/ Solvents | 1

Solvents

29 CFR 1910.1200

Solvents

Solvents are commonly used substances that, by definition, dissolve other substances. Common solvents frequently found in industry include acetone, alcohol, turpentine, carbon tetrachloride, benzene, mineral spirits, and perchloroethylene. Solvents are commonly used for:

  • Cleaning
  • Degreasing
  • Removing paint, ink, or other coatings
  • Producing adhesives, pains, inks, coating, varnishes, and other sealers

Solvents are usually liquids. Many are colorless. Most have a strong odor that can be either irritating or pleasant. Some solvents evaporate very quickly. It is always important to read a container’s label to identify a substance.

OSHA’s Hazard Communication standard applies to operations involving employee’s exposure to the hazards of solvents. Employees must be trained to recognize solvents used in their work areas, understand the hazards of those solvents, follow safe work practices, and wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), among other things.

If a solvent contains benzene or other “OSHA Expanded Standard” chemical ingredients, special requirements are needed.

Health Hazards

Most solvents are irritants, especially of the eyes, and many are central nervous system depressants. Typical means of solvent overexposures include breathing the solvent’s vapors and direct skin contact with the solvent.

Exposure to solvents can:

  • Cause dizziness, nausea, and depression of the central nervous system
  • Cause chronic illness such as cancer, liver disease
  • Be toxic

Short-term, acute, effects from breathing some types of solvent vapors can include dizziness and nausea. Skin contact with some solvents can cause irritation, dryness, itching or dermatitis.

Health effects may be acute, noticed right away or they may be chronic or long term. Even if no short-term health effects are noticed, long-term exposure to some solvents can lead to chronic diseases, even cancer.

Many solvents are combustible or flammable liquids. This means that they can easily ignite and burn. Acetone and methanol are examples of flammable solvents. Read the solvent’s Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and the container’s warning label to find out the specific physical hazards of the solvents.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

When engineering controls cannot completely eliminate your risk of exposure to solvents, PPE is required. Select PPE appropriate from the solvents being used.

Training Tips

  • Under the requirements of 29 CFR 1910.1200 Hazard Communication standard, employers are required to provide training to employees with information and training on the hazards of the solvents in their work areas at the time of initial assignment, and whenever a new physical or health hazard is introduced into their work area.
  • Review with employees the work areas in which solvents are used. Have a sample container and an MSDS for the solvent and explain how to interpret warning labels and MSDSs.
  • Explain all engineering and work practices which are designed to protect employees.
  • Review appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). Explain how to use, maintain, clean, and store PPE as necessary. Explain where employees go to obtain PPE.
  • Review all appropriate emergency procedures and how to report a chemical spill or emergency.

For more information see:

  • 29 CFR 1910.1200—Hazards Communication.

SolventsHandout

Industrial solvents are commonly used, and many pose hazards to those who use them. Whether used daily or on an infrequent basis, employees must understand the health hazards involved and how to protect themselves against those hazards.

What are Solvents?

A solvent is any substance that dissolves something else. Industrial solvents are sued for:

  • Cleaning
  • Degreasing
  • Removing paint, ink, or other coatings
  • Producing adhesives, paints, inks, coatings, varnishes, and other sealers.

How Can it Hurt Me?

The physical hazards of the solvents used in your workplace are explained in the products MSDS. Many solvents are combustible or flammable liquids. Most solvents are irritants, and some are central nervous system depressants. Effects of contact with solvents can include:

  • Dizziness and nausea if inhaled or swallowed
  • Nose and/or throat irritation, or stopped breathing, if inhaled
  • Irritation, dryness, itching, or dermatitis from skin contact
  • Chronic diseases including cancer caused by long contact

How Can I Protect Myself?

The best way to prevent contact with solvents is to follow the engineering practices and work rules set up at your workplace. Use the recommended person protective equipment (PPE). These might include:

  • Goggles, face shield, or safety glasses with side shields
  • Right type of gloves for the solvent being used
  • Correct respirator form the chemicals being used
  • Use of proper hoods and ventilators as recommended by your employer
  • Work practice controls may call for grounding containers before transferring solvents. Dispose of solvents and solvent soaked rags and clothing according to company policy.

Solvents Sign–Off Sheet

The employees of ______Company Name______, have taken part in a training session Solvents. The session covered:

  • Operations at this facility which use solvents.
  • Symptoms of exposure to solvents.
  • First aid and how to treat solvent exposure.
  • Appropriate PPE for the solvents used and how to care for and maintain it.

Date of Training: / Facility:
Employee Signature / PRINT NAME

______

Supervisor’s Signature