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Behavior

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Published by SALUS

Toolbox Talk: Safe Chemical Handling: Understanding Chemical Behavior

Date: [DATE] Duration: [DURATION] minutes Presenter: [PRESENTER NAME] Location: [LOCATION]

Objective

To educate workers on the importance of understanding chemical behavior, including reactivity, stability, and incompatibility, to prevent incidents and ensure safe handling practices.

Introduction

Understanding how chemicals behave is crucial for workplace safety. Chemicals can react unexpectedly, leading to fires, explosions, or toxic releases. Knowing the properties and potential hazards of each chemical allows us to handle them safely and prevent accidents. This toolbox talk will cover key aspects of chemical behavior and safe handling procedures.

Key Points

Reactivity: Chemicals can react with each other or with environmental factors, leading to hazardous situations. Understanding reactivity helps in proper storage and handling [1].
Stability: A chemical's stability refers to its ability to remain in its original state without undergoing unwanted changes. Unstable chemicals can decompose or polymerize, creating hazards [1].
Incompatibility: Certain chemicals should not be stored or used together due to the risk of dangerous reactions. Knowing incompatible materials is essential for safe storage and handling [2].
Exposure Limits: Understanding and adhering to exposure limits is crucial for protecting workers from the harmful effects of chemicals [3].
Proper Ventilation: Adequate ventilation is essential to minimize exposure to airborne contaminants [4].

Hazard Identification

Unexpected Reactions: Mixing incompatible chemicals can result in violent reactions, explosions, or the release of toxic gases [2].
Unstable Chemicals: Unstable chemicals can decompose, polymerize, or explode if not stored correctly, leading to potential injuries and property damage [1].
Exposure Hazards: Inhalation, skin contact, or ingestion of chemicals can cause various health issues, ranging from mild irritation to severe poisoning and long-term health effects [5].

Presenter Note: Encourage participants to share any additional hazards they've encountered.

Control Measures

Elimination: If possible, eliminate the use of hazardous chemicals by substituting them with safer alternatives.
Substitution: Replace highly reactive or unstable chemicals with less hazardous options [2].
Engineering Controls: Use chemical fume hoods and ventilation systems to minimize exposure to hazardous vapors and dust [6].
Administrative Controls: Implement strict procedures for chemical handling, storage, and disposal. Provide comprehensive training on chemical safety [4].

Safe Work Procedures

Always read and understand the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before handling any chemical.
Ensure proper ventilation when working with chemicals [4].
Wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including gloves, eye protection, and respiratory protection [7].
Store chemicals in designated areas, ensuring compatibility and proper labeling [2].
Never mix chemicals unless explicitly instructed to do so by a qualified professional.

Presenter Note: If possible, demonstrate the safe work procedure or use visual aids.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements

Eye Protection: Wear safety goggles or face shields to protect against splashes, mists, and dust [4].
Hand Protection: Use chemical-resistant gloves to prevent skin contact with hazardous substances [7].
Respiratory Protection: Use a NIOSH-approved respirator in areas with high concentrations of airborne contaminants [8].

Real-World Example or Case Study

[Provide a detailed description of a relevant real-world scenario or case study]

[Discuss what went wrong or right, and the lessons learned]

Presenter Note: Ask participants if they can relate this example to their own experiences.

Group Discussion

Discuss the following questions:

What are some common chemicals we use in our workplace, and what are their potential hazards?
How can we improve our chemical storage practices to prevent incompatible chemicals from mixing?
What steps should we take if we accidentally spill a chemical?

Presenter Note: Encourage active participation and facilitate the discussion.

Emergency Procedures

In case of a chemical spill, evacuate the area immediately.
Notify your supervisor and the safety team.
Use appropriate spill control measures, such as absorbent materials, to contain the spill.
Seek medical attention if you have been exposed to a hazardous chemical.

Questions and Answers

[Encourage participants to ask questions]

[Provide answers to common questions related to the topic]

Q: What should I do if I accidentally mix two chemicals and notice a reaction?

A: Immediately evacuate the area and notify your supervisor and the safety team.

Q: How often should I check the chemical compatibility chart?

A: Check the chart regularly, especially when introducing new chemicals to the workplace.

Q: Where can I find the SDS for a specific chemical?

A: SDSs are typically located in a designated area, either physically or electronically. Ask your supervisor for the location.

Summary

Understanding chemical behavior is crucial for workplace safety.
Always read and follow the SDS for each chemical.
Use appropriate PPE when handling chemicals [7].
Store chemicals properly, ensuring compatibility [2].

Action Items

Review the SDSs for the chemicals you use regularly.
Inspect chemical storage areas to ensure proper organization and compatibility.
Participate in chemical safety training sessions.

Remember: Handle chemicals with care and respect. Your safety depends on it!

Report all hazards, near-misses, and incidents to your supervisor immediately.

Safety powered by SALUS

8 source record(s)

Sources used for this answer

[1] Sherwin-Williams - WoodScapes Exterior Acrylic Solid Color House Stain

Page 8

Open source document

Source excerpt

# Section 8. Exposure controls/personal protection Biological exposure indices (United States) No exposure indices known. Biological exposure indices (Canada) No exposure indices known. Biological exposure indices (Mexico) <table><tr><th colspan="2">No exposure indices known.</th></tr><tr><td>Appropriate engineering : controls</td><td>If user operations generate dust, fumes, gas, vapor or mist, use process enclosures, local exhaust ventilation or other engineering controls to keep worker exposure to airborne contaminants below any recommended or statutory limits.</td></tr><tr><td>Environmental exposure : controls</td><td>Emissions from ventilation or work process equipment should be checked to ensure they comply with the requirements of environmental protection legislation. In some cases, fume scrubbers, filters or engineering modifications to the process equipment will be necessary to reduce emissions to acceptable levels.</td></tr><tr><td>Individual protection measures</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Hygiene measures :</td><td>Wash hands, forearms and face thoroughly after handling chemical products, before eating, smoking and using the lavatory and at the end of the working period. Appropriate techniques should be used to remove potentially contaminated clothing. Wash contaminated clothing before reusing. Ensure that eyewash stations and safety showers are close to the workstation location.</td></tr><tr><td>Eye/face protection :</td><td>Safety eyewear complying with an approved standard should be used when a risk assessment indicates this is necessary to avoid exposure to liquid splashes, mists, gases or dusts. If contact is possible, the following protection should be worn, unless the assessment indicates a higher degree of protection: safety glasses with side- shields.</td></tr><tr><td>Skin protection</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Hand protection :</td><td>Chemical-resistant, impervious gloves complying with an approved standard should be worn at all times when hand…

[2] Safety Data Sheet - 4,4'-Methylenebis(phenyl isocyanate)

Page 4

Open source document

Source excerpt

# 4,4'-Methylenebis(phenyl isocyanate) Revision Date 28-Mar-2024 Methods for Containment and Clean Sweep up and shovel into suitable containers for disposal. Keep in suitable, closed Up containers for disposal. <table><tr><th colspan="2">7. Handling and storage</th></tr><tr><td>Handling</td><td>Wear personal protective equipment/face protection. Do not get in eyes, on skin, or on clothing. Avoid ingestion and inhalation. Ensure adequate ventilation. Avoid dust formation.</td></tr><tr><td>Storage.</td><td>Keep containers tightly closed in a dry, cool and well-ventilated place. To maintain product quality: Keep refrigerated. Incompatible Materials. Strong oxidizing agents. Acids. Bases. Alcohols. Amines. copper. Copper alloys. Water.</td></tr></table> ## 8. Exposure controls I personal protection ## Exposure Guidelines <table><tr><th>Component</th><th>ACGIH TLV</th><th>OSHA PEL</th><th>NIOSH</th><th>Mexico OEL (TWA)</th></tr><tr><td>Methylene bisphenol isocyanate (MDI)</td><td>TWA: 0.005 ppm</td><td>Ceiling: 0.02 ppm Ceiling: 0.2 mg/m3 (Vacated) Ceiling: 0.02 ppm (Vacated) Ceiling: 0.2 mg/m3</td><td>IDLH: 75 mg/m3 TWA: 0.005 ppm TWA: 0.05 mg/m3 Ceiling: 0.020 ppm Ceiling: 0.2 mg/m3</td><td>TWA: 0.005 ppm</td></tr></table> ## Legend ACGIH - American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists OSHA - Occupational Safety and Health Administration NIOSH: NIOSH - National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health <table><tr><th>Engineering Measures</th><th>Use only under a chemical fume hood. Ensure that eyewash stations and safety showers are close to the workstation location.</th></tr><tr><td>Personal Protective Equipment</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Eye/face Protection</td><td>Wear appropriate protective eyeglasses or chemical safety goggles as described by OSHA's eye and face protection regulations in 29 CFR 1910.133 or European Standard EN166. Tight sealing safety goggles.</td></tr><tr><td>Skin and body protection</td><td>Wear appropriate protective glov…

[3] Safety Data Sheet - Benzoyl Peroxide

Page 4

Open source document

Source excerpt

# BENZOYL PEROXIDE Revision Date 24-Dec-2021 <table><tr><th colspan="2">7. Handling and storage</th></tr><tr><td>Handling</td><td>Wear personal protective equipment/face protection. Ensure adequate ventilation. Do not get in eyes, on skin, or on clothing. Avoid ingestion and inhalation. Avoid dust formation. Keep away from clothing and other combustible materials.</td></tr><tr><td>Storage.</td><td>Keep containers tightly closed in a dry, cool and well-ventilated place. Do not store near combustible materials. Keep at temperatures below 40°C. Incompatible Materials. Strong oxidizing agents. Strong reducing agents. Combustible material.</td></tr></table> ## Exposure Guidelines ## 8. Exposure controls I personal protection <table><tr><th>Component</th><th>ACGIH TLV</th><th>OSHA PEL</th><th>NIOSH IDLH</th><th>Mexico OEL (TWA)</th></tr><tr><td>Dibenzoyl peroxide</td><td>TWA: 5 mg/m3</td><td>(Vacated) TWA: 5 mg/m3 TWA: 5 mg/m3</td><td>IDLH: 1500 mg/m3 TWA: 5 mg/m3</td><td>TWA: 5 mg/m3</td></tr></table> ## Legend ACGIH American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists OSHA - Occupational Safety and Health Administration NIOSH IDLH: NIOSH - National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Engineering Measures ## Personal Protective Equipment Eye/face Protection Skin and body protection Respiratory Protection Hygiene Measures Ensure that eyewash stations and safety showers are close to the workstation location. Ensure adequate ventilation, especially in confined areas. Wash hands before breaks and immediately after handling the product. Tight sealing safety goggles. Wear appropriate protective gloves and clothing to prevent skin exposure. Follow the OSHA respirator regulations found in 29 CFR 1910.134 or European Standard EN 149. Use a NIOSH/MSHA or European Standard EN 149 approved respirator if exposure limits are exceeded or if irritation or other symptoms are experienced. Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice…

[4] Sherwin-Williams - Duration Home Interior Acrylic Latex

Page 5

Open source document

Source excerpt

# Section 8. Exposure controls/personal protection Biological exposure indices (Canada) No exposure indices known. Biological exposure indices (Mexico) No exposure indices known. <table><tr><th>Appropriate engineering : controls Environmental exposure : controls</th><th>If user operations generate dust, fumes, gas, vapor or mist, use process enclosures, local exhaust ventilation or other engineering controls to keep worker exposure to airborne contaminants below any recommended or statutory limits. Emissions from ventilation or work process equipment should be checked to ensure they comply with the requirements of environmental protection legislation. In some cases, fume scrubbers, filters or engineering modifications to the process equipment will be necessary to reduce emissions to acceptable levels.</th></tr><tr><td>Individual protection measures</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Hygiene measures :</td><td>Wash hands, forearms and face thoroughly after handling chemical products, before eating, smoking and using the lavatory and at the end of the working period. Appropriate techniques should be used to remove potentially contaminated clothing. Wash contaminated clothing before reusing. Ensure that eyewash stations and safety showers are close to the workstation location.</td></tr><tr><td>Eye/face protection :</td><td>Safety eyewear complying with an approved standard should be used when a risk assessment indicates this is necessary to avoid exposure to liquid splashes, mists, gases or dusts. If contact is possible, the following protection should be worn, unless the assessment indicates a higher degree of protection: safety glasses with side- shields.</td></tr><tr><td>Skin protection</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Hand protection :</td><td>Chemical-resistant, impervious gloves complying with an approved standard should be worn at all times when handling chemical products if a risk assessment indicates this is necessary. Considering the parameters specified by the glove ma…

[5] Safety Data Sheet - Boron Oxide

Page 3

Open source document

Source excerpt

# Boron oxide Revision Date 02-Apr-2024 Sensitivity to Static Discharge No information available Specific Hazards Arising from the Chemical Non-combustible. Hazardous Combustion Products Oxides of boron. Protective Equipment and Precautions for Firefighters As in any fire, wear self-contained breathing apparatus pressure-demand, MSHA/NIOSH (approved or equivalent) and full protective gear. Thermal decomposition can lead to release of irritating gases and vapors. ## NFPA <table><tr><th>Health</th><th>Flammability Instability Physical hazards</th></tr><tr><td>0</td><td>1 1 N/A</td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">6. Accidental release measures</td></tr><tr><td>Personal Precautions</td><td>Use personal protective equipment as required. Ensure adequate ventilation. Avoid dust formation.</td></tr><tr><td>Environmental Precautions</td><td>Should not be released into the environment. See Section 12 for additional Ecological Information.</td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">Methods for Containment and Clean Sweep up and shovel into suitable containers for disposal. Avoid dust formation. Up</td></tr></table> <table><tr><th colspan="2">7. Handling and storage</th></tr><tr><td>Handling</td><td>Wear personal protective equipment/face protection. Ensure adequate ventilation. Use only under a chemical fume hood. Do not get in eyes, on skin, or on clothing. Avoid dust formation. Do not breathe (dust, vapor, mist, gas). Do not ingest. If swallowed then seek immediate medical assistance.</td></tr><tr><td>Storage.</td><td>Keep containers tightly closed in a dry, cool and well-ventilated place. Incompatible Materials. Strong oxidizing agents. Acids. Fluorine. Strong reducing agents.</td></tr></table> ## 8. Exposure controls / personal protection ## Exposure Guidelines <table><tr><th>Component</th><th>ACGIH TLV</th><th>OSHA PEL</th><th>NIOSH</th><th>Mexico OEL (TWA)</th></tr><tr><td>Boron oxide</td><td>TWA: 10 mg/m3</td><td>(Vacated) TWA: 10 mg/m3 TWA: 15 mg/m3</td><td>IDLH: 2000 mg/m3 TWA:…

[6] Safety Data Sheet - Diacetone Alcohol

Page 5

Open source document

Source excerpt

# 8. Exposure controls / personal protection (cont.) ## Legend (cont.) Diacetone alcohol Revision Date 24-Dec-2021 ## 10. Stability and reactivity <table><tr><th>Reactive Hazard</th><th>None known, based on information available</th></tr><tr><td>Stability</td><td>Stable under normal conditions.</td></tr><tr><td>Conditions to Avoid</td><td>Incompatible products. Excess heat. Keep away from open flames, hot surfaces and sources of ignition.</td></tr><tr><td>Incompatible Materials</td><td>Strong oxidizing agents, Alcohols, Amines, Acids, Strong bases</td></tr><tr><td colspan="2">Hazardous Decomposition Products Carbon monoxide (CO), Carbon dioxide (CO2)</td></tr><tr><td>Hazardous Polymerization</td><td>Hazardous polymerization does not occur.</td></tr><tr><td>Hazardous Reactions</td><td>None under normal processing.</td></tr></table> ## 11. Toxicological information ## Acute Toxicity Product Information Component Information <table><tr><th>Component</th><th>LD50 Oral</th><th>LD50 Dermal</th><th></th><th>LC50</th><th>Inhalation</th></tr><tr><td>Diacetone alcohol</td><td>LD50 > 4 g/kg ( Rat</td><td>LD50 = [redacted postal code] mg/kg ( Rabbit ) LD50 = [redacted postal code] mg/kg ( Rabbit )</td><td>LC50</td><td>> 7.23 g/m3</td><td>(Rat) 8 h</td></tr><tr><td>Toxicologically Synergistic Products</td><td colspan="5">No information available</td></tr><tr><td>Delayed and immediate effects as</td><td>well as chronic effects</td><td>from short and</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Irritation</td><td colspan="5">long-term exposure Irritating to eyes Irritating to respiratory system</td></tr><tr><td>Sensitization</td><td colspan="5">No information available</td></tr><tr><td>Carcinogenicity</td><td colspan="5">The table below indicates whether each agency has listed any ingredient as a carcinogen.</td></tr><tr><td>Component CAS No</td><td>IARC</td><td>NTP ACGIH</td><td>OSHA</td><td></td><td>Mexico</td></tr><tr><td>Diacetone alcohol 123-42-2</td><td>Not li…

[7] Safety Data Sheet - Cobalt

Page 5

Open source document

Source excerpt

# SECTION 8: Exposure controls/personal protection ## 8.1 Control parameters Ingredients with workplace control parameters <table><tr><th>Component</th><th>CAS-No.</th><th>Value</th><th>Control parameters</th><th>Basis</th></tr><tr><td>Cobalt (solid)</td><td>7440-48-4</td><td>TWA</td><td>0.05 mg/m3</td><td>USA. NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limits</td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td>TWA</td><td>0.05 mg/m3</td><td>USA. NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limits</td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td>TWA</td><td>0.1 mg/m3</td><td>USA. Occupational Exposure Limits (OSHA) - Table Z-1 Limits for Air Contaminants</td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td>PEL</td><td>0.02 mg/m3</td><td>California permissible exposure limits for chemical contaminants (Title 8, Article 107)</td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td>TWA</td><td>0.005 mg/m3</td><td>USA. ACGIH Threshold Limit Values</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>Remarks</td><td colspan="3">(TLV) Respiratory sensitization Suspected human carcinogen</td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td>TWA</td><td>0.02 mg/m3</td><td>USA. ACGIH Threshold Limit Values</td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td colspan="3">(TLV) Dermal Sensitization Respiratory sensitization Confirmed animal carcinogen with unknown relevance to humans</td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td>TWA</td><td>0.05 mg/m3</td><td>USA. OSHA - TABLE Z-1 Limits for Air Contaminants - 1910.1000</td></tr></table> Biological occupational exposure limits <table><tr><th>Component</th><th>CAS-No.</th><th>Parameters</th><th>Value</th><th>Biological specimen</th><th>Basis</th></tr><tr><td>Cobalt (solid)</td><td>7440-48-4</td><td>Cobalt</td><td>15 µg/l</td><td>Urine</td><td>ACGIH - Biological Exposure Indices</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>Remarks</td><td colspan="4">(BEI) End of shift at end of workweek</td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td>Cobalt</td><td></td><td>Urine</td><td>ACGIH - Biological Exposure Indices</td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td colspan="4">(BEI) End of shift at end of workweek</td></tr></table> ## 8.2 Exposure contro…

[8] Safety Data Sheet - Dimethylformamide

Page 5

Open source document

Source excerpt

# SECTION 8: Exposure controls/personal protection ## 8.1 Control parameters Ingredients with workplace control parameters <table><tr><th>Component</th><th>CAS-No.</th><th>Value</th><th>Control parameters</th><th>Basis</th></tr><tr><td>N,N- dimethylformamid e</td><td>68-12-2</td><td>TWA</td><td>5 ppm</td><td>USA. ACGIH Threshold Limit Values (TLV)</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>Remarks</td><td colspan="3">Confirmed animal carcinogen with unknown relevance to humans Danger of cutaneous absorption</td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td>TWA</td><td>10 ppm 30</td><td>USA. NIOSH Recommended Limits</td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td colspan="3">mg/m3 Exposure Potential for dermal absorption</td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td>TWA</td><td>10 ppm 30 mg/m3</td><td>USA. Occupational Exposure Limits (OSHA) Table Z-1 Limits for Air Contaminants</td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td colspan="3">Skin designation</td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td>TWA</td><td>10 ppm 30 mg/m3</td><td>USA. OSHA TABLE Z-1 Limits for Air Contaminants 1910.1000</td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td colspan="3">Skin notation</td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td>PEL</td><td>10 ppm 30 mg/m3</td><td>California permissible exposure limits for chemical contaminants (Title 8, Article 107)</td></tr></table> Biological occupational exposure limits <table><tr><th>Component</th><th>CAS-No.</th><th>Parameters</th><th>Value</th><th>Biological specimen</th><th>Basis</th></tr><tr><td>N,N- dimethylformami de</td><td>68-12-2</td><td>Total N- Methylform amide</td><td>30 mg/l</td><td>Urine</td><td>ACGIH Biological Exposure Indices</td></tr><tr><td></td><td>Remarks</td><td colspan="4">(BEI) End of shift (As soon as possible after exposure ceases)</td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td>N-Acetyl-S- (N- methylcarb amoyl)</td><td>30 mg/l</td><td>Urine</td><td>ACGIH - Biological Exposure Indices (BEI)</td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td colspan="4">cysteine End of shift at end of workweek</td></tr></table> ## 8.2 Exposure controls ## Appropri…

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Publisher: SALUS
Final reviewer: Francis Langlois
Original answer: Jul 5, 2025

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Topics

Chemical safety Emergency response Equipment safety Hazard assessment Incident management Personal protective equipment Safety training

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Rosie's answer

Toolbox Talk: Safe Chemical Handling: Understanding Chemical Behavior

Objective

Introduction

Key Points

Hazard Identification

Control Measures

Safe Work Procedures

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements

Real-World Example or Case Study

Group Discussion

Emergency Procedures

Questions and Answers

Summary

Action Items

Sources used for this answer

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