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:
Author’s Note: Article previously published here.
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Rathi Niyogi is the CEO of CriticalTool, a national distributor of Safety Equipment, 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
Read more articles written by Rathi Niyogi
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