Chemical Tankers / Day 2 / Day 2 Topic 1 USCG Chemical Guide

1.7 Health Hazard Data explanation

Health Hazard Data

1.7 Health Hazard Data explanation

o The First Rating

Deals with hazard presented by “irritating vapors” to the skin or to the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, throat and lungs.

These ratings have the following meanings:

1.7 Health Hazard Data explanation

o The First Rating contd.

0 - Chemicals that are nonvolatile, or vapors from which are nonirritating to the eyes or throat;

1 - Chemicals that cause a slight smarting of the eyes or respiratory system if present in high concentrations. This effect is temporary;

1.7 Health Hazard Data explanation

o The First Rating cont.

2 - Chemical vapors that cause moderate irritation, such that personnel will find high concentrations unpleasant. The effect is temporary;

3 - Moderately irritating volatile chemicals, such that personnel will not usually tolerate moderate or high vapor concentration;

1.7 Health Hazard Data explanation

o The First Rating cont.

4 - Severe eye or throat irritants, vapors are capable of causing eye or lung injury, and cannot be tolerated even at low concentrations;

1.7 Health Hazard Data explanation

o The Second Rating

Deals with the hazard of “irritation from liquids or solids” with regard to a chemical’s tendency to burn or irritate human skin from contact.

These ratings have the following meanings:

1.7 Health Hazard Data explanation

o The Second Rating (contd.)

0 - No appreciable hazard. These chemicals are practically harmless to the skin. Included are certain very volatile compounds that evaporate quickly from the skin;

1 - Minimum hazard. Usually includes chemicals which, if spilled, on clothing and allowed to remain, will cause smarting of the skin;

1.7 Health Hazard Data explanation

o The Second Rating (contd.)

2 - Chemicals that cause smarting of the skin and first-degree burns on long exposure;

3 - Fairly severe skin irritants, usually causing pain and seconddegree burns after few minute’s contact;

1.7 Health Hazard Data explanation

o The Second Rating (contd.)

4 - Severe skin irritants, causing second and third-degree burns on short contact and very injurious to the eyes;

1.7 Health Hazard Data explanation

o The Third Rating

Deals with the hazard presented due to “chemical poisons” entering the body through inhalation, oral ingestion or skin penetration causing bodily harm.

These ratings have the following meanings: