GHID Agenti Chimici

GUIDE FOR RISK PREVENTION RELATED TO EXPOSURE TO CHEMICAL AGENTS
FOREWORD
Romanias steps towards its integration into the Community structures are placed under the sign of profound changes that occurred in the Romanian society after 1989. Further to the conclusion of the European Union Association Agreement, in 1993, Romania irreversibly committed itself to the European integration path. Its status of candidate to accession, that became official once the negotiation process for accession to the EU was launched, on March 2001, marked a new stage of relations with the EU and the assumption of increased responsibilities in complying with Community norms and practices. In order to support the candidate states during the pre-accession process, the EU put in place specific instruments PHARE for granting irredeemable financial assistance. The R099/1B/0T01 twinning project entitled Creation of a system for the protection of workers exposed to dangerous agents at work, financed by the European Union, was included in the PHARE Program 1999. The goal of this project was to achieve harmonisation of the Romanian law concerning health care and safety at work, as well as of Labour Inspectorate practices, with the acquis communautaire. The project, developed in partnership with the Ministry of Employment and Solidarity of France, had the following main objectives: transfer of a number of 7 EU directives related to dangerous agents in the work environment into national Labour Safety General Norms; elaboration of a national policy for prevention, to be based also upon the development of a communication system and upon training of labour inspectors; creation of a pilot centre in the health care field, to function as reference pattern for other sectors, by its results. The activities of this project have been unfolded under the co-ordination of the project managers - Mrs. Mariana BASUC, representing the Romanian party and Mr. JeanLoup KEENE, representing the French party - , of Mr. Jean-Claude BORDIER, the pre-accession counsellor, and of Mrs. Grigorita NAPAR, counterpart of the preaccession counsellor. Methodological guides have been drawn up within the framework of the objective concerning Elaboration of a national policy for prevention, mainly intended for labour inspectors, yet also for employers and workers representatives, as well as professionals who take an interest in risk prevention related to the exposure to chemical, biological and carcinogenic agents, to asbestos and noise. These guides, along with brochures, posters, stickers and training modules drawn up within the framework of this project, established the base of information and training material that is necessary in order to become aware of risks, as well as of measures to be taken in order to counteract adverse effects resulting from exposure to dangerous agents at work. The Labour Inspectorate of Romania seizes this opportunity to acknowledge the solicitude manifested by French experts within the Ministry of Employment and Solidarity and the National Institute for Research and Safety (INRS) in offering technical assistance to their Romanian counterparts, for the suitable completion of this project.
GUIDE FOR RISK PREVENTION RELATED TO EXPOSURE TO CHEMICAL AGENTS
SUMMARY
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PURPOSE OF THE GUIDE .... LEGISLATION. DEFINITIONS ... GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF CHEMICAL AGENTS ...... HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH CHEMICAL AGENTS Explosion and fire hazards .. Hazards for health ..
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CLASSIFICATION, LABELLING AND PACKAGING OF CHEMICAL AGENTS .. 5.1. Classification and warning graphic signs 5.2. Labelling . 5.3. Packaging ...
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SAFETY AND HEALTH SIGNS FOR CHEMICAL AGENTS 6.1. Signboards . 6.2. Signs on containers and pipes STORAGE, HANDLING AND TRANSPORT OF CHEMICAL AGENTS .... SOURCES OF INFORMATION CONCERNING CHEMICAL AGENTS PREVENTION OF RISKS RELATED TO THE EXPOSURE TO CHEMICAL AGENTS 9.1. General prevention principles 9.2. Stages of the process of prevention of risks related to the exposure to chemical agents . 9.3. Types of prevention measures HEALTH SURVEILLANCE ..
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GUIDE FOR RISKS PREVENTION RELATED TO EXPOSURE TO CHEMICAL AGENTS
Guide for risks prevention related to exposure to chemical agents
Description of chemical agents features
Elements of the national law regarding chemical agents
Methodology for the prevention of risks associated to chemical agents - General principles of prevention - Phases of prevention process - Hierarchy of preventive measures - Types of preventive measures
1. PURPOSE OF THE GUIDE
The purpose of this methodological guide is to inform and to provide practical advice to all the experts involved in the adoption of prevention measures necessary to eliminate or to reduce the effects generated by the exposure of workers to chemical agents at work, respectively to labour inspectors, employers, companys physicians, persons in charge with labour safety, members of the committees on safety and health protection at work. This guide has been drawn up within the framework of the Program entitled CREATION OF A SYSTEM OF HEALTH PROTECTION FOR WORKERS EXPOSED TO DANGEROUS AGENTS AT WORK, by experts of the Labour Inspectorate and of the National Research Institute for Labour Protection, further to the technical co-operation with the Ministry of Employment and Solidarity of France. The guide proposes a prevention approach, in accordance with the law in force in this field. Stimulated by the new provisions of law concerning safety and health at work, the experts and policy makers in this field are really willing to take action in view to reduce workers exposure to risks.
2. LEGISLATION. DEFINITIONS.
Legislation
Law No. 90/1996 for Labour Safety and Methodological Guidelines for its enforcement; General Norms for Labour Safety (GNLS) 1996(revised in 2002); Law No. 31/1991 regarding the settlement of working hours to 8 hours/day; Law No. 451/2001 for the approval of the Emergency Government Ordinance No. 200/2000 regarding the classification, labelling and packaging of dangerous chemical substances and preparations; Romanias Government Decision No. 1337/2001 regarding the modification and completion of Government Decision no. 261/2001 Criteria and methodology for framing workplaces; Romanias Government Decision No.436 regarding the settlement of workplaces or activities that give title to supplementary rest leave; Emergency Ordinance of Romanias Government No. 200/2000 regarding classification, labelling and packaging of hazardous chemical substances and preparations; Order for the approval of the Norms regarding medical surveillance of persons exposed to ionizing radiation; Order No. 225/1995 regarding the approval of the Norms for the use of personal protective equipment; Order No. 187/1998 regarding the approval of the Regulations for the organisation and functioning of the Committee for safety and health at work ; Order No. 615/2001 of the Ministry of Health and Family regarding the organisation of occupational health care services; Decision No. 37/1998 regarding the dispositions of Appendix No. 2 to the Decree 466/1979 regarding the regime of toxic products and substances; Romanian Standards: 13253/1996 Packaging. Labelling of dangerous chemical substances and products; STAS 5055/1/1991 Packaging. Loads marking; STAS 5055/2/1991 Packaging. Warning graphic symbols; STAS ISO 780/1991 Packaging. Graphic symbols concerning handling of goods.
Definitions
Chemical agent any chemical element or compound, on its own or admixed, as it occurs in the natural state or as produced, used or released, including release as waste, from any activity, whether produced intentionally or not, and whether placed on the market or not. Dangerous chemical agent i) any chemical agent that meets the classification criteria for dangerous substances, according to the criteria provided by the Law 451/2001, other than those substances which only meet the criteria for classification as dangerous to the environment; ii) any chemical agent that meets the classification criteria for dangerous preparations, within the meaning of the Law 451/2001, other than those preparations which only meet the criteria for classification as dangerous to the environment; iii) any chemical agent which, whilst not meeting the criteria for the classification as dangerous in accordance with i) and ii), may present a risk to the workers safety and health - because of its physico-chemical, chemical or toxicological properties and of the way in which it is used or present at the workplace, including any chemical agent for which occupational exposure limits have been set according to law. Occupational exposure limit means, unless otherwise specified, the limit of the time-weighted average, for a determined period (duration of a working shift or short term 15 min), of the concentration of such chemical agent in the air, within the workers breathing zone. Biological limit of a chemical agent - means the limit concentration of such agent in the appropriate biological environment, of its metabolite or effect indicator. Admissible limit for dusts - dust concentration within the breathing zone of an worker, corresponding to a working shift (determination for the entire duration of the working shift or time-weighted average of several determinations corresponding to technological steps). The dust (or fibres) fractions are defined as follows: inhaling dust fraction, corresponding to the fraction retained at the level of the upper breathing apparatus; breathing dust fraction, including particles with diameter of less than 10 m, which are retained at the level of the pulmonary alveoli. The admissible limits for dusts are laid down in GNLS.
Free crystalline SiO2 (total dust) physico-chemical determination, from the dust retained on a cellulose esters filter, further to the aspiration of an air volume at the workers breathing zone level. For breathing dust, the determination is done on the filter, using a device called cyclone. Fibre - particle having length over 5 m and diameter less than 3 m, with a length/diameter ratio greater than, or equal to 3/1. Means of production the aggregate of labour means (buildings, installations, machines, tools, transport means, etc.) and labour objects (raw materials, intermediate products) used in the process of production of material goods. Working environment the ensemble of physical, chemical, biological and psycho-social conditions in which one or more operators perform their work task. Hazard the source of, or the situation with potential negative effects on the state of health, on material goods, on environment or on all of the above. Risk the combination between the probability of occurrence of one hazard and the seriousness of its consequences. Substance a chemical element and its compounds, as they occur in the natural state or as obtained by any production process, including any additive necessary to preserve the stability of the product and any impurity deriving from the procedure used, but excluding any solvent which may be separated without affecting the stability of the substance and modifying its composition Preparation - mixtures or solutions of two or more substances; EINECS European inventory of existing commercial substances. This inventory includes the final list of all substances that were placed on the Community market on September 18th, 1981.
3. GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF CHEMICAL AGENTS

Chemical agent - any chemical element or compound, as such or admixed, in the natural state or produced, utilised or released by any work activity, including release as waste, whether or not produced intentionally, and whether or not placed on the market. Characteristics of the chemical agents wide-spread - may be found in many places, ranging from offices where a duplicator is functioning, generating ozone and toner dust, to large industrial plants; great variety it is difficult to approximate the number of chemical agents currently on the market but, according to certain sources, such number exceeds one hundred thousand substances or preparations, with a wide variety of properties; capacity to migrate, sometimes over long distances from the source, depending on air currents, landscape, nature of each particular chemical agent. Airborne dusts may float from the place where they were generated or used towards other workplaces. Solvent vapours may encounter flammable sources along their path, for instance, generating fire/explosion hazards. capacity to accumulate: - in space, especially in closed, unventilated areas. Methane gas, for instance, is lighter than air and may accumulate in the upper zones of workplaces, generating explosion or fire hazards; - in the organism: certain substances accumulate in tissues, while their elimination is very difficult or impossible. Strontium accumulates in the osseous tissue, while cadmium accumulates in kidneys. ample range of effects: - on the state of health (toxicological effects); - on the environment (eco-toxicological effects); - other effects (fire, explosions, corrosiveness);
incompatibility: substances for which the simultaneous presence at the workplace, or during storage or transport should be avoided, because the reactions that occur between them result in very dangerous/flammable/explosive compounds. For instance, strong acids react violently with alkalis, organic matters react with peroxides favouring explosions and fires, etc; synergistic effect: the cumulative effect of several noxious substances on the same organism/organ. The above mentioned features must to be taken into account when: - identifying hazards; - assessing risks; - determining and implementing preventive measures.
Presence of chemical agents at the workplace Chemical agents may be : used as means of production during the work process; generated during the work process, whether on purpose or not, on permanent basis or occasionally, as : - end / secondary products; - emissions into the working environment; - wastes. Risk prevention measures should take into account all forms in which chemical agents may be present at the workplace.
Fig. 1 - Chemical agents at the workplace
Procurement
Technological process
End products: storage; delivery.
Wastes MP MP MP
Reusable
Non-reusable
MP
E E
Recovery
MP
Neutralization
MP chemical agents as means of production E chemical agents as emissions into the work environment WARNING !
Final disposal
Exposure to chemical agents might also occur during the stages of transportation, handling, maintenance.
State of aggregation Chemical agents may exist in the form of: - gases: for instance, oxygen, carbon monoxide, nitrogen; - liquids: acid solutions, bases solutions, solvents; - solids: calcium oxide (lime), sodium hydroxide (caustic soda), silica oxide (sand). Chemical agents may also be found as matters in suspension: - dusts: airborne solid matters, generated by mechanical processes or by vortex; - fumes: airborne solid matters, generated by thermal and/or chemical processes; - mist (aerosols): liquid matters in suspension, generated by condensation and dispersion. The state in which chemical agents are found should to be taken into consideration when identifying ways of penetration into the organism and determining individual and collective protective measures.
4. HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH CHEMICAL AGENTS

4.1. Explosion and fire hazards E explosiveness Explosive Not only substances used as explosives (which are subject to special regulations and norms), yet other substances also, either gases, liquids or solids, may cause explosions when in mixture with air, within certain limits of concentration. Lower and upper explosive limits represent the range of concentrations where the mixture between the substance and the air explodes while in the presence of an ignition source. Explosive limits for gases and vapours are expressed in percentage of volume (% V/V) For instance, benzene has the explosion limits between 1,2 - 8% (within this range of concentration, the mixture benzene-air may explode in the presence of an ignition source). Explosive limits for solids are expressed in mg/cm. Inflammable solids may represent an explosion hazard when spread in air, in the form of dust. The values of explosive limits may be found in specialised literature and Safety Data Sheets.
F+ F F
flammability
Extremely flammable Highly flammable Flammable
flash (point) temperature = the lowest temperature (at standard pressure), at which a liquid substance releases an amount of vapours that is sufficient to form with air a mixture which is flammable in contact with a flame or a spark. The lower its flash point, the more flammable the substance is.
ignition (point) temperature = temperature starting from which the ignition initiated into a flammable mixture persists and propagates. The ignition point is higher than the flash point (with a few Celsius degrees).
Flammable substances are characterised in accordance with their flash temperature (point). The following indicative ranges of flash temperatures may be used for chemical agents: - flammable - flash temperature above 21C ; - highly flammable - flash temperature ranging between 0 - 21C (or solid substances that ignite spontaneously into the air or that easily ignite in contact with an ignition source and continue to burn after the removal of such source); - extremely inflammable - liquids with flash temperature bellow 0C and a boiling point bellow 35C. The following scheme associating flash temperatures to usual temperatures may be used, as an indication for flammable liquids:
Flash temperature (oC) 55 21 0 Flammable : 21 C t i 55 C

o o o
Usual temperature (oC) Current warm water temp. Normal temp. Water freezing temp.
Highly flammable : toi 21oC Extremely flammable: toi 0oC and boiling point 35oC
Fig. 2 Flash temperatures for liquids
There are substances which self-ignite in contact with air, even in the absence of an ignition source (flame, spark, overheated surfaces) . self-ignition temperature = the lowest temperature at which a substance ignites spontaneously in contact with air, while combustion continues even in the absence of an ignition source (flame or spark).
Data concerning ignition / combustion / self-ignition temperatures are to be found in specialised literature and Safety Data Sheets.
O
Oxidising substances
Oxidising
These substances can evolve oxygen, element which maintains combustion and causes fires when in contact with flammable materials, in the presence of a source of ignition. Examples of oxidising substances: chlorates, perchlorates, nitrates, chromic acid, hydrogen peroxide, peroxides, etc. 4.2. Hazards for health
T+ T Xn
toxicity
Very toxic Toxic Harmful
Toxicity may be defined as the feature of a chemical agent that gives rise to adverse effects on the state of health. Classification of chemical agents according to their toxicity level
The toxicity of chemical agents is assessed in accordance with the lethal dose, determined by laboratory tests on animals. The most utilised parameters for quantifying the results of such tests are the following: - LD 50 = the dose of a substance that caused the death of 50% of the test animals. It is expressed in mg of substance per Kg of the tested animal bodyweight. - LC 50 = the concentration of a substance in air that caused the death of 50% of the test animals, which has been exposed over a determined period of time. It is expressed in mg of substance per litre of air.
The following values have been settled for the classification of chemical agents from the point of view of toxicity: Category of chemical agent Highly toxic Toxic Harmful LD 50 (oral in rat) LD 50 (dermal in rabbit) LC 50 (dermal in rat, over a period of 4 hours) mg/l <0,25 0,25-1 1- 5
mg/kg bodyweight <25 25-200 200 - 2000
mg/kg bodyweight <50 50-400 400 - 2000
There are three routes of entry through which chemical agents may enter the body:
Inhalation
Skin contact
Ingestion
Inhalation is the penetration into the body by inhaling substances in the form of: - gases; - vapours; - powders. Contact with skin and mucous membranes consists of the absorption into the organism by contact with: - substances; - materials; - impregnated protective equipment. Ingestion is a route of entry mainly encountered in case of: - accidents (a substance is taken for food, e.g. sugar, salt); - non-observance of working norms (e.g. aspiring by mouth through the pipette, identification of substances by taste) - non-observance of hygiene norms (eating or smoking with contaminated hands) .
Occupational exposure limit values
The occupational exposure limit value represents, in the case of chemical agents, the concentration of agent into the atmosphere of the workplace, which may be inhaled by an worker, over a determined period, without the risk of alteration of his/her state of health, even if sometimes may occur reversible, tolerable physiologic modifications. In practice, compliance with the limit values must be a minimal objective, while the employer has the obligation to reduce the level of exposure to the lowest value practically achievable. According to the definition laid down in the regulations in force: the occupational exposure limit value represents the time-weighted average of the concentration of a chemical agent in the air, for a determined period (over the duration of a working shift or short term - 15 min.), within the breathing zone of the worker.
The occupational exposure limit values are standardised and expressed in: mg substance /m3air - for gases, liquids and powders;
no. of fibers/cm3air - for fibres.
The occupational exposure limit values are measured using methods which are standardised or homologated by the authorised/specialised labs. The exposure limit values are to be found in the Safety Data Sheets.
C
corrosiveness
Corrosive
Corrosive agents attack living tissues, causing in-depth destruction (chemical burns). The mainly affected parts are the skin and the nasal, ocular and buccal mucous membranes, while the gastro-intestinal tract is also injured, with very serious consequences, in case of ingestion. Corrosiveness has also effects on materials, representing an important factor when it comes to selecting materials for the execution of storage tanks, technologic and auxiliary installations, as well as the storage containers for corrosive wastes. Substances with pH values ranging between 1-2 and 12-14 are generally considered corrosive. The most common corrosive substances are strong acids and alkalis, yet the same class includes oxidative compounds (e.g. certain peroxides).
Xi
irritating feature
Irritant
The irritating feature of chemical agents appears: at skin level, from itching to smarting pain or burning; at eye level, with different effects depending on the product (alkalis are more dangerous than acids): conjunctivitis, keratitis and even disorders of sight; at bronchi level, where giving rise to breathing discomfort, accompanied or not by cough, and even to more serious diseases, such as pulmonary oedema, etc.
For instance, diluted solutions of corrosive agents may have an irritant feature, depending on their concentration.
5.CLASSIFICATION, LABELLING AND PACKAGING OF CHEMICAL AGENTS
5.1 Classification and hazard graphic signs
From safety and health at work point of view, It is important to know what kind of hazards are associated with a chemical agent. This imposed a classification of chemical agents, in order to underline these very aspects. For each class of chemical agents have been set : name, using a recognised term; definition, specifying the types of substances pertaining to that specific class ; warning graphic symbol, allowing a safe and rapid identification of the class that particular chemical agent pertains to. The warning graphic symbol includes: - danger symbol, consisting of one pictogram; - letter sign, consisting of one letter / one letter and the sign + / or two letters (of which the first is a capital one). The graphic sign contributes to the unmistakable identification of the classes of chemical agents which have the same danger symbol ; - indication of danger, consisting of one or two words that describe the hazard. In certain cases, the same symbol is used for several classes of agents, e.g. symbols for toxic or harmful substances also apply to substances which belong to the classes of: sensitisers, carcinogens, mutagens, toxic for reproduction .
Romania adopted by law the international provisions regarding the classification of chemical agents, while including the corresponding warning graphic symbols into a national standard.
explosives: solid, liquid, paste or gelatinous substances and preparations which may react exothermically, without atmospheric, thereby producing immediately gases emissions and which, under defined test conditions, detonate, quickly deflagrate or, upon heating, explode when partially confined; E
This symbol, along with the word explosive, is assigned to substances which may explode when in the presence of a flame, or if subject to shock or friction.
Explosive oxidizing: substances and preparations which, in contact with other substances, particularly flammable ones, give rise to a highly exothermic reaction; O
This symbol, along with the word oxidising denotes substances which evolve oxygen, being thus capable to cause or maintain the combustion of combustible materials.
Oxidising
extremely flammable: liquid chemical substances and preparations with a low boiling-point, as well as gaseous substances and preparations which are flammable in contact with air, at ambient temperature and pressure; F+
This symbol, along with the words extremely flammable is assigned to substances (products) that may catch fire under the action of source of energy Extremely flammable (flame, spark, etc.), even at temperatures bellow 0C.
Remark: There is an inconsistency between the indication of danger used for the classification and the one accompanying the graphic symbol, according to the Romanian standard, which uses the terms Very flammable [in Romanian: Foarte inflamabil].
highly flammable: substances and preparations which may become hot and finally catch fire in contact with air, at ambient temperature, without any application of energy, or solid substances and preparations which may readily catch fire after brief contact with an source of ignition and which continue to burn or to be consumed after removal of that source or liquid substances and preparations having a very low flash point or substances and preparations which, in contact with water or damp air, release highly flammable gases, in dangerous quantities; F
This symbol along with the words highly flammable is assigned to substances (products) which may ignite in normal transport conditions or in contact with air.
Highly flammable Remark: There is an inconsistency between the indication of danger used for the classification and the one accompanying the graphic symbol, according to the Romanian standard, which uses the terms Easily flammable [in Romanian: Usor inflamabil]. flammable: liquid substances and preparations with a low flash-point ; F
This symbol along with the word flammable is assigned to substances (products) which may ignite under the action of a source of energy (flame, spark, etc), at ambient temperature.
Flammable
Remark: International regulations do not provide a warning graphic symbol for this class.
very toxic: substances and preparations which, upon inhalation, ingestion or dermal penetration in very small amounts, may cause either death or acute or chronic damage to health;
T+
Very toxic
This symbol, along with the words very toxic, is assigned to substances (products) which may cause, depending on the quantity, irreversible effects after one single exposure, serious effects on health after repeated or extensive exposure, as well as mutagenic, carcinogenic or teratogenic effects upon inhalation, ingestion or skin penetration.
toxic: substances and preparations which, in low amounts, may cause death, or acute or chronic damage to health, upon inhalation, ingestion or dermal penetration;
Toxic
This symbol along with the word toxic is assigned to substances (products) which may cause, depending on the quantity, irreversible effects after one single exposure, serious effects on health after repeated or extensive exposure, as well as mutagenic, carcinogenic or teratogenic effects by inhalation, ingestion or skin penetration.
harmful: substances and preparations which may cause death, or acute or chronic damage to health, upon inhalation, ingestion or dermal penetration ;
Xn
Harmful
This symbol, along with the word harmful, is assigned to substances (products) which may cause, depending on the quantity, irreversible effects after one single exposure, serious effects on health after repeated or extensive exposure, as well as mutagenic, carcinogenic or teratogenic effects by inhalation, ingestion or skin penetration.
corrosive: substances and preparations which, in contact with living tissues, have a destructive action on the latter.
This symbol, along with the word corrosive, is present on the labels of substances which exert destructive action on living tissues, skin, mucous membranes.
Corrosive
irritant: non-corrosive substances and preparations which, through immediate, prolonged or repeated contact with the skin or mucous membranes, may cause an inflammatory reaction; Xi
Irritant
This symbol, along with the word irritant, appear written on the label of substances (preparations) that may cause inflammatory reactions of integuments, mucous membranes, respiratory ways, as well as allergies, eczema.
sensitisers: substances and preparations which, upon inhalation or dermal penetration, may elicit a reaction of hypersensitization such that, in case of prolonged exposure, may produce characteristic adverse effects; carcinogens: substances and preparations which, upon inhalation, ingestion or dermal penetration, may induce the appearance of carcinogenic affections or increase their incidence; mutagens: substances and preparations which, upon inhalation, ingestion or dermal penetration, may cause heritable genetic anomalies or increase their incidence; reproductive toxins: preparations and substances which, upon inhalation, ingestion or dermal penetration, may produce or increase the incidence of non-heritable adverse effects in the progeny or may impair male or female reproductive functions or capacities, or may damage male or female reproductive functions or capacity. 5.2. Labelling
These have not their own, specific symbol. One of the following symbols is used, as the case may be: T+
Very toxic T
Toxic Xn
Harmful
Labels allow the first identification and supply essential information concerning the potential risks of chemical substances. More detailed information than those displayed on the label are necessary for the utilisation without risks of chemical substances, information that are to be found in the safety data sheet.
The basic elements of a label refers to : - identification of chemical agent Chemical substances have in many cases synonym scientific names, technical and popular names (these are laid down in the safety data sheets). It is recommended to use an internationally recognised name in order to ensure proper identification.
- hazard/risk identification The types of hazards associated with a chemical agent are specified by warning graphic symbol and by risk phrases. In the case of risk symbols that are used for several classes of substances (for instance, symbols for hazardous substances used for carcinogens, mutagens, etc.), risk phrases allow a unambiguous classification of the chemical agent in the pertaining class. There are 64 risk phrases (while Community regulations provide 68 phrases) and 56 combinations (Community regulations provide 57 combinations).
Examples of risk phrases and combinations:

R1 Explozive when dry; R45 May cause cancer R23 Toxic by inhalation; R47 May cause mutagenic effects R15/29 Contact with water liberates toxic, extremely gases
The four risk phrases that have not yet been adopted by national regulations are: R 65 Harmful : may cause lung damage if swallowed; R 66 Repeated exposure may cause skin dryness and cracking ; R 67 Vapours may cause drowsiness and dizziness ; R 68 Possible irreversible effects. - identification of safety measures The safety measures are indicated briefly by safety phrases. There are 62 safety phrases (while Community regulations provide 64 phrases) and 18 combinations (Community regulations provide 19 combinations).
Examples of safety phrases and combinations:

S3 Keep in a cool place; S 22 Do not breathe dust S33 Take precautionary measures against static discharges S36/37 Wear suitable protective clothing and gloves
The two safety phrases that have not yet been adopted by national regulations are: S 63 In case of accident by inhalation: remove casualty to fresh air and keep at rest. S 64 If swallowed, rinse mouth with water (only if the person is conscious). The label of a chemical substance or dangerous product must compulsory include the following elements : Name of the substance or an internationally recognised designation; Name, full address and telephone number of the person responsible for placing the substance or preparation on the market, whether it be the manufacturer, the importer or the distributor; Danger symbols and, if the case be, indication of the dangers involved in the use of the substance; Standard phrases specific to the use of dangerous substances, indicating risks which may arise when using the substance (R-phrases) . Safety standard phrases indicating recommendations concerning caution in using the dangerous substance (S-phrases). Assignment of EEC number obtained from EINECS, when allocated.
Label
Xn
Harmful
2 3 S.C. ROCHIM S.A. Str. Vederii, nr. 7, Cluj Tel.: 011.23.23.23 3
Highly flammable
1 4
TOLUEN Highly flammable Harmful by inhalation
Keep away from ignition sources. No smoking Avoid contact with eyes. Fig. 3 Amplasarea datelor ce figureaz obligatoriu pe etichet 5 Do not dispose through the sewer system Take precautionary measures against static electricity discharges.
Name of the product ATENIE! La transvazare, eticheta recipienilor secundari trebuie s 2 Name and address of the manufacturer reproduc eticheta recipientului primar.
3 4 5
Symbols of main dangers associated with the product Risk phrases Safety phrases
Share the product
... replicate the label! Fig. 5 Labelling of primary and secondary containers
Labelling peculiarities In cases when several danger symbols are assigned to a chemical agent, the first two ones are to be chosen, in the decreasing order of risk level. The danger which has the highest risk level is to be located on the right side of the label, while the danger with the lowest risk level is to be located on the left side.
The obligation to indicate the graphic symbol: - T makes the symbols C, Xn i Xi optional; - C makes the symbols Xn, i Xi optional; - E makes the symbols F i O optional.
Xi
Xn Xi O
C Xn F
T C E
The risk level is decreasing
Fig. 6. Hierarchy of danger symbols depending on the risk level
Risk phrases and safety phrases need not be given for irritant, flammable and explosive chemical agents , if:
Risk phrases Safety phrases - are packed in containers of less than - are packed in containers of less than 0,125 l; 0,125 l; - the wording of phrases is identical to the warning symbol. Example: F
Flammable R11 Highly flammable
5.3
Packaging
In accordance with the law in force, placing on the market of chemical agents is allowed only if the following requirements for packaging are complied with: to be so designed and constructed as to avoid any loss of contents by handling, transport and storage ; the materials used for the manufacturing of packaging and fastenings must not be susceptible to adverse attack by the contents, nor liable to form dangerous compounds with the latter; packaging and fastening systems must be strong and resistant in order to avoid any leakage and to comply with the safety criteria under normal handling circumstances; packaging and fastening systems fitted for refastening shall be so designed that they can be refastened repeatedly without leakage of contents; packaging must be initially sealed in such manner that its violation is visible when opening the packaging, while the seal is irremediably damaged once opened for the first time.
6. SAFETY AND HEALTH SIGNS FOR CHEMICAL AGENTS In accordance with the regulations in force, the employer has the obligation to provide and check the existence of appropriate safety and/or health signs and signals at the workplace. The number and location of signalling devices must correspond to the importance of risks or hazards or to the work area. Signs and signals may be: - permanent: signboards, colours, labels; - occasional: illuminated sign, acoustic signal, verbal communication, gesture-signal. WARNING! Signs relating to prohibitions, warnings, mandatory requirements or those concerning the location and identification of life-preserving or first-aid means must be of the permanent kind.
6.1 Signboards Hazards related to chemical agents are signalled by different types of permanent signs, such as:
Prohibition signboards
No smoking
Smoking and naked flames forbidden
Do not extinguish with water
No access for pedestrians
No access for unauthorised persons
Warning signboards
Explosive material
Flammable materials or high temperature
Oxidizing materials
Toxic material
Corrosive material
Harmful or irritant material
Mandatory signboards
Eye protection must be worn
Respiratory equipment must be worn
Face protection must be worn
Safety overalls must be worn
Safety boots must be worn
Safety gloves must be worn
Emergency escape or first-aid signboards
First-aid post
Stretcher
Safety shower
Eyewash
Signboards relating to materials of equipment for fire prevention and fire fighting
Fire hose
Ladder
Fire extinguisher
Emergency fire telephone
Occasional signs and signals may also be used, as case be, depending on the specific features of the workplace.
6.2. Signs on containers and pipes The followings items containing chemical agents must be signalled with labels including a pictogram or symbol against a coloured background: Containers used at work; Containers used for storage; Visible pipes. Signs must be mounted as follows : - on the visible side(s); - in sufficiently repetitive mode (especially for pipes); - in unpliable, self-adhesive or painted form.
The sole background colour may be used when it is sufficient to identify the group of the chemical agent. Examples of background colours:
Water Steam Acids/alkalis
Oils and liquid fuels
Fuel gases
Additional signs should be used when a more detailed identification of the agent is required.
7. STORAGE, HANDLING AND TRANSPORT OF CHEMICAL AGENTS
Responsibilities The employer is responsible for carrying out activities related to storage, handling and transport of chemical agents, as for other activity, in such way as to provide safety and health at work. Location for warehouses The location of warehouses must be: of easy access for vehicles, including those with large size: transport vehicles, fire-fighters vehicles, etc; as far as possible, from working and residential areas. Open deposits for chemical agents where powders are generated during handling shall be located at distances of 20 m from industrial buildings and 50 m from social and sanitary buildings of an industrial complex; organised for distinct classes of products, identifiable without any risk of confusion, using labelling classification, e.g. flammable products, corrosive products, etc.
Warehouses management/ organisation It is advisable to establish a storage plan with the exact locations for different classes of products and to keep a clear record of stock piles, that would allow, in case of fire or emergency, rapid information about: the nature of products; the quantity in store for each product; the places of storage.
The storage of chemical agents shall be so organised that the risk of accident, fire and explosion is excluded. Chemical agents that are not explosive, flammable, oxidising or corrosive substances, and packed in boxes, bags or bales shall be stored in piles with interwoven rows. Storage of chemical agents on shelves and stands shall be made in such way as to avoid their fall. The maximum allowed load, which must not be exceeded, shall be inscribed in a visible spot.
The gross weight is mentioned directly on packages or on labels.
Warehouse organisation
Warehouse for chemical agents
Corrosion resistance The containers for the storage of chemical agents must be corrosion-resistant.
Marking Warehouses for chemical agent must be identified using signboards with clear indications regarding the nature of the stored product. In the case of tanks, it is advisable to mark their storage volume. The sewer system serving the warehouses must also be easily identifiable.
Filling control Each tank or cistern must be equipped with a gauge in order to allow filling level control. Retention vats Tanks or cisterns must be provided with retention vats which must: - be constructed with a material that is resistant to the stored product; - have a capacity at least equal to that of the tank; - allow the discharge of rain waters, without mixing with the stored product. Earthing All tanks and fixed cisterns containing flammable substances must be earthed. Products segregation Certain products may react violently with other substances they are incompatible with. For instance, flammable substances may react violently with oxidising agents, causing fire risk. It is advisable to store together chemical agents belonging to the same class.
Scheme for the storage of chemical agents depending on specific hazards: 0 + Must not be stored together Must not be stored together, unless specific precautionary measures are taken May be stored together
WARNING! Corrosive chemical agents may destroy packages of other substances, and thus must be stored separatly.
The segregation of the classes of chemical agents may be achieved by: - storage of incompatible chemical agents at sufficiently long distances; - storage in different premises or in confined compartments; - storage of flammable products in special cupboards; - storage in outdoor areas, with natural ventilation.
Warehouse ventilation Indoor warehouses must be adequately ventilated. Warehouses must have natural ventilation, with air inlet in the lower zone of the room and air outlet on the opposite side of the room, in the upper area. If mechanical ventilation of storehouses for explosive/flammable products is necessary, its construction shall be in flameproof system.
Lighting, heating, transport and maintenance equipment All equipment used in warehouses for flammable chemical agents must comply with regulations regarding the fire and explosive risk zones - flameproof system. Arrangements for emergency situations - fire fight and first-aid devices must be available in accessible locations, properly signalled; - escape routes must be clear of obstacles and properly signalled.
Handling and transport of chemical agents
It is advisable to draw up a procedure for loading/unloading of chemical agents, specifying the obligations of the carrier and of the person who takes delivery. Such procedure shall also include the plan for vehicle circulation within the undertaking, mode of operation, personal protection and emergency measures. Loading/unloading and storage areas for caustic, corrosive or toxic chemical agents shall be provided with neutralisation solutions and with water supply, respectively washing showers.
Workers who participate to the handling and transport of chemical agents must be properly trained and taught about their working tasks as well as with regard to: - risks associated with handling/transport of chemical agents; - preventive measures; - dangerous wastes disposal; - action plan in case of emergencies or fire; - first-aid measures. All containers storing chemical agents have to be properly labelled.
WARNING!
When transferring chemical agents, secondary containers labels must replicate the label of the primary container.
Transport labelling Containers, movable cisterns and other means used for the transport of chemical agents must be properly labelled.
Flammable gases and liquids
Oxidizing substances
Toxic substances
Preventive measures for chemical agents storage, handling and transport must also be observed in the case of chemical wastes.
WARNING!
Do not mix wastes of different classes in the same container! Containers in which wastes of unknown composition were stored must be labelled general hazard.
8. SOURCES OF INFORMATION CONCERNING CHEMICAL AGENTS

Label The label represents the first source of information source relating to a chemical agent. Information provided by label constitute the minimum that is necessary for a rapid identification of hazards and safety measures.
Safety Data Sheets Safety data sheets provide more detailed information than labels, regarding the risks associated with chemical agents. According to the law in force, Safety Data Sheets have the following structure:
SAFETY DATA SHEET 1. Identification of substance. Manufacturer/Importer/User/Carrier 2. Composition/information about ingredients 3. Hazards identification (ignition and explosion) 4. First aid 5. Fire fighting measures 6. Accidental release measures 7. Handling and storage 8. Contaminants level control/personal protection 9. Physical and chemical properties 10. Stability and reactivity 11. Toxicological information
12. Ecological information. Product risk assessment to environment, persistence and biodegradability, toxicity 13. Considerations concerning disposal (retention, neutralisation, discharge etc.) 14. Transport information 15. Special regulatory information 16. Other information Safety Data Sheets must be at the employers disposal, to enable him to make them available to the labour health and safety specialists, to the members of the health and safety at work committee, to the labour medicine physician, to labour inspectors.
General Norms for Labour Safety General Norms for Labour Safety represent the basis for measures to be taken for the prevention of professional illnesses and accidents.
Specific safety at work regulations Specific safety at work regulations lay down in detail the measures for the prevention of the operators accident-generating behaviour for specific types of activity in the national economy. The list of the activities for which specific regulations are drawn up is set by the Labour Protection Law. Own safety at work instructions Own safety at work instructions include provisions concerning the safety at work measures aimed to eliminate the operators accident-generating behaviour, providing details and adapting the Specific Safety at Work Regulations to actual circumstances. The instructions are reviewed periodically, workers being informed about eventual changes.
9. PREVENTION OF RISKS RELATED TO THE EXPOSURE TO CHEMICAL AGENTS
9.1. General prevention principles In order to set measures to ensure health and safety at work, the employer must be aware of and apply the following general principles of prevention: - avoiding risks; - evaluating the risks which cannot be avoided; - combating the risks at source; - adapting the work to the individual, especially as regards the design of workplaces, the choice of technical equipment and working methods, in order to alleviate work monotony and to settle predetermined work-rates and to reduce their effect on health; - adapting to technical progress; - replacing dangerous by non-hazardous or the less dangerous; - developing a coherent and comprehensive prevention policy, covering technologies, organisation of work, working conditions, social relationships and influence of environment factors; - giving priority to collective protective measures over individual protective measures; - providing appropriate instructions to the workers. Participants Risks prevention is a complex process, requiring the participation of: - employer; - safety and health at work and occupational health-care professionals within the undertaking; - representatives of the workers; - workers.
HIERARCHY OF PREVENTIVE MEASURES PRIMARY MEASURES
RISK
INDIVIDUAL
ELIMINATION OF RISKS
MEASURES MUST AIM PRIMARILY AT THE SOURCE OF RISK FACTORS SECONDARY MEASURES
RISK
INDIVIDUAL ISOLATION OF RISKS

RISK FACTORS PERSIST, BUT THEIR ACTION ON PEOPLE IS AVOIDED OR REDUCED BY COLLECTIVE PROTECTIVE MEASURES TERTIARY MEASURES
RISK
INDIVIDUAL
AVOIDING RISKS
INTERACTION BETWEEN RISK FACTORS AND PEOPLE IS AVOIDED BY ORGANISATIONAL MEASURES AND BEHAVIOUR REGULATIONS QUATERNARY MEASURES
RISK
INDIVIDUAL
ISOLATION OF THE INDIVIDUAL LIMITATION OF THE ACTION OF RISK FACTORS IS ACHIEVED BY PERSONAL PROTECTION
9.2. Stages of the process of prevention of risks related to the exposure to chemical agents The prevention of the exposure to chemical risks may be achieved by going over the following phases: I. Risk identification: 1. Nature of risk: - contact (dermatosis, burns); - inhalation (intoxication, asphyxia); - ingestion (intoxication). 2. Risk location: - delivery; - storage; - circulation; - place of use; - implicated neighbourhoods; - disposal/recycling. 3. Work phases: - technological operations; - transport; - handling; - maintenance. 4. Number of exposed workers: - users; - personnel in charge with transport, handling, neutralisation and disposal of chemical agents; - workers working in proximity of the risk area. 5. Interaction with other risks: - fire/explosion; - external activities (loading, unloading, maintenance); - traffic; - electrical; - carcinogenic; - thermal (working environment).
II. Risk assessment: 1. Intrinsic severity ; - cephalgia; - dermatosis; - burns; - allergic reactions; - intoxication/poisoning; - reversible/irreversible organic lesions (liver, lungs, eyes etc.); - death. 2. Exposure intensity: Depending on: - nature of product; - quantity in use; - interaction between products. 3. Frequency of exposure: - permanent; - occasional/discontinuous; - rare. 4. Measurement necessity - measurement of chemical agents concentrations and comparison with occupational exposure limit values; - medical tests and comparison between their results and biological limit values. Remark: Three methods for assessment of risks of accident and occupational diseases have been published In Romania. III. Setting and enforcement of risk prevention measures: 1. Elimination of risks: - substitution of the dangerous chemical agent with a non-dangerous one ; - substitution of the dangerous technology with a non-dangerous one.
2. Risk limitation: Limitation of: - number of exposed workers; - chemical agents which are used; - exposure (at the lowest possible level and for the shortest possible duration). 3. Collective protection: - enclosed-system work; - local gathering of vapours, aerosols, gases and powders, at source; - maintaining collective protection devices in good working condition; - ventilation of the workplace. 4. Personal protection: - endowment with personal protective equipment: adequate masks, gloves, clothes, shoes, respiratory devices, etc; - maintaining personal protection equipment in good working condition; - decontamination of protective equipment ; - segregation of work clothes from street clothing; - showers, eyewash stations. 5. Information and training: - training and periodical general instruction concerning safety issues; - safety data sheets and lists of products to be used; - general signalling; - specific signalling of locations/premises with high levels of risk; - signalling by conventional colours ; - labelling according to standards; - job description and instruction cards. 6. Procedures and rules for: - intervention (gas pipe, vats, tanks); - transfer (filling out) and reconditioning; - organisation of surveillance/monitoring; - fire fight, evacuation; - action plans in case of accidents/emergencies; - fire permit and other special permits/authorisations.
7. Work organisation: Organisation, depending on risks, of: - jobs; - procurement; - transport and handling of products; - storage; - maintenance. 8. Health monitoring: - lists of jobs which require special health monitoring; - medical examination before, during and post employment; - attestation of the fact that there are no health counter-indications for the worker to be employed for the solicited job ; - making evident medical situations which require compliance with restrictions regarding the exposure to chemical agents (pregnancy, etc.) 9. First aid: - organisation of adequate first-aid service; - posting up contact data of the occupational health care physician and of the ambulance service; - training of rescuers; - periodic exercise; - first-aid kits .
9.3. Types of prevention measures
Collective protective measures Risk minimisation, at source Risks associated with chemical agents may be eliminated or reduced by : Substitution of the chemical agent with a less dangerous one. The substance that is chosen as a substitute may be preferred to the one that is replaced from the point of view of one of the hazards (e.g. toxicity), yet its use may require a most thorough control from the point of view of other hazards (e.g. flammability). For instance, benzene - a carcinogenic material - may be substitute by toluene, which is less toxic, yet more flammable, this latter aspect requiring adequate measures of control.
Substitution of technology with another one, involving a lower level of risk, represents a very efficient way to ensure safety and health for workers. For instance, the substitution of the application of certain chemical agents (dies, resins, asbestos) by spraying/pulverisation with other processes may reduce the level of the exposure. Automation represents a way to : - reduce/eliminate the time of exposure of the worker; - reduce the number of exposed workers. Automation allows the elimination of the human errors and eventually a better control of working parameters. Even if the investment is higher, processes automation brings positive results on long term, in terms of productivity and quality, as well as regarding safety and health at work. Automation set limits to the presence of the human factor but does not exclude it entirely, while operation and maintenance personnel of automated installations must be adequately skilled. Enclosed-system processing allows the isolation of the sources of emission of chemical agents from the working environment, thus limiting the exposure of workers. In the case of enclosed equipment, an efficient discharge of contaminants must be provided, in order to avoid local accumulations which represent fire or intoxication hazards. Ventilation In situations when it is not possible to control the contamination of the working environment by the elimination of emitting sources or by their efficient isolation through enclosed-system processing, it is necessary to provide: - local exhaust ventilation installations ; - general ventilation installations, when the emitting sources are mobile or dispersed and local exhaust ventilation is not possible/sufficient. The ventilation system must: - be efficient, thus providing at least compliance with the limit values for chemical agents ; - not to induce new risks or to transfer risks towards other areas ; - not to lead to discomfort or negative effects on health.
In order to observe the above mentioned requirements, the ventilation system should: - be suitable for the chemical agent for which it was designed (e.g. flameproof systems must be used for flammable or explosive substances); - avoid contact between incompatible chemical agents; - allow efficient captation of contaminants, as near as possible to source (since the stage of their design, technical equipment should be provided with efficient captation systems); - dispose of inlets for non-contaminated air; - not to generate high velocity air currents, which : - may have negative effects on comfort and health conditions; - may draw materials, forming suspensions of powders or aerosols; - not to generate noise, which: - may have negative effects on comfort and health conditions; - might interfere with acoustic signals. Technical equipment that releases very toxic chemical agents and which, for technical reasons, cannot be enclosed or equipped with efficient local exhaust ventilation installations must be located in specially arranged rooms or cabins. In addition, the rooms in which technological installations are located, and from which sudden and unexpected emissions of toxic, flammable or explosive substances may occur, shall be endowed with automatic emergency ventilation installations only for exhaust air, independent from the usual ventilation installations for the dilution of contaminants. The mechanical inlet of air should be automatically turned off, whenever these emergency ventilation installations start functioning. The working conditions of ventilation systems should be permanently checked by skilled personnel, in accordance with maintenance schedules, set and suitable for each system. A technical data sheet shall be drawn up for each ventilation installation, since the stage of design, including its basic features and instructions regarding execution, commissioning, defaults and measures that were adopted to fix them, names of persons who did the findings or remedies, as well as the terms for future revisions.
Personal protective measures Personal protective equipment (PPE) is provided for the purpose of the prevention of labour accidents and occupational diseases, in cases when all other possible technical and organisational means of protection have been reasonably worked up, or when such means couldnt be taken into consideration. Employers are bound to provide personal protective equipment at no cost to the employee, as well as to ensure the prerequisites for its verification according to the law, for its storage, cleaning, decontamination, maintenance and repair. Personal working equipment is provided to the worker during the work process, in order to protect street clothing and shoes. Personal hygiene means consist of hygienic sanitary materials which are provided by the employer at no cost to the employee, in order to prevent occupational diseases. The provision of personal protective equipment, work equipment and hygienicsanitary materials is regulated by specific norms.
Organisational measures The law in force lays down the basic elements that would allow the organisation of workplaces and of the working process in such way as to ensure health and safety of workers. Such organisational measures are: reduction of the number of workers exposed to chemical agents; reduction of the time of exposure of workers to chemical agents; measures pertaining to technological discipline: strict compliance of working tasks; measures pertaining to general labour discipline: access to the working areas, use of PPE, compliance with prohibitions concerning eating and smoking at the workplace, etc; hygiene measures: - hand washing before eating and smoking; - segregation of street clothing from working clothing etc;
measures concerning suitable management of chemical agents, through : - storage of raw materials at the workplace in quantities not exceeding the requirements for one day; - segregation of incompatible chemicals at: - storage; - transport; - in case of emissions in the working environment; - within ventilation and cleaning installations; suitable transport of chemical agents using, as far as possible, mechanised/automated means.
In these last years, the approach to health and safety issues within the framework of management systems received an ever increasing attention. Management is the process by which the top managers of the undertaking set the long-term direction of development and performances of the organisation, providing careful wording, accurate implementation and continuous assessment of the strategy that was set. The managerial approach entails: policy in the field of safety and health at work; general and specific goals; action plans; well structured, updated and accessible documentation; training and awareness programs; periodical assessment of the performance of the system. The implementation of the safety and health management system brings multiple benefits, among which: switch of priority from post-factum inspection to preventive management; better organisation of safety and health activity, based on a clear policy of the undertaking and well defined and achievable goals and targets; facilitated enforcement of the national legislation in this field; workers motivation through training; continuous improvement of performance; facilitation of co-operation, association and exchange of information with domestic and foreign partners; improvement of the image of the undertaking and of the ability to communicate with authorities and partners.
Occupational safety and health management allows systematic and complex tackling of specific problems. It brings, in addition to the present approach: higher degree of transparency (certain documents are made available to the public) ; strictly regulated and efficient ways and means of communication; switch of priority to preventive actions; instruments for control and evaluation: - initial analysis; - risk assessment; - audit; analysis performed by the management; principle of continuous improvement of the performance; approach to safety and health issues at work using the same instruments as for the general management of the firm.
10. HEALTH SURVEILLANCE

Health surveillance of workers exposed to dangerous chemical agents shall be achieved in accordance with the provisions of the Ministry of Health and Family. The results of health surveillance are taken into consideration for the application of appropriate preventive measures at workplaces when: - the exposure of the worker to a dangerous chemical agent is of a nature that makes it possible to ascertain a correlation with the disease or the adverse health effect; - there is a likelihood that the disease or adverse health effect may occur in the specific circumstances of the employees work; - the technique of investigation entails minimal risks for the workers. Whenever a biological limit value is exceeded, health surveillance is a compulsory requirement for working with that specific dangerous chemical agent. The Territorial Labour Inspectorate and the Public Health Directorate must put in place such measures as to ensure that the individual health and exposure records of each worker who is under health surveillance are kept up-to-date. Individual health and exposure records must include all the results of health surveillance and any other monitoring data representative of the exposure of that individual, including biological monitoring and related requirements. Individual health and exposure records shall be kept in a suitable form so as to allow consultation at a later date, under confidentiality conditions. Copies of the records must be supplied by the employer to the Territorial Labour Inspectorate and to the Public Health Directorate, on request. The worker shall, at his request, have access to the health and exposure records relating to him. When an undertaking ceases its business, health and exposure records must be transmitted by the employer to the Public Health Directorate. Where, as a result of health surveillance: - a worker is found to have an identifiable disease or adverse health effect which is considered by an occupational health-care physician to be the result of exposure at work to a hazardous chemical agent, or
a binding biological limit value, as provided by law, is found to have been exceeded, the worker shall be informed by the occupational health-care physician of the result which relates to him personally, including data and medical recommendations that he should observe until the end of the exposure, while the employer shall: - review the risk assessment ; - review the measures for risk elimination or reduction; - take into account the advice of the occupational health-care physician concerning the implementation of measures necessary for the elimination or reduction of risks, including the possibility of assigning the worker to alternative work, where there is no further risk of exposure; - arrange continued health surveillance and send any other worker who has been similarly exposed for review of the state of health. In such cases, the occupational health-care physician may propose that exposed workers undergo medical examination.
The guide was drawn up by :
Eng.Grigoria Npar Eng.Stelua Nisipeanu, PhD Eng.Raluca tepa Eng.Ruxandra Chiurtu Chemist Mihaela Bocaiu Biochemist Mihaela Stoica Physician Gilda Rusu-Zagar Technician Gabriela Porcrau Tehnician Diana Paveliu Philologist Maria Purcherea Ioana Miric Tehnician Cristian Vasile Technician Maria Turturica Reviewer Mihaela Brdan Eng. Elena Buzrnescu
Labor Inspection working group coordinator INCDPM INCDPM INCDPM INCDPM INCDPM INCDPM INCDPM INCDPM INCDPM INCDPM INCDPM INCDPM Labor Inspection Labor Inspection

GHID Agenti Chimici

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GUIDE FOR RISK PREVENTION RELATED TO EXPOSURE TO CHEMICAL AGENTS

GUIDE FOR RISK PREVENTION RELATED TO EXPOSURE TO CHEMICAL AGENTS

GUIDE FOR RISKS PREVENTION RELATED TO EXPOSURE TO CHEMICAL AGENTS

Guide for risks prevention related to exposure to chemical agents

Description of chemical agents features

Elements of the national law regarding chemical agents

GUIDE FOR RISKS PREVENTION RELATED TO EXPOSURE TO CHEMICAL AGENTS

1. PURPOSE OF THE GUIDE

GUIDE FOR RISKS PREVENTION RELATED TO EXPOSURE TO CHEMICAL AGENTS

GUIDE FOR RISKS PREVENTION RELATED TO EXPOSURE TO CHEMICAL AGENTS

GUIDE FOR RISKS PREVENTION RELATED TO EXPOSURE TO CHEMICAL AGENTS

GUIDE FOR RISKS PREVENTION RELATED TO EXPOSURE TO CHEMICAL AGENTS

3. GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF CHEMICAL AGENTS

GUIDE FOR RISKS PREVENTION RELATED TO EXPOSURE TO CHEMICAL AGENTS

GUIDE FOR RISKS PREVENTION RELATED TO EXPOSURE TO CHEMICAL AGENTS

Fig. 1 - Chemical agents at the workplace

End products: storage; delivery.

GUIDE FOR RISKS PREVENTION RELATED TO EXPOSURE TO CHEMICAL AGENTS

GUIDE FOR RISKS PREVENTION RELATED TO EXPOSURE TO CHEMICAL AGENTS

4. HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH CHEMICAL AGENTS

GUIDE FOR RISKS PREVENTION RELATED TO EXPOSURE TO CHEMICAL AGENTS

Flash temperature (oC) 55 21 0 Flammable : 21 C t i 55 C

Fig. 2 Flash temperatures for liquids

GUIDE FOR RISKS PREVENTION RELATED TO EXPOSURE TO CHEMICAL AGENTS

GUIDE FOR RISKS PREVENTION RELATED TO EXPOSURE TO CHEMICAL AGENTS

mg/kg bodyweight <25 25-200 200 - 2000

mg/kg bodyweight <50 50-400 400 - 2000

GUIDE FOR RISKS PREVENTION RELATED TO EXPOSURE TO CHEMICAL AGENTS

Occupational exposure limit values

GUIDE FOR RISKS PREVENTION RELATED TO EXPOSURE TO CHEMICAL AGENTS

no. of fibers/cm3air - for fibres.

GUIDE FOR RISKS PREVENTION RELATED TO EXPOSURE TO CHEMICAL AGENTS

5.CLASSIFICATION, LABELLING AND PACKAGING OF CHEMICAL AGENTS

5.1 Classification and hazard graphic signs

GUIDE FOR RISKS PREVENTION RELATED TO EXPOSURE TO CHEMICAL AGENTS

GUIDE FOR RISKS PREVENTION RELATED TO EXPOSURE TO CHEMICAL AGENTS

GUIDE FOR RISKS PREVENTION RELATED TO EXPOSURE TO CHEMICAL AGENTS

GUIDE FOR RISKS PREVENTION RELATED TO EXPOSURE TO CHEMICAL AGENTS

GUIDE FOR RISKS PREVENTION RELATED TO EXPOSURE TO CHEMICAL AGENTS

GUIDE FOR RISKS PREVENTION RELATED TO EXPOSURE TO CHEMICAL AGENTS

Examples of risk phrases and combinations:

Examples of safety phrases and combinations:

GUIDE FOR RISKS PREVENTION RELATED TO EXPOSURE TO CHEMICAL AGENTS

GUIDE FOR RISKS PREVENTION RELATED TO EXPOSURE TO CHEMICAL AGENTS

2 3 S.C. ROCHIM S.A. Str. Vederii, nr. 7, Cluj Tel.: 011.23.23.23 3

TOLUEN Highly flammable Harmful by inhalation

GUIDE FOR RISKS PREVENTION RELATED TO EXPOSURE TO CHEMICAL AGENTS

Share the product

GUIDE FOR RISKS PREVENTION RELATED TO EXPOSURE TO CHEMICAL AGENTS

The risk level is decreasing

Fig. 6. Hierarchy of danger symbols depending on the risk level

Flammable R11 Highly flammable

GUIDE FOR RISKS PREVENTION RELATED TO EXPOSURE TO CHEMICAL AGENTS

GUIDE FOR RISKS PREVENTION RELATED TO EXPOSURE TO CHEMICAL AGENTS

Smoking and naked flames forbidden

Do not extinguish with water

No access for pedestrians

No access for unauthorised persons

GUIDE FOR RISKS PREVENTION RELATED TO EXPOSURE TO CHEMICAL AGENTS

Flammable materials or high temperature

Harmful or irritant material

Eye protection must be worn

Respiratory equipment must be worn