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Chemical Splash Risks

  News & Updates 

Chemical splash risks can occur in many situations. Those at risk include anyone that uses or is exposed to materials that can cause eye injury. This includes:

  • Researchers in wet/chemical labs
  • Facilities Services workers working with corrosive chemicals
  • Anyone else working with corrosive chemicals.Infographic of a head with goggles and splash of chemicals.

What are corrosive chemicals?

The word corrosive refers to a chemical that can cause skin corrosion or burns, eye damage, or is corrosive to metals. They can be acids, oxidizers, or bases. When they come in contact with a surface, the surface deteriorates. The deterioration can happen in seconds to minutes, such as concentrated hydrochloric acid spilled on skin; or slowly over days or years, e.g. the rusting of iron in a bridge.

Sometimes the word caustic is used as a synonym for corrosive.

The hazard communication pictogram or symbol for corrosive chemicals displays a chemical damaging tissue (a hand) or metal.

What can I do?

Understand the risk.

Corrosive chemicals can cause serious eye injury.

Use the right eye protection

If there is a risk of splash, use chemical splash goggles not impact goggles or safety glasses. Chemical splash goggles form a seal on the face to prevent intrusion of a chemical splash and are indirectly vented. That is, the vents have covers that prevent a splash from intruding. If your goggles have holes that you can see through, these are probably impact goggles and not rated for chemical splash.

Never Work Alone

If you face a corrosive chemical splash risk you should never work alone. If a splash occurs you may need assistance getting help. Minor eye accidents can become serious ones when working alone.

 

 

Vols Keep an Eye Out for Safety

  Industrial Worker Safety, Laboratory Safety, News & Updates , ,  

March is Workplace Eye Wellness Month.

In one year the Unites States workforce had over 18,000 work related eye-injuries that resulted in lost time. This number does not account for some minor injuries or those that may occur with non-employed students.

EHS would like to remind the campus community of the eye hazards that we face and how best to reduce risk.

An infographic that reminds Vols to Keep an eye out for safety. Eye safety is more than a pair of safety glasses. Students in labs, Facilities Services workers, and even those working at home may face a risk. Use the correct controls and PPE to prevent injury from hazards such as chemicals, projectiles, and intense light.

What can you do?

Recognize the Hazards and Minimize the risk

Chemical splashes

Chemical splashes, especially from corrosive chemicals such as strong acids or bases can cause severe eye damage. It doesn’t need to be a big splash from a large volume of corrosives. Even small splashes can have sever consequences.

If you use corrosive chemicals you may require protection with chemical splash goggles.

Projectiles

Dust particles, or other debris can be thrown from grinders, lathes, mills, landscaping equipment or other machines.

Use machines properly, with all guards in place. Only use equipment you are trained to use and follow all danger, warning, and caution tags. Use appropriate impact protection such as safety glasses, impact, goggles, and faceshields.

Light Hazards

Some ultraviolet (UV) lamps and some lasers can pose a risk if they are intense enough.

Most systems are designed to automatically protect workers through shielding and guide tubes.

Consult EHS if assistance is needed.

Learn more this month as we post on these special topics

EHS will provide additional posts and media throughout March

Check out our Digital Resources

Download our digital signs and other resources here.

References

Bureau of Labor Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/iif/soii-data.htm

Recharge Safely

  Fire Safety, News & Updates , ,  

Many devices use rechargeable batteries at UT, at home, or out and about in our mobile lives. Rechargeable batteries can store a concentrate amount of energy and can overheat, catch fire, or explode if not handled properly.

Rechargeable batteries present significant issues that have caused damage on the UTK campus. The burned laptop shown here is believed to have been the origin of a fire that caused significant damage in Strong Hall in 2019.

Other incidents have been reported around the University of Tennessee System. It is very important that we follow some basic guidelines when handling rechargeable batteries in our offices, industrial areas, or laboratories.

Infographic of with battery icon indicating to charge safely.

What can you do?

  • Only use devices that are listed by a qualified testing laboratory such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
  • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and only use batteries and charging equipment designed for the device.
  • Keep batteries at room temperature. Avoid direct sunlight or hot vehicles.
  • Store batteries away from flammable or combustible materials.
  • If you are recharging a vehicle or other lead-acid battery it is also important to ensure that your charging station has adequate ventilation. Recharging lead-acid batteries generates flammable and odorless hydrogen gas.

Remember these tips and consult EHS if you have questions.

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