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The following
is from the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory website and
illustrates problems resulting from not labeling containers. It
shows the problem and provides a solution that is applicable to
all facilities and industries.
Facility Manager's Information Center
Incomplete Reaction and Labeling Problems
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A Laboratory
employee was sprayed with an acid/oil mixture when a bulging container
on a workbench burst as he approached. Fortunately, the employee
was wearing protective clothing including a lab-coat and safety
glasses, and the only skin exposure included a small amount of
acid on part of his face and scalp. There were 12 restricted workdays
due to the injury.
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What Was
Learned?
This incident demonstrates the necessity to evaluate processes
for hazards resulting from abnormal termination of a chemical
reaction. Two employees abnormally terminated an acid digestion
prior to reaction completion, and placed the mixture into a capped
500-ml plastic bottle that was used to collect waste, without
fully evaluating the potential hazards. (ISM Function 2--Analyze
the Hazards)
The 500-ml
bottle was not properly labeled as containing hazardous waste,
nor was it suitable for this mixture. The container was placed
on the workbench and left overnight, where the reaction between
the acid and hydrocarbon oil continued. By morning, enough gaseous
reaction products had accumulated in the plastic bottle to cause
it to burst. (ISM Function 3--Implement Controls)
Evaluation
of the personnel protective equipment revealed that the protective
eyewear (prescription safety glasses without side shields installed)
in use was not the best protection available for this type of
operation. Indirectly vented goggles would have provided a more
appropriate level of protection. (ISM Function 3--Implement Controls)
The exposed
employee and others nearby did not use the lab safety shower,
nor did they call 911. The delay in removing the corrosive material
from the employee¹s skin resulted in chemical burns and 12
restricted workdays. (ISM Function 3--Implement Controls)
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Recommended
Action
1. Before deviating from normal procedures, be sure to analyze
the potential hazards and ensure that appropriate controls are
implemented.
2. Do not
dispose of mixtures that have been intentionally prepared for
a chemical reaction until it is known that the components have
reacted fully.
3. Select
proper waste containers and clearly label them so that subsequent
users will be alerted to the hazards associated with the contents.
4. Carefully
evaluate all operations to identify the best personal protective
equipment.
5. In the
event of an exposure to a hazardous material, use any available
safety shower or eyewash, and alert the LLNL emergency services
system by calling 911.
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