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Hazardous SubstancesHazardous Substances
Toolbox Talk
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Hazardous SubstancesHazardous Substances
 What substances are hazardous and why?
 Intrinsically hazardous e.g. Cyanide
 Hazardous in certain situations, such as
Place e.g. solvents in unventilated areas
Temperature e.g. flammable liquids
 Cause an unsafe situation
e.g. Spilt oil is very slippery
 Almost ALL substances have some
potential to be hazardous!
e.g. Nitrogen causes ‘the bends’ in divers

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Intrinsically Hazardous SubstancesIntrinsically Hazardous Substances
 COSHH
(Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations)
 Defines a list of substances
which is published annually
 Regulations specify the exact symbols
and words required on the container
 Warning Symbols
 Risk Phrases (R..)
 Safety Phrases (S..)

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Warning SymbolsWarning Symbols
If inhaled, ingested or penetrates the skin:
 Toxic
 May cause serious illness or death
 Corrosive
 May damage or destroy living tissue
(the effect may be delayed)

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Warning SymbolsWarning Symbols
 Harmful
 May cause some health problems
 Irritant
 May cause inflammation

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Warning SymbolsWarning Symbols
 Explosive
 Highly or Extremely Flammable
 Has a flash point (i.e. easily ignited)
at room temperature or below

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Warning SymbolsWarning Symbols
 Oxidizing
 Supports the combustion of other
substances by generating oxygen
 Harmful to the environment
 May cause damage to
aquatic life or plants

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Risk Phrase ExamplesRisk Phrase Examples
 R14: Reacts violently with water
 R22: Harmful if swallowed
 R36/37/38: Irritating to eyes,respiratory
system and skin
 R42/43: may cause sensitisation by
inhalation and skin contact

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Safety Phrase ExamplesSafety Phrase Examples
 S51: Use only in well-ventilated areas
 The area that matters is that immediately around your head
- the vapour that you breathe in.
 S2: Keep out of reach of children
 S20: When using, do not eat or drink
 S24: Avoid contact with skin
 S37/39: Wear suitable gloves and eye/face
protection

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4 Mandatory Rules4 Mandatory Rules
1. Read the label and instructions
2. Do EXACTLYEXACTLY what they say
 Proper use
 Ventilation
 No flames, smoking or sources of ignition
 Wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment
 e.g. Eye protection, Correct gloves, Apron etc.
 Handling and storage
 Spill control
 Emergency precautions and procedures

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4 Mandatory Rules4 Mandatory Rules
3. Ensure the right conditions
 No distractions
 No interruptions
 No passers by
 CONCENTRATE!
3.3. Dispose of waste correctlyDispose of waste correctly

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3 more points3 more points
 Never transfer a hazardous substance to
another container unless it is designed and
labelled correctly.
 Keep containers tightly closed
 It is the invisible vapour from a solvent or
other petroleum-based product which is
even more dangerous than the liquid.
 It is heavier than air and may be ignited by a spark or flame
some distance from the liquid.
 It may build up to dangerous concentrations where there is
little airflow.

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3 more points3 more points
 Changing a gas cylinder (inc BBQ etc)
 A small leak can produce a large volume of gas, which can
cause an explosion or a fierce fire
 Change or connect the cylinder to an appliance in the open
air
 Never have a naked flame near an gas cylinder which is
being changed
 Check hoses regularly
 Store spare cylinders outside, but not below ground level
 Lock cylinders away from children

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P.A.U.S.E.P.A.U.S.E.
P.A.U.S.E.
for thought
 PPlan each task
 AAnalyse what might happen
 UUnexpected - be prepared
 SSlipping, tripping & sprains
 EEntanglement
P.A.U.S.E. for thought ... think safety
A millisecond makes all the
difference

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To concludeTo conclude
 Please think about what you have seen in
this presentation.
 Injuries hurt. Pain isn’t pleasant.
 Safety = 100%
concentration
100%
of the time
 You have choices about your life.