

protection should be worn each and every time a worker is exposed

to actionable respiratory levels of solvents. (Note: Prior to

requiring respiratory protection when using solvents, make sure

that you have instituted an appropriate respiratory protection

program, including fit testing, medical evaluation, and training

in the use of the types of respirator that will be used by the

worker.)

Handling And Storage

Because solvents are often petroleum- or alcohol-based, they can

pose a risk of fire and explosion. For this reason, it is

important to ensure that solvents are stored and handled

properly, including:

* Read the labels and the material safety data sheets of the

solvents. They list the hazards, health effects, and safe

handling procedures as well as information on the flashpoint and

boiling point of the solvent (which help to determine the risks

for fire and explosion).

* Take care when pouring solvents from one container to another

since fire or explosions can occur from static electricity

buildup. Utilize safety cans that incorporate grounding and spill

prevention features to help reduce the potential for accidents.

* Clean up solvent spills promptly and thoroughly.

* Prohibit welding, cutting, soldering, and other sources of

ignition in areas where solvents are used.

* Store flammable solvents in well-ventilated areas constructed

of fire-resistant materials. For smaller quantities of solvents,

flammables cabinets are a good storage options (and in many

instances are required by local or state building codes).

Properly constructed flammable storage cabinets help to prevent

solvent spills and, when properly vented, build up of dangerous

vapors.

* Ground and bond all tanks and equipment used for solvent

storage.

* Install fire extinguishers in both work and storage areas. For

most solvents, ABC fire extinguishers or B fire extinguishers

should be available. Water-only fire extinguishers are not

appropriate for use on solvent-related fires as they may spread

the fire. (And remember that all workers who are expected to

utilize a fire extinguisher in the event of a fire must receive

appropriate instruction in the use of fire extinguisher!)

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Rathi Niyogi is the CEO of CriticalTool, a national distributor

of Safety Equipment (http://www.criticaltool.com/), such as

chemical protective gloves, goggles, face shields, respiratory

protection, safety cans, flammables cabinets, and fire

extinguishers. If you thought this article was helpful,

additional information on storing flammables can be found at

http://www.criticaltool.com/storing-flammable-liquids.html