12 Aug Chemical Handling – JSA

Chemical Handling Job Safety Analysis (JSA)

Job / Task

Receiving, transporting, storing, dispensing, mixing, using, and disposing of chemicals and hazardous substances in the workplace.

Purpose

This Job Safety Analysis (JSA), also known as a Job Hazard Analysis (JHA), identifies hazards associated with chemical handling and establishes controls to prevent exposure, spills, fires, incompatible chemical reactions, and other injuries or property damage.

Personnel Qualifications

Employees shall be trained and authorized to handle chemicals assigned to them. Employees shall understand the hazards, required precautions, PPE, emergency procedures, and applicable Safety Data Sheet (SDS) information before using a chemical.

Employees shall:

• Read and understand the applicable label and SDS before use.
• Know the hazards and required controls for the chemicals being handled.
• Use required engineering controls, work practices, and PPE.
• Know the location and proper use of emergency equipment, including eyewash stations and emergency showers where provided.
• Report spills, exposures, damaged containers, and unsafe conditions immediately.
• Never use an unidentified or unlabeled chemical.

Required PPE

PPE shall be selected based on the chemical hazard, concentration, task, exposure potential, and SDS requirements. PPE may include:

• Safety glasses with side protection.
• Chemical splash goggles where splash exposure is possible.
• Face shield when required for significant splash or impact hazards; a face shield does not replace required eye protection.
• Chemical-resistant gloves appropriate for the specific chemical.
• Chemical-resistant apron or protective clothing.
• Safety footwear appropriate for the work.
• Respiratory protection when required by the hazard assessment and applicable respiratory protection program.
• Additional PPE specified by the SDS, chemical manufacturer, or task hazard assessment.

PPE shall be inspected before use, maintained in serviceable condition, and removed from service when contaminated, damaged, or otherwise ineffective.

JSA – Job Steps, Hazards, and Controls

Step 1 – Identify the Chemical and Review the SDS

Potential Hazards

• Exposure to an unknown hazard.
• Improper PPE selection.
• Incompatible chemical use.
• Improper storage or handling.

Required Controls

• Verify the chemical identity before use.
• Read the container label and applicable SDS before handling.
• Review health, physical, fire, reactivity, storage, PPE, first-aid, spill, and disposal information.
• Confirm the chemical is approved for the intended use.
• Do not use a chemical when the identity, label, or required safety information is unavailable.

Step 2 – Inspect Containers and Work Area

Potential Hazards

• Leaks or spills.
• Damaged containers.
• Poor ventilation.
• Incompatible materials.
• Trip hazards.

Required Controls

• Inspect containers for damage, corrosion, swelling, leaks, or deteriorated labels.
• Verify the work area is clean, adequately ventilated, and appropriate for the chemical.
• Remove unnecessary ignition sources and incompatible materials.
• Confirm required spill-control and emergency equipment is available.
• Do not use damaged or leaking containers unless they can be safely controlled and handled under an appropriate procedure.

Step 3 – Transport Chemicals

Potential Hazards

• Spills.
• Container rupture.
• Exposure.
• Dropped containers.

Required Controls

• Use containers and secondary containment suitable for the chemical.
• Keep containers closed during transport unless the process requires otherwise.
• Use carts or other appropriate handling equipment for heavy or multiple containers.
• Keep containers upright and secure them against tipping or falling.
• Use designated routes and avoid unnecessary contact with people or incompatible materials.
• Do not carry chemicals in a manner that prevents safe use of handrails or access routes.

Step 4 – Store Chemicals

Potential Hazards

• Fire.
• Incompatible reactions.
• Leaks.
• Exposure.
• Container failure.

Required Controls

• Store chemicals according to the label, SDS, and applicable storage requirements.
• Keep containers tightly closed when not in use.
• Separate incompatible chemicals and materials.
• Keep chemicals away from heat, ignition sources, direct sunlight, and other conditions that could create a hazard.
• Use appropriate secondary containment where needed.
• Maintain clear access to emergency equipment and exits.
• Inspect storage areas periodically for leaks, damaged containers, and deteriorated labels.

Step 5 – Dispense or Transfer Chemicals

Potential Hazards

• Splash or skin exposure.
• Vapor exposure.
• Spills.
• Static ignition.
• Pressure release.

Required Controls

• Use dispensing equipment appropriate for the chemical and task.
• Work in a designated area with adequate ventilation and required controls.
• Wear required chemical-resistant PPE.
• Keep containers stable during transfer and use secondary containment when appropriate.
• Keep transfer containers properly identified and labeled.
• Control ignition sources and static hazards where flammable chemicals are involved.
• Close containers after transfer.

Step 6 – Mix, Dilute, or Combine Chemicals

Potential Hazards

• Chemical reaction.
• Toxic gas release.
• Fire or explosion.
• Splash exposure.
• Pressure buildup.

Required Controls

• Verify compatibility before mixing or combining chemicals.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and SDS requirements.
• Never mix chemicals unless the procedure specifically permits it.
• Use required ventilation and containment.
• Add chemicals in the prescribed order and manner; when dilution procedures require it, follow the manufacturer’s specified method.
• Use appropriate PPE and keep face and body away from potential splash zones.
• Stop work if unexpected heat, fumes, pressure, color change, or other reaction occurs.

Step 7 – Use Chemicals During the Task

Potential Hazards

• Inhalation
• Skin or eye contact.
• Ingestion.
• Fire or explosion.
• Exposure from spills or splashes.

Required Controls

• Use the least hazardous effective product or process when practicable.
• Keep containers closed when not actively dispensing or using the chemical.
• Do not eat, drink, smoke, or apply cosmetics in chemical-use areas.
• Do not use compressed air or other methods that unnecessarily spread chemical contamination.
• Maintain required ventilation and engineering controls.
• Keep chemicals away from food, drinking water, and personal items.
• Wash hands after handling chemicals and before leaving the work area.

Step 8 – Control Spills and Releases

Potential Hazards

• Skin or inhalation exposure.
• Fire.
• Environmental release.
• Slip hazards.
• Reaction with other chemicals.

Required Controls

• Stop the source only when it can be done safely.
• Keep unnecessary personnel away from the spill area.
• Use the spill response procedure and appropriate spill-control materials.
• Wear PPE appropriate to the chemical and spill conditions.
• Do not clean an unknown or uncontrolled chemical release without appropriate information, training, and equipment.
• Prevent the spill from entering drains or other areas when safe and required.
• Report spills according to site procedures.

Step 9 – Respond to Chemical Exposure

Potential Hazards

• Continued exposure.
• Delayed treatment.
• Secondary contamination.

Required Controls

• Stop exposure and move to fresh air or a safe location when appropriate.
• Use emergency eyewash or shower equipment immediately when required by the exposure.
• Follow the SDS first-aid instructions.
• Remove contaminated clothing as appropriate and safe to do so.
• Obtain medical assistance according to the exposure and site emergency procedure.
• Report the exposure promptly.
• Do not return to the contaminated area until it has been determined safe.

Step 10 – Dispose of Chemical Waste

Potential Hazards

• Exposure.
• Incompatible waste reactions.
• Fire.
• Improper disposal.

Required Controls

• Identify chemical waste before disposal.
• Do not mix chemical wastes unless specifically authorized and known to be compatible.
• Use compatible, closed, properly labeled waste containers.
• Store waste in designated areas with appropriate secondary containment.
• Follow applicable site and waste-disposal procedures.
• Report leaking, damaged, or improperly labeled waste containers.

Step 11 – Clean the Work Area

Potential Hazards

• Residual contamination.
• Slip hazards.
• Cross-contamination.
• Improper waste handling.

Required Controls

• Clean equipment and surfaces using the approved procedure for the chemical.
• Dispose of contaminated materials in the designated manner.
• Remove or decontaminate PPE as appropriate.
• Wash hands after completing the task.
• Return chemicals to approved storage areas.
• Report remaining contamination or unsafe conditions.

Step 12 – Complete the Work and Report Deficiencies

Potential Hazards

• Unreported hazards.
• Recurring exposures.
• Damaged equipment or containers.

Required Controls

• Close and secure all chemical containers.
• Verify the work area is clean and safe.
• Report damaged containers, spills, exposures, near misses, and other deficiencies.
• Replace depleted spill-control materials and other emergency supplies.
• Review the JSA when conditions, chemicals, or work methods change.

Chemical Storage and Labeling

• Keep chemicals in their original containers whenever practicable.
• Ensure workplace containers are properly identified and labeled.
• Do not remove or deface required labels.
• Keep containers closed when not in use.
• Separate incompatible chemicals.
• Maintain appropriate ventilation and storage conditions.
• Keep aisles, exits, emergency equipment, and access routes clear.
• Do not store chemicals where they could be struck, tipped, or exposed to incompatible conditions.

Prohibited Practices

• Use an unidentified or unlabeled chemical.
• Mix chemicals unless the procedure specifically authorizes the combination.
• Use chemicals without reviewing the applicable safety information.
• Use damaged, leaking, or deteriorated containers without appropriate controls.
• Store incompatible chemicals together.
• Eat, drink, smoke, or apply cosmetics in chemical handling areas.
• Use inappropriate PPE or damaged PPE.
• Dispose of chemical waste in an unauthorized manner.
• Ignore chemical odors, spills, reactions, or other warning signs.
• Attempt to clean an unknown or uncontrolled release without appropriate training and equipment.

Emergency Procedures

In the event of a chemical spill, exposure, fire, release, or unexpected reaction:

1. Stop work and warn personnel in the affected area.
2. Move to a safe location and evacuate when required.
3. Use emergency eyewash or shower equipment immediately for applicable exposures.
4. Obtain emergency assistance according to the site emergency procedure.
5. Do not enter or re-enter a contaminated or hazardous area without appropriate authorization, training, and PPE.
6. Provide the chemical name, SDS, container label, and known exposure information to responders when available.
7. Report the incident or exposure promptly.
8. Do not resume work until the area has been evaluated and made safe.

Training Requirements

Employees who handle hazardous chemicals shall receive training appropriate to the chemicals and tasks they perform.

Training shall address:

• Chemical hazards and routes of exposure.
• Labels and Safety Data Sheets.
• Required PPE and limitations.
• Safe handling, storage, and transfer practices.
• Incompatible chemicals and hazardous reactions.
• Spill prevention and response.
• Emergency eyewash and shower procedures.
• Exposure response and first aid.
• Chemical waste handling and disposal.
• Emergency procedures and incident reporting.

Additional training shall be provided when new chemical hazards or processes are introduced, when procedures change, or when employees demonstrate inadequate knowledge or unsafe practices.

JSA Review

This JSA shall be reviewed with affected employees before work begins.

The JSA shall be revised or supplemented when:

• A new chemical or product is introduced.
• The chemical formulation, process, or task changes.
• New hazards are identified.
• An incident, exposure, spill, near miss, or unexpected reaction occurs.
• Existing controls are ineffective.
• Employees identify additional hazards.