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Another way to control exposure to solvents is to use them in enclosed processes that prevent vapors from escaping. For example, vapor degreasing is often done in tanks with local exhaust ventilation. Some vapor degreasing operations also use refrigeration to condense the vapor so it drips back into the solvent tank. You can avoid direct contact by using equipment like tongs, tweezers, hemostats and wire dunk buckets to handle the solvent.
When engineering controls aren't enough to keep solvent exposure at a safe level, the next line of defense is personal protective equipment (PPE) and clothing. PPE can keep you from having skin or eye contact with solvents and prevent dangerous inhalation.
The MSDS will tell you what kind of protective clothing you need to protect yourself from an individual solvent's hazards. Don't even consider casually substituting PPE made of a different material. You have to be sure you're really protected. Check the MSDS to get the specifications for the gear you'll need, which will probably include splash-proof goggles and face shields; gloves; and impervious clothes or aprons.
As Teresa Kostick, owner and manager of All Line CARSTAR in Bolingbrook, IL, told us: "As human beings, it is our responsibility to take care of each other, so just purchasing gloves for the handling of different solvents isn't enough. Making certain that they are used on a daily basis is what really matters."
Because it's particularly dangerous to inhale some solvents, you may have to wear a respirator. As you know, careful selection and fit-testing are essential if you want a respirator to give you the protection you need.
SAFETY PROCEDURES
So far, you've learned about equipment and procedures designed to reduce your potential exposure to solvents. Don't limit these precautions to big jobs or jobs that use a large quantity of solvents. Because solvents are so common, we often forget to pay the same close attention to safety and the environment on a small job or one that uses just a small amount of solvent.
It's also important to prevent indirect exposure to solvents by following these rules:
* Don't eat, drink, smoke or apply cosmetics in an area that contains solvents.
* Don't leave food or beverages, mugs or utensils in solvent work or storage areas.
* Don't wash your skin with solvents. They may do an effective cleaning job, but they can also harm your skin.
* Wash thoroughly after handling solvents.
* Don't wear contact lenses when you work with solvents; they can trap fumes.
* Remove contaminated PPE carefully to avoid spreading the solvent to your skin, street clothes or clean parts of the facility.
Another part of solvent safety is knowing what to do in an emergency. The MSDS will give you valuable advice, including what to use to put out a fire or clean up a spill. These emergencies demand prompt responses. Clean up the smallest spills yourself, if you are properly outfitted and have the right equipment. Otherwise, don't linger if there's a fire or spill. There may be invisible vapors that could cause or intensify a fire or put your health at risk. Immediately notify emergency response personnel. Alert others in the area to the danger and get out quickly so trained responders can do their job.
If you become aware of solvent vapors in an area where you don't have adequate respiratory protection, leave the area immediately. Inform others of the danger so they can get out and, if possible, close doors and vents behind you. Then report the situation to the people assigned and trained to handle it.
These situations may also demand immediate first aid for exposure. The MSDS will tell you exactly what to do for exposure to a particular solvent. But following are some general practices to keep in mind:
* For inhalation, move to fresh air immediately. Victims with significant exposure may need artificial respiration or CPR.
* In cases of eye contact, flush with lots of water for 20 minutes.
* For skin contact, wash thoroughly with soap and water for at least 15 minutes. Don't scrub.
* For swallowing, call for emergency medical assistance immediately. Then follow the instructions on the label and/or MSDS. Never, however, give fluids to an unconscious person.
First aid is a beginning, but it may not be enough. Because of the serious potential effects of solvent exposure, get medical attention as quickly as possible.
Every substance we use in the workplace requires special attention. Even the most common substances may not be risk-free. Fortunately, MSDSs give you good information on hazards, along with instructions on protective equipment and safety practices that enable you to get the benefit of these substances without causing accidents or health problems.
Solvents are also good examples of the fact that hazards can exist even when we can't see or smell them. You must take time to identify what you're working with and what precautions it requires.
Furthermore, to assist the industry in seeking alternative, less-hazardous solvents, you should review the EPA's Solvents Alternative Guide (SAGE) at http://es.epa.gov/ssds/sagedown.html. This online guide provides pollution prevention information on solvent and process alternatives for parts cleaning and degreasing.
RELATED ARTICLE: Handle with care.
If solvents aren't handled with care, some of them may do the following:
* Catch fire or burn when exposed to flame or heat.
* Contaminate water supplies.
* Create hazardous wastes that require special disposal, Sometimes the wastes are actually more hazardous than the solvent itself.
* Create health problems ranging from headaches and skin irritation to organ damage or even, on rare occasions death.
RELATED ARTICLE: Getting a helping hand on hazards.
Automotive repair shops have an ally in the continued effort to keep their shops environmentally safe and sound--the companies that insure them. These insurance companies want to be just as sure as the repair shops they insure that proper waste handling and employee protection is being observed.
According to Lori A. Sheerman, marketing manager, Universal Underwriters Group, insurance companies realize they may be named in lawsuits if their insureds are found liable for environmental pollution.
Sheerman explains that the most common environmental issues repair shops face include handling, storage and proper disposal of waste oil used oil filters, solvents, lead acid batteries, used tires, antifreeze and other hazardous materials/wastes.
When it comes to hazardous chemicals, especially solvents, Sheerman says, "They can increase the risk of employee injury through contact with the chemicals or if the chemicals are flammable. In addition, chemicals and solvents can cause pollution for which the insured may be held liable."
In order to avoid these risks, having the proper training and information regarding the dangers of solvents is essential. Sheerman explains that employees can face serious physical harm if they don't wear proper protective equipment. Long-term exposure to solvents can affect employees in numerous ways, Absorption of chemicals into the skin can lead to a sensitivity that results in occupational dermatitis. Inhalation, absorption and ingestion can all leave the body with adverse heath effects. Any of course, the threat of pollution and fire is something about which shops need to educate employees.
In addition to these physical hazards, repair shops and other businesses need to be aware of the monetary costs. Sheerman says insurance premiums can increase without proof of proper training on solvent use if losses occur. In addition, she says overexposure to organic solvents can cause a wide range of illnesses that would result in worker's compensation claims, including dermatitis, lung diseases and other systemic problems.
But repair shops and personnel can easily avoid these dangerous and, oftentimes, costly situations. Simply referring to the material safety data sheets (MSDS) for solvents and related compounds can help personnel find important information about specific chemicals. Sheerman says shops should also consider solvent substitutes. Many of the preferred substitutes are water-based chemicals that are safer for employees and more environmentally friendly. The advantages of these substitutes include reduced exposure to fire, pollution and worker's compensation claims. The most common issue of solvent disposal is improper hauling and disposal of hazardous materials. She says it's important for shops to do business with well-known, stable insured waste haulers. "The 'cradle-to-grave' theory of hazardous waste holds the original waste generator ultimately responsible for the chemicals--no matter who hauls them away from their business," Sheerman says.
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RECOMMENDED GLOVE MATERIAL FOR SOLVENTS
Solvent Glove
1,1,1-Trichloroethane Viton, (Natural rubber, Butyl rubber,
Polythene)
Acetone Butyl rubber, Polythene
Benzene PVA, Viton, (Polyurethane, Butyl/
Neoprene)
Ethanol Butyl rubber, Nitrile rubber, Neoprene,
Natural rubber, Viton
Gasoline PVA, Nitrile
Hexane Viton; Neoprene, PVA, Nitrile
Isopropanol Natural rubber, Neoprene, Nitrile
rubber, PVC
Mesitylene PVA, Viton
Methyl cellosolve Butyl rubber, PVA
Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) Butyl rubber (PVA, Viton; Polythene)
Methyl isobutyl ketone (MIK) PVA
Naphtha Polyurethane, Nitrile rubber
Toluene PVA, Viton, (Butyl rubber)
Toluene diisocyanate (TDI) PVA
Trichloroethylene Viton, (Natural rubber, Butyl rubber,
Polythene)
Turpentine PVA, Nitrile rubber
Xylene PVA, Nitrile rubber
The materials in parentheses provide only limited protection.
COPYRIGHT 2005 Advanstar Communications, Inc.
COPYRIGHT 2005 Gale Group
