Health And Safety

Management
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This report will look at the hazards of dealing with the chemical toluene spillages and how to manage
the decontamination process.
 Chemical Safety Data: Toluene an overview

Common
Methylbenzene, phenylmethane
synonyms

Formula C7H8

Form: colourless liquid

Stability: Stable, but very flammable.
Melting point: -93 C
Boiling point: 111 C
Triple point: -93 C
Physical
Critical temperature: 320 C
properties
Critical pressure: 41 bar
Enthalpy of vaporisation: 38 kJ mol-1
Enthalpy of sublimation: 43.1 kJ mol-1
Water solubility: negligible
Specific gravity: 0.865

Toluene is toxic if swallowed or inhaled. It is also harmful in contact with the skin.
Principal Toluene is very flammable, so presents a significant fire risk.
hazards There is some evidence that repeated exposure to toluene may cause reproductive
harm.

Wear safety glasses.

The working area must be well ventilated to prevent the build-up of toluene vapour.
Safe handling
Make sure that any sources of ignition, such as Bunsen burners, hot plates and hot air
guns, are removed before you start work.

Emergency Eye contact: Immediately flush the eye with plenty of water. Continue for at least ten
minutes and call for medical help.
 Skin contact: Wash off with soap and water. Remove any contaminated clothing. If the
skin reddens or appears damaged, call for medical aid. Note that clothes soaked in
toluene will be very flammable, so should be removed in an area in which there is no
risk that they might catch fire.
If swallowed: Call for immediate medical help.

Toluene should be stored in a "non-chlorinated waste" container for subsequent

Disposal
disposal.

Protective
Safety glasses. If gloves are required, polyvinyl alcohol is recommended.
equipment

Toluene
Further
Chemicals in the HSci database
information
More extensive safety data
Data on Toluene Hazards
Toxicological overview

Key Points Kinetics and metabolism

• Toluene is readily absorbed following inhalation and ingestion and to some extent through the skin.
• Following absorption toluene is rapidly distributed throughout the body
• Toluene is oxidised to benzoic acid which is conjugated with glycine
• Toluene is predominantly excreted in the urine as the metabolite hippuric acid
FIRE OR EXPLOSION
• HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames.
• Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air.
• Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back.
• Most vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along ground and collect in low or confined areas
i.e. sewers, basements, tanks.
• Vapor explosion hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers.
• Those substances designated with a "P" may polymerize explosively when heated or
involved in a fire.
• Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard.
• Containers may explode when heated.
• Many liquids are lighter than water.

HEALTH
• May cause toxic effects if inhaled or absorbed through skin.
• Inhalation or contact with material may irritate or burn skin and eyes.
• Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
• Vapors may cause dizziness or suffocation.
• Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause pollution.
• Acute inhalation or ingestion can cause systemic effects such as euphoria, excitation, hallucinations,
dizziness, drowsiness, ataxia, slurred speech, tremors, respiratory depression, arrhythmias and
convulsions. Coma and death can occur following substantial exposures
• Local effects are observed following inhalation (irritation to nose, throat and respiratory tract),
ingestion (oropharyngeal and gastric irritation), ocular (lacrimation) and dermal exposure (erythema
and dryness)
• Chronic inhalation of toluene may cause liver, kidney neurological damage
• Chronic skin exposure may cause contact dermatitis
• International Agency for Research on Cancer classified toluene as a category 3
carcinogen i.e. not classifiable as to the carcinogenicity to humans
• Toluene is considered to be a possible reproductive toxicant.

PUBLIC SAFETY
• CALL Emergency Response Telephone Number on Shipping Paper.
• As an immediate precautionary measure, isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in
all directions.
• Keep unauthorized personnel away.
• Stay upwind.
• Keep out of low areas.
• Ventilate closed spaces before entering i.e. lift other drain covers to allow ventilation.
PROTECTIVE CLOTHING (PPE)
• Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).

EVACUATION
Large Spill

• Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 300 meters (1000 feet).

Fire

• If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions;
also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions.

SPILL OR LEAK
• ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames in immediate area).
• All equipment used when handling the product must be grounded.
• Do not touch or walk through spilled material.
• Stop leak if you can do it without risk.
• Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas.
• A vapor suppressing foam may be used to reduce vapors.
• Absorb or cover with dry earth, sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to containers.
• Use clean non-sparking tools to collect absorbed material.

Large Spill

• Dike far ahead of liquid spill for later disposal.

• Water spray may reduce vapor; but may not prevent ignition in closed spaces.

Environmental Impact
If released into the local environment toluene will not stay present for very long. Toluene evaporates
quickly from the soil and surface water into the air, any remaining Toluene in the soil is readily broken
down by micro-organisms. It can be taken up by fish, plants and animals living in water. As a volatile
organic compound it can also contribute to the formation of harmful ground level ozone or smog’s,
which can cause damage to crops and materials as well as having potential effects on human health.
Data on Sewage
Health effects of exposure to sewage
Tetanus is caused by a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium tetani that is common in soil and in
sewage. The bacterium enters the body via open wounds. There is a high risk of death occurring if
infected. Anyone who may be exposed to sewage or soil should have prophylaxis tetanus vaccinations
every ten years.

Leptospirosis is caused by the parasitic worm Leptospira icterohaemorrhegiae and is transmitted from
water and damp earth contaminated primarily by rats that harbour the organism. The initial septicemia
phase lasts for 4-7 days and causes acute headache, chills, fever, severe muscle aching, anorexia, nausea
and vomiting. The immune phase, characterised by aseptic meningitis, follows a 24-72 hour
asymptomatic period. Approximately 10-15% of patients present with Weil's disease, jaundice,
hemorrhage and renal damage.

Hepatitis A is caused by the Hepatitis A virus (HAV) that is transmitted primarily by ingestion. The virus
must be present in sufficient quantities to cause infection. Infection occurs after an incubation period of
three to four weeks. Hepatitis A is often mild, but can be severe or even fatal in some cases. Symptoms
are fever, headache, nausea and pain in the abdomen, dark urine and jaundice. People can spread the
disease to others in the immediate period before they become ill and while they are ill. Recovery from
Hepatitis A can be slow and require several weeks or months of increased rest. A majority of patients
make a complete recovery but the disease can be more severe in older patients.

Giardia and Cryptosporidium are protozoan parasites, commonly found in sewage and surface waters,
that can cause diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea and sometimes fever. Symptoms may last for only a
few days or can last for months or years. Many people, especially children, have no symptoms. Cysts
from infected persons or animals enter sewage and if untreated may infect other people who ingest the
cysts.

Gram-negative bacteria such as E.coli can cause gastro-intestinal diseases if ingested or airway
problems, headache, tiredness and nausea if inhaled. Substances called endotoxins that are released at
the time of death of the bacterium have been suggested as the cause of a wide variety of occupational
diseases such as mill fever and grain fever.
Risks of exposure to sewage
The risk to health depends on the microbes present, duration of exposure and method of exposure.
Microbes in raw sewage can enter the body via the nose, mouth, open wounds or by inhalation of
aerosols or dusts. The most common modes of infection are through drinking contaminated water or
hand to mouth transmission. Skin contact alone does not pose a health threat unless you have an open
wound.

The survival of pathogens depends on a number of factors: location, type of surface contaminated,
whether disinfectants are used and environmental conditions. UV radiation reduces the survival rate of
pathogens. Mild temperatures and higher humidity increase survival times. The risk of exposure when
handling sewage can be reduced significantly by effective and immediate clean-up and by taking
appropriate safety precautions.

Safety precautions to be followed when handling

sewage
The following safety measures must be observed when handling sewage-contaminated materials:

• Do Assume anything touched by sewage is contaminated.

• Do not eat or drink or smoke in sewage handling areas.
• Wash hands well with soap and clean water (preferably hot) before eating or smoking and
during and after work. Also wash hands after removing gloves to prevent cross-contamination.
• Wash hands with soap and clean water (preferably hot) after touching any surfaces or objects
that may have been contaminated.
• Do not touch your nose, mouth, eyes or ears with your hands, unless you have just washed.
• Keep fingernails short and clean carefully under nails.
• Always wear gloves when hands are chapped, burned or have a rash or cut. Use a waterproof
dressing for additional protection under gloves or clothing.
• Immediately wash and disinfect any wound that comes into contact with sewage.
• Shower and change out of your work clothes before leaving. Do not keep soiled work clothes
with your other clothes. Launder work clothes separately or discard.
• Always use the right personal protective equipment PPE:
o Eye protection. Goggles are recommended if using a hose and /or any chemicals
o Rubber boots
o Rubber gloves
o Impervious coveralls or old clothing that may be discarded after use.
• Ensure vaccinations are up to date for tetanus and diphtheria. Vaccinations are also available for
hepatitis A.
• Take care - wet surfaces can be very slippery!
• Do not enter confined spaces that have been contaminated with sewage, as toxic, flammable or
asphyxiating gases may be present.
• Be aware of electrical hazards when dealing with floodwater.
• Read labels on chemicals and observe the appropriate safety precautions and follow the
manufacturer’s directions.
MANAGEMENT OF HEALTH AND SAFETY AT WORK
REGULATIONS 1999
TOLUENE RISK ASSESSMENT
LOCATION: Deans way Worcester

ASSESSED BY: DESIGNATION:

Likelihood and Severity :- 1=Low 2=Medium 3=High

Risk Rating(LxS) :- 1-4=Low (Acceptable) 6=Medium (Consider further controls) 9=Unacceptable cease work

Overview

RISK ASSESSMENT

L S RR

HAZARDS IDENTIFIED
3 3 6

3 3 9

3 3 9

2 3 6

3 3 9

Poor planning, supervision, training or lack of competency 2 3 6

Adverse weather conditions 2 2 4

PERSONS AT RISK Y/N
DETAIL

Y
EMPLOYEES
CONTRACTORS Y

MEMBERS OF PUBLIC Y

OTHERS Y

RISK ASSESSMENT Page 2 of

2
Working at Height

CONTROL MEASURES:

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT:

The following PPE will be required for the work activities stated.

Eye/Face
Head Protection Hearing Protection Hi-visibility Clothing Gloves
Protection

Foot Protection Safety Clothing R.P.E. Fall Arrest

MONITORING:
INFORMATION TO BE PROVIDED TO EMPLOYEES:
Information contained in this assessment.

The following persons have received the information contained in this assessment:

Name Date Initial Name Date Initial

SIGNED BY ASSESSOR: DATE

:
Management Structure

Under the Control of Major Accident Hazard Regulation 2007 and the Environmental Permitting
Regulations 2010, under these regulations you have a statutory obligation to have an Accident
Prevention plan in place.

A management plan should take into consideration the following

• Spill cleanup contractors

• The Fire and Rescue Service
• Sewage treatment providers
• Other bodes who may be involved in spill response, for example Local Authorities and public
health bodies.

Impacts can include:

• the closure of public water supplies and other abstractions
• damage to fisheries and river ecosystems
• disruption of recreational and other river uses
• groundwater or land contamination

Should the spill contaminate water ways such as storm drains or through the foul water system the
following hierarchy table should be taken in to consideration.
 Pollution Control Hierarchy

Contain at source

Contain close to source

Contain in the drainage system

Contain on the surface

Contain on or in the watercourse

Contain at source
Leak sealing putty or equipment;
Secure emergency containers; or
Contain close to course
Sorbents; Collect in portable
containers
Contain on the watercourse
River booms; Damming.
Contain on the surface
Booms; Sorbents; Drain mats;
Temporary storage containers and
portable tanks.
Contain in the drainage
system
Oil separators; Penstock and
pollution control valves; Pipe
blockers.

Tankers should have correct signage such as a ‘Hazchem placard’ and be equipped with the relevant
chemical documentation and suitable emergency spill response kit.
The initial line of communication would come from the tanker driver he/she would have the right level
of training and telephone the relevant parties and initiate the response to a level which is appropriate
for the amount of chemical which has been spilt. Which in this case they have informed the emergency
services

Line of Communication Role / Responsibilities

National Chemical emergency centre Inform of the hazards and risks in dealing with
chemicals as the chemical may present additional
hazards or risks when mixed with other chemicals
air water or other materials
Police / highways agency Are responsible for evacuation and safety
perimeter lines which is usually the outer cordon

Safety and welfare of the public

The highways agency will know the sort of drain

the chemical has spilt into and know the system
and the location of shut of points so the chemical
can be contained
Fire and Rescue Are responsible for the immediate area the inner
 cordon

Are responsible for assessing the fire/ explosion

risk

Maintain public safety

Making the area safe

Ensuring a risk assessment is carried out

Ambulance Service Are responsible for saving life and to respond to
injured parties
Environmental Agency
Line Manager this procedure is implemented within their area of
responsibility

all essential equipment is obtainable and

maintained and they are clearly labelled and
signed

risk assessments are carried out to identify risk

control measures to protect the health and safety
of people and potential harm to the environment

procedures are written following the identification

of specific risks relevant to local areas

all staff receive appropriate training to deal with

chemical spills where identified as necessary

all supervisory staff are aware of the legal

obligations and USO standards regarding
environmental pollution from chemical spills

Appropriate personnel or any third party are

informed of chemical spill and its potential
danger(s)

Inform specialist contractors to clean up where

necessary.
Supervisors this procedure is implemented within their area(s)
of responsibility

information is provided to all relevant staff

appropriate equipment is cleaned, stored and

maintained by qualified persons

all new personal on site are informed of the

environmental awareness and chemical spill
management

Specialist spill team