HazCom

MSHA Hazardous Chemicals Health & Safety Alert

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MSHA has issued the following alert concerning Hazardous Chemicals:

“Recent train derailments and chemical spills, including several incidents on mine sites, have increased the importance of maintaining awareness about hazardous chemicals used in mining. Miners working with and around chemicals can be exposed to hazards that result in injuries or illnesses from exposure to chemicals.  Safe handling of chemicals can prevent accidents, injuries, and illnesses.”

Best Practices

Operators should: 

  • Store hazardous, flammable, and combustible materials in a manner that minimizes dangers to miners.
  • Warn against potential hazards; caution against unsafe practices; and provide instructions on the proper use of personal protective equipment.
  • Provide miners personal protective equipment to use, such as gloves, safety glasses or goggles, and NIOSH-approved respirators, as applicable.
  • Train miners on the task to be performed; on working with or near chemical hazards; and performing appropriate emergency response procedures.
  • Provide miners a safety data sheet for each hazardous chemical they may be exposed to during each work shift.

Click here for: Hazardous Chemicals Alert in English (pdf), or in Spanish (pdf).

Time for a Hazcom Refresher

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Even if you’re at home it could be time for a refresher on how to use chemicals safely… or maybe especially if you’re home. Here’s a timely one on safely using cleaners and disinfectants. Once we return to work there will have to be an increase in use of them.

Follow the basic warnings provided in the graphic above, but more directly read the label, SDS (if you’re at work, though you can probably find one if you aren’t), and any other reliable materials you can find. Beware of alternate uses or combinations you might find recommended online. Remember, these are helpful, but powerful chemicals.

You can read the CDC technical report here.

Serious Accident: Chemical Explosion

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On June 3, 2019, a railcar exploded when incompatible materials stored inside the car reacted and approximately 20,000 gallons of liquid waste derived fuel – fuel derived from hazardous waste – spewed from the railcar for 34 seconds. The eruption sent waste fuel several hundred feet into the air and ripped the manway hatch from the railcar. The hatch came to rest approximately 370 yards from the railcar. Droplets of waste fuel traveled more than 1/3 of a mile, landing on buildings, structures and vehicles near the facility. Agitators in several tanks were not maintained in functional condition. The facility was blending and storing incoming loads of waste fuel in railcars. A system of analysis was not in place to ensure compatibility of the blended waste fuel.

Best Practices: 

  • Evaluate work processes and develop acceptance and processing procedures to eliminate and mitigate hazards.
  • Use the proper container type (one that does not react with the hazardous material).
  • Make sure hazardous material storage containers are located in a safe area.
  • Review the uniform hazardous waste manifest and safety data sheets (SDSs) and regularly conduct chemical compatibility analyses. Don’t store incompatible materials together.
  • Do not reuse unwashed storage containers.
  • Regularly inspect equipment for proper operation. Remove damaged containers and equipment from service.
  • When handling hazardous material, use a properly designed, installed, and maintained ventilation system.
  • Provide warning signs that display the nature of the hazards and the required personal protective equipment.
  • Provide, use, and maintain fixed and portable gas detectors in areas where hazardous gases or vapors can accumulate.
  • Train miners on chemical hazards, emergency response procedures, and material handling activities including storage, loading, unloading, and transporting. Have SDSs accessible and ensure that all employees know how to read them.

Click here pdf of alert.