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Article Title:
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Working Safely With Solvents

Article Description:
====================

Solvents are commonly found in many workplaces. They are used so
often that workers forget that they can be very dangerous when
not handled appropriate. Loosely defined, a solvent is a
substance, usually a liquid, that is used to dissolve another
substance. Solvents can pose a number of health risks as a result
of skin contact with the solvents or from inhalation of vapors
from the solvent. Also, improperly handled or stored solvents can
present risks of fire and explosion.


Additional Article Information:
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670 Words; formatted to 65 Characters per Line
Distribution Date and Time: 2009-06-04 11:12:00

Written By: Rathi Niyogi
Copyright: 2009
Contact Email: mailto:rathi.niyogi@...



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Working Safely With Solvents
Copyright (c) 2009 Rathi Niyogi
CriticalTool, Inc.
http://www.criticaltool.com/



Solvents are commonly found in many workplaces. They are used so
often that workers forget that they can be very dangerous when
not handled appropriate.

Loosely defined, a solvent is a substance, usually a liquid, that
is used to dissolve another substance. Solvents can pose a number
of health risks as a result of skin contact with the solvents or
from inhalation of vapors from the solvent. Also, improperly
handled or stored solvents can present risks of fire and
explosion.

Health Effects

One of the most common health hazards associated with exposure to
solvents is dermatitis. Contact dermatitis can develop from a
single exposure or from multiple exposures. It can leave the skin
susceptible to a short-term infection or to a chronic condition.
Exposure can also result in sensitization to the solvent, which
is a delayed allergic reaction that often becomes more severe
with subsequent exposures (for this reason, it is important that
workers wear the appropriate protective equipment, such as
chemical protective gloves, each and every time they handle
solvents). In order to prevent dermatitis, workers handling
solvents need to wear chemical protective gloves such as neoprene
gloves or nitrile gloves (remember to always check glove
manufacturer information to verify chemical compatibility for
chemical protective gloves). Also, if there is a risk of splash,
coveralls or an apron and eye protection, such as goggles or
safety glasses with face shields, should be used.

Solvents can also present respiratory hazards as the result of
the inhalation of vapors. Depending on the type and concentration
of the solvent, exposure effects can range from mild respiratory
irritation to severe damage to body organs and systems. In
extreme cases, overexposure to solvent vapors can cause
respiratory failure and death. In order to prevent injury
resulting from solvents, respiratory protection should be worn.
To determine the correct respiratory protection (generally,
air-purifying respirators with the appropriate cartridges will be
required), check the material safety data sheet (MSDS) for the
solvent. As with dermatitis, because of the possibility of
sensitization with some solvents, appropriate respiratory
protection should be worn each and every time a worker is exposed
to actionable respiratory levels of solvents. (Note: Prior to
requiring respiratory protection when using solvents, make sure
that you have instituted an appropriate respiratory protection
program, including fit testing, medical evaluation, and training
in the use of the types of respirator that will be used by the
worker.)

Handling And Storage

Because solvents are often petroleum- or alcohol-based, they can
pose a risk of fire and explosion. For this reason, it is
important to ensure that solvents are stored and handled
properly, including:

* Read the labels and the material safety data sheets of the
solvents. They list the hazards, health effects, and safe
handling procedures as well as information on the flashpoint and
boiling point of the solvent (which help to determine the risks
for fire and explosion).

* Take care when pouring solvents from one container to another
since fire or explosions can occur from static electricity
buildup. Utilize safety cans that incorporate grounding and spill
prevention features to help reduce the potential for accidents.

* Clean up solvent spills promptly and thoroughly.

* Prohibit welding, cutting, soldering, and other sources of
ignition in areas where solvents are used.

* Store flammable solvents in well-ventilated areas constructed
of fire-resistant materials. For smaller quantities of solvents,
flammables cabinets are a good storage options (and in many
instances are required by local or state building codes).
Properly constructed flammable storage cabinets help to prevent
solvent spills and, when properly vented, build up of dangerous
vapors.

* Ground and bond all tanks and equipment used for solvent
storage.

* Install fire extinguishers in both work and storage areas. For
most solvents, ABC fire extinguishers or B fire extinguishers
should be available. Water-only fire extinguishers are not
appropriate for use on solvent-related fires as they may spread
the fire. (And remember that all workers who are expected to
utilize a fire extinguisher in the event of a fire must receive
appropriate instruction in the use of fire extinguisher!)






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Rathi Niyogi is the CEO of CriticalTool, a national distributor
of Safety Equipment (http://www.criticaltool.com/), such as
chemical protective gloves, goggles, face shields, respiratory
protection, safety cans, flammables cabinets, and fire
extinguishers. If you thought this article was helpful,
additional information on storing flammables can be found at
http://www.criticaltool.com/storing-flammable-liquids.html


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