Solvents

Some common solvents

Charcoal lighter fluid,
Windshield washer fluid,
Paint,
Household cleaners,
and even
Water!
1a
Use of solvents
Cleaning

Degreasing

Removing paint, ink,
or other coatings
1b
Use of solvents
Producing adhesives, paints,
inks, coatings, varnishes,
and other sealers

Solvents we work
with
1c
How to recognize
solvents
Usually liquid

Many are colorless

Most have a strong odor

Some evaporate quickly
2a
Always check the containers
label
How to recognize
solvents
2b
Chemistry of solvents
Solvents are used to dissolve
something else

Like dissolves like

How electron are distributed is
called polarity
3a
Chemistry of solvents
Polar solvents:
Water
Ketones
Alcohols

Non-polar solvents:
Oils
Petroleum distillates
Many chlorinated solvents
3b
Chemistry of solvents
Always use the solvent
specified for the job

Why we use certain solvents
3c
Health hazards
Routes of entry include:
Breathing the vapors,
Direct contact, and
Ingestion if you are eating or
drinking while using the solvents.
4a
Health hazards: Acute
effects
Dizziness
Nausea
Irritation
Dryness
Itching
Dermatitis
4b
Health hazards: Chronic
effects
Chronic diseases typically
target:
Skin,
Liver,
Kidneys,
Circulatory system,
Reproductive system, and
Nervous system.
4c
Health hazards
Check the MSDS

Health hazards of
the solvents
we use
4d
Physical hazards
Combustible

Flammable

Check the MSDS

Physical hazards of the solvents we
use
5
Engineering controls
that reduce exposures
Ventilation

Automated chemical transfer
equipment

Engineering controls we use
6
Personal protective
equipment (PPE)
See solvents MSDS for PPE
recommendations

Employer selects appropriate
PPE

Types of PPE we use
7
Safe work procedures
See solvents MSDS for safe
handling information

Take appropriate fire prevention
precautions

Use only the amount needed
8a
Safe work procedures
Dispense carefully to avoid
spills

Be cautious about skin contact

Follow all job-specific work
procedures
8b
Safe storage procedures
See solvents MSDS for safe
storage information

Solvents may need to be stored
separately from other materials

Storage areas should be well
ventilated
9a
Safe storage procedures
Rough handling can lead to
dangerous leaks

Inspect containers for damage
prior to use

Report suspected damage,
contamination, or leaks
9b
Proper clean-up and
disposal
Emergency releases should be
handled by a specially trained
Hazmat team

Waste solvents need to be
collected in proper containers
10
First aid and emergency
procedures
Refer to the MSDS for first aid
and emergency information

Always follow our companys
specific procedures
for emergency
response and first aid
11