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1. The information contained in this Facilitator’s guide is distributed and sold as a guide and for informational purposes only. Safetycare makes no representation or warranty as to the compliance of this program with any and all applicable laws of the purchaser's jurisdiction. 2. Safetycare's liability for any damages to the purchaser or to any other party shall not exceed the amount paid by the purchaser for the guide. In no event shall Safetycare be responsible for any indirect or consequential damages or loss of profits, even if Safetycare has been advised of the possibility of such damage. Some provinces/states do not allow the limitations or exclusion of liability for incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations or exclusions may not apply to the purchaser. 3. This Facilitator’s Guide is supplied as part of a subscription service. This guide is only to be used during a valid subscription period. Where a subscription is not valid, this guide may not be used.

Facilitator’s Guide HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES THE FUNDAMENTALS  Copyright - All Rights Reserved

FACILITATOR’S GUIDE

Hazardous Substances – The Fundamentals

CONTENTS

Introduction to the Facilitator’s Guide

3

Introduction to the Video Program; Hazardous Substances – The Fundamentals

4

Transcript of Video Program

5-8

Part 1 - Hazardous Substances; An Overview

9

Part 2 - How can we be harmed?

10

Part 3 - The common problems

11

Part 4 - Minimising potential exposures

12

Part 5 - The role of the organisation

13

Part 6 - The role of the individual

14

Assessment

15

Answers

18

2

INTRODUCTION TO THE FACILITATOR’S GUIDE Hazardous Substances – The Fundamentals The aim of this Facilitator’s Guide, when used in conjunction with the Video program, is to provide the facilitator with discussion points important to the overall development of the program and to allow participants the opportunity of discussing the impact the program may have on current work practices and whether in fact changes may be required. The time allocated to the program will be determined by which areas are seen as important to each Organisation, the time taken to develop the points made in the program and whether other data specific to your own environment is included in addition to, or instead of, the program examples. EACH FACILITATOR SHOULD CAREFULLY READ THE GUIDE DISCUSSION NOTES SUGGESTED AND PREPARE THEIR OWN INPUT ACCORDINGLY. The program transcript is included to allow your Organisation to fully research the program content and develop specific examples critical to the performance of your own workforce. Where the Video program is made available to small or remote sections of your Organisation, some other examples or discussion points may be preferred to suit the needs of these people and if so, should be developed prior to distribution of the program. Maximum benefit will then be obtained by your people. All information included in the Facilitator’s Guide may be copied and distributed with the exception of the transcript of the Video program. Any information which is copied or distributed must only be used internally by the Organisation which purchased the guide.

SCREEN SHOT FROM THE VIDEO PROGRAM

3

INTRODUCTION TO THE VIDEO PROGRAM Duration: 10 mins There are literally thousands of different substances used in the workplace. Cleaners, adhesives, paints, solvents, pesticides, inks, lubricants and fuels are just some examples. And of course, they come in different forms: powders, granules, solids, liquids and gases.

This program covers: 

An Introduction to Hazardous Substances



How we can be harmed by Hazardous Substances



The common problems



Minimising potential exposures



The role of the organisation



The role of the individual

The objective of this program is to highlight the major hazard areas associated with the use of hazardous substances and by so doing, increase awareness of the standards for worker responsibility in observing and being active in daily safety procedures.

4

TRANSCRIPT OF THE VIDEO PROGRAM Hazardous Substances – The Fundamentals © Copyright Safetycare. All rights reserved There are literally thousands of different substances used in the workplace. Cleaners, adhesives, paints, solvents, pesticides, inks, lubricants and fuels are just some examples. And, of course, they come in different forms: powders, granules, solids, liquids and gases. On top of this there are other substances that are generated during normal workplace activities, including chemical by-products, vapours and dusts: A common example being fumes from welding. Of all these thousands of substances:    

Some have been identified as safe, and when used or encountered under normal circumstances pose no threat to human health Some were previously seen as safe but now have been identified as being potentially harmful, a well known example being asbestos. Some have been classified as hazardous to human health and pose a real threat if not used or handled correctly, and Some have not yet been adequately studied to determine whether or not they pose a threat.

So, the questions are obvious:   

How can these substances actually harm us? What are the common problems associated with hazardous substances? And, what should be done to minimise potential exposures to hazardous substances?

How can we be harmed? The starting point in dealing with hazardous substances is to understand in what circumstances they can cause you harm. Generally a hazardous substance will not cause you any harm unless you have direct contact with it, and only then when it is in a form where it can either enter your body or affect your skin or face. In the workplace the majority of hazardous substance exposures occur when people breathe in contaminated air. Direct contact is also common, particularly with the hands and, usually resulting from poor hygiene practices, ingestion of small amounts of hazardous substances can occur.

5

Sharps injuries are the other way people can be directly exposed to hazardous substances.

The Common Problems There are a number of common problems that can occur when hazardous substances are used in the workplace. The most disturbing one is simply people being unaware that they are using a substance that could cause them harm. The obvious problem is people not following safe work practices or procedures and ignoring or accepting the dangers associated with the use of hazardous substances without worrying about taking proper precautions. Another problem exists when established safe work procedures, often procedures that have been in place over an extended time, are not adequate to fully protect people from exposures. Just because a task has “always been done that way” does not necessarily mean that proper protection is guaranteed. Very often hazardous substances are distributed or used in secondary containers. Failure to adequately label these containers is another common cause of unwanted exposures. The other real concern is being in the vicinity of activities that are producing hazardous air contaminants without being adequately protected.

Minimizing Potential Exposures Clearly the first step in dealing with hazardous substances is to inform users, both individuals and organisations, of the potential dangers. And this is done in part by the use of labels, material safety data sheets, signs and symbols. In many countries there are regulations that require suppliers of hazardous substances to adequately label their products with warnings of the dangers and what steps should be taken if an inappropriate exposure occurs. Likewise, when supplying specific hazardous substances it is a requirement to include a material safety data sheet when first delivered. The material safety data sheet, also referred to as a safety data sheet, can be a relatively short document that is easy to read and understand but in many cases it is a multi-page document that is frequently in sixteen sections and includes scientific and technical data that can be quite complex. The Material Safety Data Sheet is however an important source of information for the safe handling, use and transportation of hazardous substances.

6

The use of signs is a common and often regulated way to communicate potential hazards in the workplace including the presence of hazardous substances. And, universally recognised symbols, such as the “skull and cross bones”, and the “corrosive liquid” symbol are very useful to convey a message of potential danger. But, even with all this information the safe handling and use of hazardous substances requires a joint commitment from both the organisation and individuals to ensure a safe working environment.

The Role of the Organisation The organisation should ensure that everyone is fully informed and properly trained if they are likely to be exposed to any hazardous substances. And it should put in place all necessary control measures to eliminate, reduce or adequately control all potential exposures to an acceptable level of risk. These measures can include:  out-sourcing hazardous work tasks  replacing a hazardous substance for one that is less dangerous or less concentrated.  physically improving the work environment with the use of such things as local exhaust systems, fume cupboards and ventilation systems  moving hazardous operations to remote or isolated locations  having hazardous tasks performed when few people are present, and  making available appropriate items of personal protective equipment Importantly, the organisation must ensure that safe work practices and procedures have been put in place to deal with any hazardous substance use.

The Role of the Individual Individuals should be pro-active with all safety issues and particularly so with the handling and use of hazardous substances. Established safe work practices and procedures must be followed. Everyone should be aware of the potentially harmful effects of any substances they are exposed to and seek information and guidance if they have any concerns regarding any potential exposures. Read the labels, study the material safety data sheets and whenever necessary obtain expert advice. The use of personal protective equipment is often an important element in dealing with hazardous substances.

7

Personal Protective Equipment is used for two distinct reasons. It can be an essential part of controlling the potential exposure to a hazardous substance and be a crucial part of the safe work procedure …. Or, it can be used as an added safeguard and offer further protection in case of an accident. However, regardless of the reason, personal protective equipment, such as respirators, face shields, aprons, and gloves must be worn whenever it is specified by either the manufacturer or is part of a safe work practice or procedure.

Hazardous substances are obviously potentially dangerous but if managed properly and used, handled and transported correctly they can be safe.

8

PART ONE

HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES; AN OVERVIEW There are literally thousands of different substances used in the workplace.

Cleaners Paints Pesticides Lubricants

Adhesives Solvents Inks Fuels

And, of course, they come in different forms: powders, granules, solids, liquids and gases. On top of this there are other substances that are generated during normal workplace activities, including chemical by-products, vapours and dusts: A common example being fumes from welding. Of all these thousands of substances:    

Some have been identified as safe, and when used or encountered under normal circumstances pose no threat to human health Some were previously seen as safe but now have been identified as being potentially harmful, a well known example being asbestos. Some have been classified as hazardous to human health and pose a real threat if not used or handled correctly, and Some have not yet been adequately studied to determine whether or not they pose a threat.

DISCUSSION

Discuss the following question with participants. 1. What are some hazardous substances used in your workplace?

9

PART TWO

HOW CAN WE BE HARMED? The starting point in dealing with hazardous substances is to understand in what circumstances they can cause you harm. Generally a hazardous substance will not cause you any harm unless you have direct contact with it, and only then when it is in a form where it can either enter your body or affect your skin or face. In the workplace the majority of hazardous substance exposures occur when people breathe in contaminated air. Direct contact is also common, particularly with the hands and, usually resulting from poor hygiene practices, ingestion of small amounts of hazardous substances can occur. Sharps injuries are the other way people can be directly exposed to hazardous substances.

DISCUSSION

Discuss the following question with participants. 1. Given the hazardous substances in your workplace, what would be the most common potential route of entry into the body?

10

PART THREE

THE COMMON PROBLEMS There are a number of common problems that can occur when hazardous substances are used in the workplace. The most disturbing one is simply people being unaware that they are using a substance that could cause them harm. The obvious problem is people not following safe work practices or procedures and ignoring or accepting the dangers associated with the use of hazardous substances without worrying about taking proper precautions. Another problem exists when established safe work procedures, often procedures that have been in place over an extended time, are not adequate to fully protect people from exposures. Just because a task has “always been done that way” does not necessarily mean that proper protection is guaranteed. Very often hazardous substances are distributed or used in secondary containers. Failure to adequately label these containers is another common cause of unwanted exposures. The other real concern is being in the vicinity of activities that are producing hazardous air contaminants without being adequately protected.

DISCUSSION

Discuss the following question with participants. 1. Are there any hazardous substances used in your workplace that are distributed in secondary containers?

11

PART FOUR

MINIMISING POTENTIAL EXPOSURES Clearly the first step in dealing with hazardous substances is to inform users, both individuals and organisations, of the potential dangers. And this is done in part by the use of labels, material safety data sheets, signs and symbols. In many countries there are regulations that require suppliers of hazardous substances to adequately label their products with warnings of the dangers and what steps should be taken if an inappropriate exposure occurs. Likewise, when supplying specific hazardous substances it is a requirement to include a material safety data sheet when first delivered. The material safety data sheet, also referred to as a safety data sheet, can be a relatively short document that is easy to read and understand but in many cases it is a multi-page document that is frequently in sixteen sections and includes scientific and technical data that can be quite complex. The Material Safety Data Sheet is however an important source of information for the safe handling, use and transportation of hazardous substances. The use of signs is a common and often regulated way to communicate potential hazards in the workplace including the presence of hazardous substances. And, universally recognised symbols, such as the “skull and cross bones”, and the “corrosive liquid” symbol are very useful to convey a message of potential danger. But, even with all this information the safe handling and use of hazardous substances requires a joint commitment from both the organisation and individuals to ensure a safe working environment.

DISCUSSION

Discuss the following question with participants. 1. Where are the Material Safety Data Sheets located in your workplace?

12

PART FIVE

THE ROLE OF THE ORGANISATION The organisation should ensure that everyone is fully informed and properly trained if they are likely to be exposed to any hazardous substances. And it should put in place all necessary control measures to eliminate, reduce or adequately control all potential exposures to an acceptable level of risk. These measures can include:      

out-sourcing hazardous work tasks replacing a hazardous substance for one that is less dangerous or less concentrated. physically improving the work environment with the use of such things as local exhaust systems, fume cupboards and ventilation systems moving hazardous operations to remote or isolated locations having hazardous tasks performed when few people are present, and making available appropriate items of personal protective equipment

Importantly, the organisation must ensure that safe work practices and procedures have been put in place to deal with any hazardous substance use.

DISCUSSION

Discuss the following with participants. 1. Talk about some of the control measures that are in place in your workplace to deal with the use hazardous substances.

13

PART SIX

THE ROLE OF THE INDIVIDUAL Individuals should be pro-active with all safety issues and particularly so with the handling and use of hazardous substances. Established safe work practices and procedures must be followed. Everyone should be aware of the potentially harmful effects of any substances they are exposed to and seek information and guidance if they have any concerns regarding any potential exposures. Read the labels, study the material safety data sheets and whenever necessary obtain expert advice. The use of personal protective equipment is often an important element in dealing with hazardous substances. Personal Protective Equipment is used for two distinct reasons. It can be an essential part of controlling the potential exposure to a hazardous substance and be a crucial part of the safe work procedure …. Or, it can be used as an added safeguard and offer further protection in case of an accident. However, regardless of the reason, personal protective equipment, such as respirators, face shields, aprons, and gloves must be worn whenever it is specified by either the manufacturer or is part of a safe work practice or procedure.

DISCUSSION

Discuss the following questions with participants. 1. Who would you speak to within your organisation to get a better understanding of Material Safety Data Sheets? 2. What personal protective equipment is available in your workplace and protection will it offer?

14

HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES – THE FUNDAMENTALS ASSESSMENT Name: …………………………………………… Date: ……………………………………………. I.D. (if applicable): …………………………………

Score

1. The first thing we should all understand about chemicals is that there is no such thing as a_________________ chemical. a) b) c) d)

Harmless Harmful Purple Synthetic

2. Which of these is not a way a chemical can enter the body? a) b) c) d)

Ingestion Being in the vicinity of chemicals Inhalation Through the body

3. What does this symbol represent?

a) b) c) d)

Electrical Hazard Corrosive Water based Hand Hazard 15

4. What does this symbol represent?

a) b) c) d)

An old Chemical Fire Hazard Chemicals here Toxic or Poison

5. Is it ever acceptable to not wear the required PPE designated for a job or task? a) b) c) d)

Yes Yes, if the PPE hinders the efficiency of the job No Yes, if the PPE in uncomfortable

6. What is the name of the document that is an important source of information for the safe handling, use and transportation of hazardous substances? a) b) c) d)

Safety data sheet Class label Hot work permit First aid kit

7. A chemical can be a solid, liquid or _____________ a) b) c) d)

Water Fume Hazardous Gas

.

16

8. A chemical absorbed into the body may cause acute or _______________ poisoning. a) b) c) d)

Chronic Anti Reverse None of the above

9. What forms can hazardous substances come in? a) b) c) d)

Liquids Powders Granules All of the above

10. _______________ of a hazardous process by either enclosing the activity, or the operator is often used and effective control measure. a) b) c) d)

Dilution Removal Isolation Outsourcing

17

ANSWERS TO ASSESSMENT

1. A) Harmless 2. B) Being in the vicinity of chemicals 3. B) Corrosive 4. D) Toxic or Poison 5. C) No 6. A) Safety data sheet 7. D) Gas 8. A) Chronic 9. D) All of the above 10. C) Isolation

18