c.
Corrosives burn on contact. They can damage the skin, eyes, digestive
tract, or respiratory system. The tissue damaged depends on the exposure route.
Section IV. CONTROLLING CHEMICAL HAZARDS
4-12. INTRODUCTION
Everyone who works with chemicals that can cause hazards needs to know how
the hazards are controlled. This section introduces you to engineering controls,
personal protective equipment, and administrative controls that may be required to
protect you from chemical hazards in your workplace.
4-13. ENGINEERING CONTROLS
Engineering controls include the following:
a. Substitution--replacing a chemical, process, or piece of equipment with a
less hazardous or more efficient one. Example: steam instead of a solvent cleaner.
b. Isolation--using an enclosed place, barrier, or safe distance to separate
workers from exposure hazards. Example: flammable storage room in a warehouse.
c.
General Ventilation--mixing an airborne hazard with fresh air to reduce
exposure levels (this is only suitable for hazards of low toxicity that mix readily with air).
Examples: fans and air vents.
d. Local Exhaust Ventilation--capturing an airborne hazard as it is released
and taking it out of the workplace to eliminate exposure. Examples: hoods, slots, and
dust collectors.
4-14. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
a. Personal protective equipment (PPE) puts a barrier between the hazard and
the individual who wears it. It can protect against both physical and health hazards.
Personal protective equipment includes:
(1) Protective gloves and clothing. Examples: hats, hoods, boots,
impervious gloves, cloth gloves, rubber aprons, lab coats, and impervious boots.
(2) Eye and face protection. Examples: safety glasses, splash goggles,
face masks, and shields.
(3) Air-purifying respirators. Examples: respirators with a cartridge or
MD0173
4-9