Helpful Safety Guides When Working With Chemical Hazards

NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards

Data on 677 chemicals or substance groupings found in the work environment.

Essential Practices for Managing Chemical Reactivity Hazards

This book, intended for safety managers, chemists, and engineers alike, helps both small and large companies address safe handling, processing and storing of chemicals that might become involved in uncontrolled chemical reactions.

Chemical Reactivity Worksheet

A free program you can download and use to find out about the reactivity of chemicals and how chemicals might react if accidentally mixed.

What Is a Chemical Hazard?

A chemical hazard is any substance that can cause harm, primarily to people. Chemicals of all kinds are stored in our homes and can result in serious injuries if not properly handled. Household items such as bleach can result in harmful chlorine gas or hydrochloric acid if carelessly used. Gasoline fumes from containers for lawnmowers or boats can result in major health hazards if inhaled.

DOE Oak Ridge uses thousands of chemicals in its varied research and other operations. New chemicals are or can be created as a result of the research or other activities. DOE follows national safety requirements in storing and handling these chemicals to minimize the risk of injuries from its chemical usage. However, accidents can occur despite careful attention to proper handling and storage procedures.

Types of Chemicals Used at the Oak Ridge Facilities • Acetronitrile • Acids • Asbestos • Beryllium • Cadmium • Cyanide compounds • Hydrogen Chloride • Hydrogen Fluoride • Lead • Lithium compounds • Mercury • Methylene Chloride • Nickel • PCBs • Sodium • Uranium

A federal law called the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act gives you the right to know about toxic chemicals being released into the environment. The Toxics Release Inventory maintained by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency provides information about the types and amounts of toxic chemicals that are released each year to the air, water, and land as well as information on the quantities of toxic chemicals sent to other facilities for further waste management. More...

Safety Training Resources:

Dealing With Chemical Hazards Video Courses