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General Safety. Chemical Hazards and Fire Safety. Revised August 2012. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) Right to Know (HAZCOM).
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General Safety Chemical Hazards and Fire Safety Revised August 2012
Safety Data Sheets(SDS)Right to Know(HAZCOM) • Approximately 590,000 workers, about 1 in 4 in the North Carolina workforce are exposed to 1 or more chemical hazards. There are an estimated 575,000 chemical products in the nation and new ones being introduced annually. • Chemical exposures may cost or contribute to many serious health effects such as heart ailments, kidney and lung damage, sterility, cancer, burns and rashes. Some chemicals may also be safety hazards and have the potential to cause fires, explosions and other serious accidents.
Purpose of SDS • Chemical manufacturers and importers must develop Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for each hazardous chemical they produce or import. Employers are responsible for obtaining or developing a SDS for each hazardous chemical used, including information regarding the specific chemical identity of the hazardous chemical(s) involved and the common names. • Beyond the identity information, the SDS must provide information on the physical and chemical characteristics of the hazardous chemical, known acute and chronic health effects and related health information, exposure limits, whether the chemical is considered to be a carcinogen, precautionary measures, emergency and first aid procedures, and the identification of the organization responsible for preparing the sheet.
Where to Locate SDS • Copies of the SDS for hazardous chemicals in a given work site • are to be readily accessible to employees in that area. As a • source of detailed information on hazards, they must be located close to workers and readily available to them • during working hours. • SDS rules apply to all industrial chemicals. Consumer items are exempt. Employees can refuse to work with chemicals they do not know about. SDS Books are kept in the Custodian’s office/closet, cafeteria and science labs. • Under no circumstance should chemicals be stored under sinks or in cabinets accessible to students. • Lists of hazardous chemicals and the required Material Safety Data • Sheets utilized in the science classroom will be maintained by • the Science Supervisor. • All employees are required to report workplace hazards to their supervisor • and use Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) if required. Report unusual • odors, unknown substances, and exposure to hazardous chemicals.
Labeling In the workplace, each container must be labeled, tagged or marked with the identity of the hazardous chemicals contained within and must show the hazard warnings appropriate for employee protection. The hazard warning can be any type of message, picture or symbol which convey the hazards of the chemical(s) in the container. Labels must be legible, in English (plus other languages, if desired), and prominently displayed. Several exemptions to individual container labels are given: • Employees can post signs or placards which convey the hazard information if there are a number of stationary containers within a work area which have similar contents and hazards. • Employers are not required to label pipes or piping systems Remember:If you put something in a bottle other than what it came in, the new container must be labeled.
Fire SafetyClasses of Fires • Class A Fires: Fires that involve ordinary combustible materials such as wood, paper, cloth, rubber and different types of plastics. • Class B Fires: Fires that involved flammable liquids such as gasoline, oil, grease, tar, oil-based paints, lacquer and gases (propane, natural gas, hydrogen, etc.). • Class C Fires: Fires that involve energized electrical equipment including wiring, fuses and panel boxes, circuit breakers, machinery and appliances (microwaves, computers, projectors, televisions, etc.). • Class D Fires: Fires that involve combustible metals such as magnesium, titanium and sodium.
Fire Extinguishers The failure to use the appropriate type of extinguisher on the class of fire that it is designed for could be more hazardous than the fire itself. Using a pressurized water extinguisher to fight an electrical fire could result in the user being electrocuted and allow the fire to grow out of control, thus worsening the severity of the event.
Types of Fire Extinguishers There are three types of fire extinguishers used by Cumberland County School System. • Pressurized Water Fire Extinguishers • CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) Fire Extinguishers & • ABC Multi-Purpose / Dry Powder Fire Extinguishers
Fire Extinguishers Continued • Fire Extinguisher have limits. When properly used, a portable fire extinguisher can save lives and property by extinguishing small fires or containing small fires until the fire department arrives. Portable fire extinguishers are not designed nor intended to extinguish large or spreading fires. You must only use them under certain limited conditions.
Fire Extinguishers Continued Key Points • The operator must know how to use the fire extinguisher. During a fire emergency is not the right time to read the operating instructions. • The fire extinguisher must be readily accessible, in proper working order and fully charged. • The operator must have a clear path of escape that will not be blocked by fire. Never let the fire get between you and your path of escape. Keep your back to the door. • The fire extinguisher must match the class of fire being fought. You must know the class of fire in order to select the appropriate type of fire extinguisher. • The fire extinguisher must be large enough to extinguish the fire at hand. Most extinguishers will discharge all of their extinguishing agent in a matter of seconds. They are intended to be used on small, confined fires.
Fire Extinguishers Continued PASS • Pull the pin.This will unlock the operating lever or handle and allows you to discharge the extinguisher. • Aim the nozzle.Point the extinguisher nozzle or hose low at the base of the fire. • Squeeze the handle or lever.This will discharge the extinguishing agent. Releasing the handle will stop the discharge. • Sweep from side to side.Move carefully toward the fire. Keep the extinguisher aimed at the base of the fire and sweep back and forth until the flames appear to go out.
Fire Violations • No piggy backing of surge protectors. There is a $200.00 fine from the Fire Marshal for each violation. • Extension cords are for temporary use only and prohibited for permanent use. Small brown or white colored home use drop cords are not allowed. • Space heaters are prohibited.
Fire Violations Cont. • Hot plates are prohibited in the classroom. (Except Science Labs) • Coffee pots and microwaves are allowed, but must be plugged directly into a wall outlet. Coffee pots and microwaves require prior approval from your immediate Supervisor. Always use caution when using such items around students.
Fire Violations Decorations • Artwork and teaching material must be limited to 20% on all hall corridors and classroom walls. • No decorations allowed on classroom doors at all. (Decorations can be placed on the wall next to the door) • Combustible materials cannot be stored within 2ft. from the ceiling (decorations and educational materials). • All electrical decorative lighting is prohibited (Christmas Lights etc.). • Curtains, draperies, furniture and other decorative materials suspended from walls or ceilings must be flame resistant or treated with a flame retardant. ( a record must be kept documenting the retardant chemical used, who applied the chemical and when it was applied)
Fire Drills • It is the responsibility of the principal to conduct a fire drill during the first week of school and at least once a month in every building where children are assembled. This is required by North Carolina School Law 115C-288(d).
Fire Drills Continued • Fire drills shall include all pupils and school employees, and the use of various ways of egress, to simulate evacuation of said buildings under various conditions.Doorways and escape routes cannot be blocked by any items. (It is always good practice to evacuate the building by the secondary route in case the primary route should ever be blocked by fire) • Fire drills must be carefully planned and directions clearly understood by the children and staff. • Speed is important, but of greater importance is the quiet, orderly exit and return.
Emergency Exit and Evacuation Plans • All exit ways and exit doors must be unlocked, unblocked, and unobstructed. Emergency exits must be identified by an illuminated sign. • Emergency Evacuation Plans must be posted in every classroom, office, cafeteria etc., on the wall by every door on hardware (knob, handle) side.
General Fire Safety Rules • If your clothes catch fire, stop, drop and roll wherever you are. • If you discover or suspect a fire, sound the alarm. • Storage of chairs, desks, books and other items is prohibited in all exit ways. Keep exits clear. • Feel the door before opening it. If it’s hot, leave it closed and seal cracks and vents to keep the smoke out. View Video: Safety Orientation for Schools