Hazards of Chemicals and Gases
DOE-HDBK-1015/2-93
TOXIC COMPOUNDS
Rev. 0
CH-05
Page 15
Toxic Compounds Summary
The general safety precautions regarding toxic compounds:
Proper ventilation
Appropriate hygienic practices
Housekeeping
Protective clothing
Training
The criteria used to determine if a compound is a health hazard:
Toxicity of the materials used
The physical properties
The absorption probabilities of these materials by individuals
The extent and intensity of exposure to these materials
The control measures used
The methods by which toxic compounds may enter the body:
Ingestion
Inhalation
Absorption
The purpose and general contents of the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) is to
ensure the individuals working with and in the vicinity of chemicals have specific
information of these chemicals. This form identifies the chemical, by technical and
common name, lists the physical/chemical characteristics, any fire or explosion
hazard as well as reactivity hazards. The second page will specify health hazards
and recommend first aid procedures. The safe handling and control measures are
also supplied.
The purpose and general contents of the Toxic Substance List is to identify "all
known toxic substances" in accordance with definitions that may be used by all
sections of our society to describe toxicity. This form identifies known toxic
chemicals which have been proven in lab tests or have definite human data. It lists
the chemical name, level of concentration at which it is hazardous, concentration
limits for set time exposures both weighted averages and ceiling limits.
Summary
The important information in this chapter is summarized below.
