Boston University
Hazard Communication Plan
Prepared by:
The Office of Environmental Health and Safety
704 Commonwealth Avenue 715 Albany Street, M-470
Boston, Massachusetts 02215 Boston, Massachusetts 02118
(617) 353-4094 (617) 638-8830
fax: (617) 353-5646 fax: (617) 638-8822
Hazard Communication Plan
Revised: June 20 2008
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Page
1.0 Purpose and Applicability 3
2.0 Definitions and Scope 3
3.0 Roles and Responsibilities 4
4.0 Procedure/Plan Elements 4
5.0 Key References and Resources 7
Appendices
A. Sample MSDS 8
B. Terms and Abbreviations 11
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1.0 Purpose and Applicability
1.1. The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) Hazard
Communication Standard, often called Hazcom or employee Right-to-Know law, is
a federal regulation that is designed to ensure that the hazards of workplace
chemicals are evaluated, and that information on the hazards is provided to
employers and employees. Details of the Standard are provided in 29 CFR
1910.1200.
1.2. The Standard requires that every effected employer establish a program to tell
employees of the hazards associated with the materials in their workplace. The
program must have five main components as follows:
1.2.1. A written Hazard Communication Plan
1.2.2. An inventory of hazardous chemicals,
1.2.3. Maintaining onsite copies of material safety data sheets (MSDS) for
hazardous chemicals used in the workplace.
1.2.4. Ensuring that hazardous chemicals are properly labeled; and.
1.2.5. Training employees on the requirements of the Standard.
1.3. This plan (the Plan) applies to all Boston University (BU) and Boston Medical
Center (BMC) Departments, Offices and Centers and their employees, faculty and
staff. It is designed to ensure that employees, faculty and staff, are made aware of
and properly trained in the safe use of hazardous chemicals with which they may
come in contact. This will be accomplished by compiling chemical inventories,
maintaining and using Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), ensuring that
containers are labeled, and providing training to employees. The Plan complies
with the requirements of both Occupational Safety & Health Administration
(OSHA) regulations 29 CFR 1910.1200 (the Standard) and the University Hazard
Communication Policy as outlined in the EHS Policy Manual and mandated in the
2007 President's Statement of Commitment to Environmental Health and Safety.
1.4. Additional requirements for laboratories as specified in OSHA Occupational
exposure to hazardous chemicals in laboratories (29 CFR 1910.1450) are covered in
the Boston University Chemical Hygiene Plan.
1.5. BU and BMC Departments, Offices and Centers must also comply with any
additional requirements as described in chemical-specific standards promulgated by
OSHA (i.e. methylene chloride).
2.0 Definitions and Scope
2.1 See Appendix B for a complete list of definitions. These definitions include those
that may be needed when reviewing Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).
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2.2 The Scope of this Plan covers hazardous chemical use in all BU and BMC
workplaces.
3.0 Roles and Responsibilities
3.1 Department Heads are responsible for identifying someone to serve as a
coordinator of this plan, ensuring their employees receive appropriate Hazard
Communication (Hazcom) training, ensuring a departmental chemical inventory
is maintained, and ensuring their employees (including students) follow the
requirements outlined in the Plan.
3.2 Supervisors are responsible for: training employees regarding the use of
hazardous chemicals and methods required to protect from related hazards,
informing employees of any new products being considered for use in the
department, maintaining an adequate supply of approved personal protective
equipment (PPE) for employee and student use, ensuring that students and
employees are trained on the appropriate use of PPE, and ensuring new
employees attend the New Employee Orientation for initial Hazcom training
(coordinated by the Office of Human Resources).
3.3 Employees, Faculty and Staff are responsible for reading and understanding and
following the safety information included on container labels or MSDSs,
attending and participating in Hazcom and other required safety training, labeling
secondary containers appropriately, developing an understanding of the Plan,
reporting any incidents involving hazardous chemicals to their supervisor, and
wearing appropriate PPE, as requested.
3.4 Office of Environmental Health and Safety (OEHS) is responsible for
preparing and maintaining this written plan, conducting Hazcom and related
safety training as required, assisting Department Heads and Supervisors with the
requirements of the Standard, assisting in product selection or substitution, and
assisting in the selection of appropriate PPE, as requested.
3.5 BU and BMC Human Resources coordinate new employee orientation and
maintains associated records.
4.0 Procedure/Plan Elements
4.1 Written Plan. OEHS is responsible for the maintenance of this written Hazard
Communication Plan. Copies of the Plan may be obtained by contacting the
Health and Safety Division of OEHS (see cover page for the address and phone
numbers of our offices) or by visiting
http://www.bu.edu/research/compliance/oehs/health-safety.
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4.2 Hazardous Substance/Chemical Inventories. Each department is responsible
for maintaining an up-to-date inventory of hazardous chemicals present in their
work areas. Department supervisors are responsible for updating the inventory as
hazardous chemicals are added or removed from the department. The inventory
will be made available upon request. The supervisor will notify all the affected
employees. OEHS can be consulted as needed for assistance with product hazard
reviews. Inventories of hazardous chemicals shall be made available to OEHS
annually or as requested.
4.3 Material Safety Data Sheets. The purpose of the Material Safety Data Sheet
(MSDS) is to describe the physical and chemical properties, physical and health
hazards, routes of exposure, precautions for safe handling and use, emergency and
first aid procedures, and control measures related to hazardous chemicals. A
sample MSDS is included as appendix A of this Plan.
4.3.1 The department supervisor is responsible for ensuring MSDSs for each
hazardous chemical in the department inventory is available for staff and
students in the immediate work area. The supervisor will contact the
manufacturer to obtain an MSDS for any product shipped without the
MSDS attached. Staff and students may contact OEHS with any questions
related to information provided on MSDS.
4.4 Container Labeling The department supervisor is responsible for ensuring
incoming chemical containers are properly labeled. Labels must include the
identity of the contents, appropriate hazard warnings, and the name of the
manufacturer. Affixed labels must not be removed from any container until the
container has been completely emptied.
4.4.1 Once the chemical has been received, it may be transferred to smaller
secondary containers for use in the workplace. Supervisors will be
responsible for ensuring all secondary containers that are labeled with the
identity of the hazardous chemical, appropriate hazard warnings (as
defined in the Standard), and the name and address of the chemical
manufacturer, importer or other responsible party. BU and BMC
employees, faculty and staff should report any unlabeled secondary
containers to the responsible supervisor who will either label the container
or, if the container contents are unknown, contact OEHS for assistance.
4.5 Facilities Management / Custodial Services Container Labeling. The Office
of Facilities Management and Planning (OFMP) Custodial Services (BU) and
Environmental Services (BMC) have implemented a color-coded container
labeling and automatic dispensing system for cleaning products. Bottles
containing hazardous chemicals are labeled with the name and hazards associated
with the color and also with the appropriate color code so the appropriate
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chemical may be identified on the dispensing system. Hazardous chemicals that
are not handled through the dispensing system must be labeled in accordance with
section 4.4 of this Plan.
4.6 Non-Routine Tasks. Occasionally employees may be asked to perform tasks that
are not part of their normal routine. Non-routine tasks may include annual
cleaning or a one time application of a chemical.
4.6.1 Supervisors will provide staff asked to perform non-routine tasks
involving the use of hazardous chemicals with information regarding
associated hazards prior to starting the non-routine task. This information
will also include measures to ensure protection from the hazards, and
information regarding engineering and administrative controls or PPE that
should be used. Non-routine tasks should not be undertaken until the
employees and/or students involved understand the associated hazards and
methods for protection.
4.7 Contractors. Contractors working on BU or BMC property are responsible for
compliance with the Standard under their own written Hazard Communication
Plan. In addition, Contractors must notify the appropriate project manager of any
hazardous chemicals they will use on property owned or occupied by BU or
BMC, provide a copy of their written Hazcom Plan upon request, have onsite
copies of MSDSs for any hazardous chemicals they use on property owned or
occupied by the BU or BMC, and immediately provide MSDSs for these products
upon request.
4.8 Training. Hazard communication training is provided to BU and BMC
employees working with hazardous chemicals. A brief overview of this Plan is
provided during new employee orientation. Supervisors provide specific Hazcom
training for employees prior to their initial assignment or whenever employees
will be using a new hazardous chemical. During this specific training, employees
will be informed of the hazards associated with the new material and the
precautions necessary to protect them from these hazards.
4.8.1 Hazard Communication modules are currently included in various training
presentations, including: laboratory safety, hazardous waste, OFMP
safety, Boston University Police training, and CFA Visual Arts safety.
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5.0 Key References and Resources
? OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200)
? OSHA "Laboratory Standard" (29 CFR 1910.1450)
? Boston University Chemical Hygiene Plan
? OSHA "What is Hazard Communication?"
? Hazardous Waste Satellite Accumulation Area (SAA) Guidance
? OSHA Chemical-Specific Standards
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APPENDIX A: SAMPLE MSDS
STATE CHEMICAL MANUFACTURING COMPANY
3100 Hamilton Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44114 (216) 861-7114
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET
ALL PURPOSE SPRAY CLEANER
Description:
A formulated water-based cleaner
I. SHIPPING INFORMATION
D.O.T. Shipping Name: N/A
D.O.T. Hazard Class: N/A
D.O.T. ID No: N/A
D.O.T. Label: N/A
II. HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS
Material Weight % TLV
2-butoxyethanol (CAS #111-76-2) < 2% 25 PPM
Trisodium Phosphate
(CAS #10101-89-0) < 2% None Listed
Nitrilotriacetic acid, Trisodium salt
(CAS #18662-53-8) < 0.5% None Listed
This product contains 2-butoxyethanol (Glycol Ether) and Nitrilotriacetic Acid which are toxic chemicals subject to
the reporting requirements of Section 313 of Title III of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of
1986 (SARA).
WARNING: This product contains a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer.
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III. PHYSICAL DATA
Boiling Point (Fm): 218mF
Specific Gravity (Water=1): 1.024
Volatile by Weight (%): > 85%
Weight per Gallon (pounds): 8.5
Solubility in Water: Complete.
pH: 12.1
Appearance & Odor: A clear light blue liquid with a lemon odor.
IV. FIRE & HAZARD DATA
Flashpoint (Method Used): None to boiling point (T.C.C.) (C.O.C.)
Extinguishing Media: N/A
Special Fire Fighting Procedures: N/A
Unusual Fire & Explosion Hazards: None
V. HEALTH HAZARD DATA
EFFECTS OF OVEREXPOSURE: Direct eye contact will cause irritation. Prolonged skin exposure may cause
irritation. May be harmful if swallowed.
CHRONIC EFFECTS: Based on laboratory test with rats and mice, the National Toxicology Program (NTP) lists
Nitrilotriacetic Acid (NTA) as a suspect carcinogen. There is no evidence that NTA is a human carcinogen. Chronic
exposure to 2-butoxyethanol may cause blood abnormalities. Chronic exposure may also affect liver and kidney.
MEDICAL CONDITIONS AGGRAVATED BY EXPOSURE: People with blood diseases and/or kidney and
liver abnormalities.
FIRST AID PROCEDURES:
If Swallowed: Call a physician or poison control center immediately.
If Inhaled: N/A
If in Eyes: Flush eyes immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. If irritation persists contact a
physician.
If on Skin: Flush well with water.
VI. REACTIVITY DATA
Stability: Stable
Conditions to avoid: Applications through steam cleaners
Incompatibility(Materials to avoid): Strong oxidizers
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Exposure to high temperatures may produce CO2, CO, H2O, and traces of
oxides of phosphorous and aliphatic compounds.
HAZARDOUS POLYMERIZATION WILL NOT OCCUR
VII. SPILL OR LEAK PROCEDURES
Steps To Be Taken If Material Is Released Or Spilled: Flush well with plenty of water.
Waste Disposal Method: Do not reuse empty containers for any purpose. Flush thoroughly with water, crush or
perforate and discard, or give rinsed drums to a drum reconditioner for recycling. Be sure pH of waste stream is
below 12.5. If this is true, dispose of as a nonhazardous waste.
Follow All Federal, State and Local Regulations Regarding Waste Disposal.
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VIII. SPECIAL PROTECTION INFORMATION
Eye protection and protective gloves are recommended any time you work with any concentrated industrial
strength products.
Respiratory Protection: No special protection is required
Ventilation: Normal ventilation is required
Protective Gloves: Viton Gloves
Eye Protection: Safety Glasses
Other Protective Equipment: An eyewash station or source of clean water should be nearby in case of accidental
eye contact.
IX. SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS
Precautions To Be Taken In Handling And Storage: CAUTION: May cause eye irritation. Do not take
internally.
NOTE: Since this product is a fast and efficient cleaner, use care on painted surfaces (particularly indoor latex
paint) so as not to create "spot cleaning marks". Avoid temperatures below freezing. Keep container tightly closed
when not in use. Do not reuse empty containers.
HMIS/NFPA RATINGS: Health 2 Flammability 0
Reactivity 0 Personal Protection B
Read and follow all label directions and precautions before using the product. These products are intended
for industrial and institutional use only.
NOT FOR HOUSEHOLD USE OR RESALE KEEP OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN
While we believe that the data contained herein is factual and the opinion expressed are those of qualified
experts, the data are not to be taken as a warranty or representation for which the company assumes legal
responsibility. They are offered solely for your consideration, investigation, and verification. Any use of these
data and information must be determined by the user to be in accordance with applicable Federal, State, and
Local Laws and regulations.
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Appendix B
Terms and Abbreviations
Absolute - A chemical substance that is not mixed; pure. Example: absolute alcohol, which is ethyl
alcohol, containing not more than 1% by weight of water.
Acid - Any chemical which undergoes dissociation in water with the formation of hydrogen ions.
Acids have a sour taste and may cause severe skin burns. They turn litmus paper red and have pH
values of 0 to 6.
Acute Effect - An adverse effect on the human body that takes place immediately or soon after
exposure. Examples: dizziness, nausea, skin rashes, inflammation, tearing of the eyes,
unconsciousness, and even death
ACGIH - American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists; an organization of
professional personnel in governmental agencies or education institutions engaged in occupational
safety and health programs. ACGIH develops and publishes recommended occupational exposure
limit for hundreds of chemical substances and physical agents. See TLV.
Aerosol - A fine aerial suspension of particles sufficiently small in size to confer some degree of
stability from sedimentation. Example: smoke or fog.
Alkali - (or bases) Any chemical substance which forms soluble soaps with fatty acids. They may
cause sever burns to the skin. Alkalis turn litmus paper blue and have pH values from 8 to 14.
ANSI - American National Standards Institute; a privately funded, voluntary membership
organization that identifies industrial and public needs for national consensus standards and
coordinates development of such standards. Many ANSI standards relate to safe
design/performance of equipment, such as safety shoes, eyeglasses, smoke detectors, fire pumps
and household appliances; and safe practices or procedures, such as noise measurement, testing of
fire extinguishers and flame arresters, industrial lighting practices, and the use of abrasive wheels.
Antidote - A remedy to relieve, prevent, or counteract the effects of a poison.
Asphyxiate - A vapor or gas, which can cause unconsciousness or death by suffocation (lack of
oxygen). Most simple asphyxiates are harmful to the body only when they become so concentrated
that they reduce oxygen in the air (normally about 21%) to dangerous levels (16% or lower).
Asphyxiation is one of the principal potential hazards of working in confined spaces (see Section
). In addition, some chemicals like carbon monoxide function as chemical asphyxiates by reducing
the blood's ability to carry oxygen.
Auto-Ignition Temperature - the temperature at which a closed or nearly closed container must be
heated in order for the flammable liquid, when introduced into the container, will ignite
spontaneously or burn.
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Boiling Point - The temperature at which a liquid changes to a vapor state, at a given pressure,
usually expressed in degrees Fahrenheit at sea level pressure. Flammable materials with low
boiling points generally present special fire hazards.
Carcinogen - A substance or agent that can cause a growth of abnormal tissue or tumors in humans
or animals. A material identified as an animal carcinogen does not necessarily cause cancer in
humans. Examples: coal tar, which can cause skin cancer, and vinyl chloride, which can cause
liver cancer.
CHEMTREC - Chemical Transportation Emergency Center, a national center established by the
Chemical Manufacturers Association (CMA) in Washington DC to relay pertinent emergency
information concerning specific chemicals on request. (CHEMTREC's 24-hour toll free phone
number is 800-424-9300). This number should only be used by those who respond to chemical
transportation emergencies.
Chronic Effect - An adverse effect on a human body that can take months or years to develop after
exposure. Examples: cancer and irreversible damage to certain organs.
Combustible - Able to catch on fire and burn.
Combustible Liquid - Any liquid having a flashpoint at or above 100癋, but below 200癋.
Concentration - The relative amount of a substance when combined or mixed with other
substances. Example: 2 PPM hydrogen sulfide in air, or a 50% caustic solution.
Corrosive - A liquid or solid that causes visible destruction or irreversible alterations in human
skin tissue at the site of contact or, in the case of leakage from it packaging, a liquid that has a
severe corrosion rate on steel. Example: sulfuric acid.
CPSC - Consumer Products Safety Commission; Federal agency responsible for regulating
hazardous materials when they appear in consumer goods.
Dermal Toxicity - Adverse effects resulting from skin exposure to a substance.
Dilution Ventilation - Air flow designed to dilute contaminants to acceptable levels.
Evaporation Rate - The rate at which a particular material will vaporize (evaporate) when
compared to the rate of vaporization of a known material. The evaporation rate can be used in
evaluating the health and fire hazards of a material and may be classified as Fast, Medium or Slow.
Exposure - Any situation arising from work operations where an employee may ingest, inhale,
absorb through the skin or eyes, or otherwise come into contact with a hazardous substance.
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Flammability Limits - The range of gas or vapor concentration in the air that may ignite or
explode if an ignition source is present.
Flammable Aerosol - An aerosol that when tested by the method described in 16 CFR 1500.45,
yields a flame projection exceeding 18 inches at full valve opening, or a flashback (a flame
extending back to the valve) at any degree of valve opening.
Flammable Gas - A gas that at ambient temperature and pressure, (1) forms a flammable mixture
with air at a concentration of thirteen percent (13%) by volume or less; (2) forms a range of
flammable mixtures with air, wider than twelve percent (12%) by volume, regardless of the lower
limit.
Flammable Liquid - Any liquid having a flash point below 100癋, except any mixture having
components with flash points of 100癋 or higher, the total of which make up 99% or more of the
total volume of the mixture.
Flammable Solid - A solid, other than a blasting agent or explosive, as defined in 29 CFR
1910.109(a), that is liable to cause fire through friction, absorption of moisture, spontaneous
chemical change, or retained heat from manufacturing processing, or which can be ignited readily
and when ignited burns so vigorously and persistently as to create a serious hazard.
Flash Point - The temperature at which a liquid will give off enough flammable vapors to ignite if
an ignition source is present.
Hazardous Chemical - Any chemical which presents either a health hazard or physical hazard.
Health Hazard - A chemical for which there is statistically significant evidence based on at least
one study conducted in accordance with established scientific principles that acute or chronic health
effects may occur in exposed employees. This may include chemicals which are carcinogens, toxic
or highly toxic agents, reproductive toxins, irritants, corrosives, sensitizers, hepatoxins,
nephrotoxins, neurotoxins, or agents which act on the hematopoietic system and agents which
damage the lungs, skin, eyes or mucous membranes.
Insoluble - Incapable of being dissolved in a liquid.
Irritant - A substance which, by contact in sufficient concentration for a sufficient period of time,
will cause an inflammatory response or reaction of the eye, skin, or respiratory system. The contact
may be a single exposure or multiple exposures. Some primary irritants: chronic acid, nitric acid,
sodium hydroxide, calcium chloride, amines, metallic salts, chlorinated hydrocarbons, ketones,
alcohols.
LC - Lethal concentration; a concentration of a substance being tested which will kill a test animal.
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LC50 - The concentration of a material in air which, on the basis of laboratory testing, is expected
to kill 50% of a group of test animals when administered as a single exposure (usually 1 or 4
hours).
LD - Lethal dose; a concentration of a substance (dose) being tested which will kill a test animal.
LD50 - Lethal dose 50%; a single dose of a material which on the basis of laboratory tests is
expected to kill 50% of a group of test animals. The LD50 dose is usually expressed a milligrams
or grams of material per kilogram of animal body weight. The lower the LD50 generally the more
highly toxic the material.
LEL - Lower explosive limit or lower flammable limit of a vapor or gas; the lowest concentration
(lowest percentage of the substance in air) that will produce a flash of fire when an ignition source
(heat, arc, or flame) is present. At concentration lower than the LEL, the mixture is too "lean" to
burn.
Mist - Suspended liquid droplets generated by condensation from the gaseous to the liquid state, or
by breaking up a liquid into a dispersed state, such as splashing, foaming or atomizing. Mist is
formed when a finely divided liquid is suspended in air.
NFPA - National Fire Protection Association; an international voluntary membership organization
to promote/improve fire protection and prevention and establish safeguards against loss of life and
property by fire. Best known for the National Fire Codes and familiar diamond-shaped label for
hazards. See Section 8.0.
NIOSH - National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (of the Public Health Service, U.S.
Dept. of Health and Human Services (DHHS)); federal agency which recommends occupational
exposure limits for various substances and assists OSHA and MSHA in occupational safety and
health investigations and research.
Oxidizer - A chemical other than a blasting agent or explosive as defined in 29 CFR 1910.109(a)
that initiates or promotes combustion in other materials, thereby causing fire either of itself or
through the release of oxygen or other gases.
PEL - Permissible exposure limit; the legally enforced exposure limit for a substance established
by OSHA regulatory authority. The PEL indicates the permissible concentration of air
contaminants to which nearly all workers may be repeatedly exposed eight (8) hours a day, forty
(40) hours a week, over a working lifetime (30 years) without adverse health effects.
Physical Hazard - A chemical for which there is scientifically valid evidence that it is a
combustible liquid, a compressed gas, explosive, flammable, an organic peroxide, an oxidizer,
pyrophoric, unstable (reactive) or water-reactive.
ppb - Parts per billion; a unit for measuring the concentration of a gas or vapor in air - parts (by
volume) of the gas or vapor in a billion parts of air.
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ppm - Parts per million; a unit for measuring the concentration of a gas or vapor in air - parts (by
volume) of the gas or vapor in a million parts of air.
Pyrophoric - A chemical that will ignite spontaneously in air at a temperature of 130癋 or below.
Reactivity - A description of the tendency of a substance to undergo chemical reaction with the
release of energy.
Reproductive Toxin - Substances that affect either male or female reproductive systems and may
impair the ability to have children.
Sensitizer - A substance which, on first exposure, causes little or no reaction in man or test animals
but which, on repeated exposure, may cause a marked response not necessarily limited to the
contact site. Skin sensitization is the most common form of sensitization in the industrial setting,
although respiratory sensitization to a few chemicals is also known to occur. Examples: poison ivy
and pollen.
Solvent - A substance, usually a liquid, in which other substances are dissolved. The most common
solvent is water.
Stability - An expression of the ability of a material to remain unchanged. For MSDS purposes, a
material is stable if it remains in the same form under expected and reasonable conditions of storage
or use.
STEL - Short term exposure limit.
Systemic Poison - A poison, which spreads throughout the body, affecting all body systems and
organs. Its adverse effect is not localized in one spot or area.
Systemic Toxicity - Adverse effects caused by a substance, which affects the body in a general
rather than local manner.
Target Organ Toxin - A toxic substance that attacks a specific organ of the body. Example:
overexposure to carbon tetrachloride can cause liver damage.
Teratogen - A substance or agent to which exposure of a pregnant female can result in
malformations in the fetus. Example: thalidomide.
TLV - Threshold limit value; a term used by ACGIH to express the airborne concentration of a
material to which nearly all persons can be exposed day after day, without adverse effects. ACGIH
expressed TLVs in three way:
TLV-TWA: the allowable time-weighted average concentration for a normal 8-hour work-day or 40-hour work-
week.
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TLV-STEL: the short-term exposure limit, or maximum concentration for a continuous 15-minute exposure
period (maximum of four such periods per day, with at least 60 minutes between exposure periods, and provided
that the daily TLV-TWA is not exceeded).
TLV-C: the ceiling limit - the concentration that should not be exceeded even instantaneously.
Toxic Substance - Any substance which can cause acute or chronic injury to the human body, or
which is suspected of being able to cause diseases or injury under some conditions.
Toxicity - The sum of adverse effects resulting from exposure to a material, generally by mouth,
skin, or respiratory tract.
Trade Secret - Any confidential formula pattern, process, device, information or compilation of
information that is used in an employer's business and that gives the employer an opportunity to
obtain an advantage or competitors who do not know or use it.
TWA - Time weighted average exposure.
UEL - Upper explosive limit or upper flammable limit of a vapor or gas; the highest concentration
(highest percentage of the substance in air) that will produce a flash of fire when an ignition source
(heat, arc or flame) is present. At higher concentrations, the mixture is too "rich" to burn.
Unstable - A chemical which in the pure state, or as produced or transported, will vigorously
polymerize, decompose, condense, or will become self-reactive under conditions of shock,
pressure, or temperature. These chemicals are also referred to as reactive.
Vapor - The gaseous form of a solid or liquid substance as it evaporates.
Vapor Density - The weight of a vapor or gas compared to the weight of an equal volume of air; an
expression of the density of the vapor or gas. Materials lighter than air have vapor densities less
than 1.0 (Examples: propane, hydrogen sulfide, ethane, butane, chlorine, sulfur dioxide) have vapor
densities greater than 1.0. All vapors and gases will mix with air, but the lighter materials will tend
to rise and dissipate (unless confined). Heavier vapors and gases are likely to concentrate in low
places - along or under floors, in sumps, sewers and manholes, in trenches and ditches - where they
may create fire or health hazards.
Vapor Pressure - The pressure exerted by saturated vapor above its own liquid in a closed
container. When quality control tests are performed on products the test temperature is usually
100癋 and the vapor pressure is expressed as pounds per square inch (psig or psia) - but vapor
pressures reported on MSDSs are in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) at 68癋 unless otherwise
stated. Additional info:
Vapor pressure of a substance at 100癋 will always be higher than the vapor pressure of the substance at 68癋.
Vapor pressures reported on MSDSs in mmHg are usually very low pressures; 760 mmHg is equivalent to 14.7
pounds per square inch.
The lower the boiling point of a substance, the higher its vapor pressure.
Water-Reactive - A chemical that reacts with water to release a gas that is either flammable or
presents a health hazard.
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