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Any chemical, in either gas, liquid or solid form, that has the potential to cause harm is referred to as a hazardous or dangerous chemical. A variety of chemicals may be stored onboard and used for cleaning or servicing the boat. For example, petrol, diesel, LPG, hydraulic oils, grease, degreasers, paints, thinners and chemicals to treat Melanosis or blackspot in prawns may all be used. In addition, certain chemicals may be generated such as fumes during welding, dust during sanding or grinding, carbon monoxide gas from a poorly vented engine exhaust or hydrogen sulphide from rotting fish. Some of these chemicals, if you are exposed to them, may be dangerous to your health. Some chemicals may also have physical chemical hazards, e.g. flammable, explosive or have additional hazards if they are mixed or stored with incompatible chemicals. Chemicals can also have an adverse effect on the environment if they are used, stored or disposed of incorrectly. Chemical ExposureChemicals can enter the body via:
What To DoIdentify what chemicals you use. Collect information about each substance and what harm it can do and how it can happen. The most important sources of information on the hazards are the chemical label and the Safety Data Sheet (SDS). Chemical manufacturers and suppliers are legally required to provide SDSs which give information on the chemicals' safety and health risks and tell how to store and use the chemical safely. Look how the work is done and consider how workers are exposed to the chemical or how a chemical may be generated. Think about how the job could be done differently to avoid exposure. Where it is not possible to eliminate or isolate the chemical hazard, you should minimize exposure to it. EMERGENCY RESPONSE RESOURCESChemical HazardsChemical substances that have the ability to create a physical or health hazard are considered hazardous. Due to their properties chemical hazardous substances may be, but are not limited to being toxic, explosive, flammable, self-reactive, oxidizing, or corrosive. Exposure to these substances by different routes including inhalation, dermal absorption, or ingestion can lead to adverse health effects, enhancing the need to know about the hazards associated to these substances beforehand. Chemical agent information is needed for emergency response and recovery workers to appropriately plan for risks resulting from possible chemical incidents. Several organizations have developed information databases, including short-term and long-term criteria, each with specific purposes, exposure scenarios, and severity of adverse health effects considered in their development. Databases offer their users the possibility to consult by name, the properties, physical descriptions, exposure routes, target organs, associated symptoms in case of exposure, personal protection recommendations, standards, and first aid for a particular chemical. This webpage offers a variety of resources containing chemical agent information open to employers and workers to consult and plan appropriately for risks of exposure to potential hazardous chemicals. The following databases provide detailed information on a variety of chemical agents associated with emergency response. Information provided includes types of agents, agent characteristics, physical and chemical properties, CAS, common names, decontamination recommendations, health effects, occupational exposure limits, symptoms of exposure, and first aid recommendations depending on the type of chemical agent. Emergency preparedness and Response databases
In case of an emergency involving chemical substances guidance is necessary to indicate emergency response and recovery workers how to proceed and protect themselves from unintended exposures. The following resources are aimed to provide information and guidance related to the safe management of chemical substances. These resources include policies such as the NIOSH Chemical carcinogen policy, chemical topic pages addressing a list of different chemicals, databases and tools providing information about specific agents and recommendations for a safe approach, risk assessment resources to estimate exposure hazards and health risks, engineering controls, research and recommendations on the use of personal protective equipment, first aid, and emergency response information for incidents involving leaks, and spills. Chemical safety guidance
Emergency response guidance
Medical management guidance
Additional ResourcesThis report describes the implications a release of vinyl chloride had in responders after a trail derailment in New Jersey. The reports mentions some health effects emergency responders experienced during the incident, some of the symptoms include headaches and upper respiratory symptoms. The report describes respiratory protection used to protect responders and the types of instruction and training they had.
The Paulsboro Responder Survey is available as a guidance resource for responders. It explains the purpose for administering the survey, what topics the survey will address, and how long the survey will take to complete. This survey was administered to emergency personnel who responded to the event in order to assess experiences from the train derailment, responder health before and after the vinyl chloride release, and details related to job training.
What is the best place to find information about the hazards associated with a compound?Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
The SDS is produced by the manufacturer of the chemical, and includes the following information: Health and physical hazards associated with the material. Physical properties, reactivity, and toxicological data.
Where is the best place to find detailed information about a hazardous chemical that is used in your work area?Safety data sheets are the source of detailed information on a particular hazardous chemical. Employers must maintain copies of SDSs for all hazardous chemicals present in their workplaces. If you do not receive an SDS from your supplier automatically, you must request one.
How would you determine if a substance is hazardous or not?If you are unsure, always check with the product's supplier. The labels of hazardous chemicals usually contain the words 'danger' or 'warning', along with relevant pictograms and details of hazards.
Why should one first read the MSDS?Employers and employees need the information contained on MSDSs to protect themselves from hazardous chemical exposures and to work safely with chemical products. The result will be a reduction in chemical source illness and injuries in the workplace.
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