Marking of hazardous substances

Explosive materials and substances (GHS01)

These are single chemical compounds or mixtures of chemical compounds that are capable of violent reactions – explosions (e.g., TNT, nitroglycerin).

Flammable materials and substances (GHS02)

These are various materials that are easily ignited under normal temperature and pressure conditions and require an external source of ignition. They also include substances and materials that emit flammable gases or vapors (e.g., gasoline, turpentine, wood, wood dust).

Oxidizing materials and substances (GHS03)

Simply put, these are substances that release oxygen during a chemical reaction, causing its increase in another material or the surrounding atmosphere. Hydrogen peroxide, known as hydrogen peroxide, bleach, or perhydrol, is also used as a fuel oxidizer in rocket engines. When exposed to high temperatures, it causes an increase in oxygen levels and thus a very violent combustion reaction. The oxygen release reaction is very dangerous in the event of a fire, as the fire then burns more violently and is more dangerous.

Pressurized gases (GHS04)

This includes all gases stored in cylinders, even those connected to a compressor. Apart from the explosive properties of various gases, it is important to mention the pressure inside these cylinders. The pressure in a compressed gas cylinder can reach up to 200 bar. For comparison, the pressure in a car tire is on average 3.0 bar. Such a cylinder heated, for example, by sunlight, poses an even greater danger. Heat increases the pressure inside the cylinder, which can lead to the cylinder rupturing. The energy released during such an event is comparable to a bomb explosion.

You can find out about methods of marking compressed gas cylinders, methods of storing them, and how they work in the chapter “Gas welding.”.

Substances that corrode metals / Corrosive substances (GHS05)

Corrosive substances that cause corrosion of metals and irritate the skin, upper respiratory tract, and eyes include acids (e.g., sulfuric acid, nitric acid) and alkalis (e.g., sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide). Both groups of substances are equally dangerous to humans.

The main difference between acid and lye is the way they work.

Kwas It acts on the surface. First, it affects the skin, causing irritation, burning, stinging, and a burning sensation. In case of high acid concentration, tissue degradation may occur immediately. In addition, acid vapors are highly irritating to the upper respiratory tract and may cause severe burns.

Loan produces a corrosive alkaline solution. It can enter the human body without visible symptoms, where it turns into a corrosive solution, wreaking havoc. This means that you may not even notice that lye has entered your body until you feel its effects inside..

To prevent exposure to acid or alkali, always wear appropriate acid-resistant clothing, suitable footwear, gloves, and full face protection. In addition, ensure adequate ventilation in the room where you are working and store any remaining acid or alkali in a special container designed for this purpose. If the concentration of hazardous substances is high, use appropriate upper respiratory protection.

Toxic substances (poisonous) (GHS06)

Simply put, these are any substances that cause disturbances in the functioning of the human body even in small doses.

Symptoms of acute poisoning toxic materials and substances include: excessive salivation, sweet taste in the mouth, ringing in the ears, nausea, tingling fingers, heart palpitations, severe abdominal pain, diarrhea. However, some substances may also cause symptoms of psychomotor agitation, narcotic sleep, or coma. All toxic substances can enter the human body in various ways.

• Through the digestive system.
To avoid this, never store food near hazardous substances. Do not eat or drink at your workstation when handling hazardous substances. Maintain good personal hygiene. Always wash your hands thoroughly before eating, especially when working with hazardous substances.

• Through skin contact.
One of the elements of the human respiratory system is the skin. It is through the skin that a certain part of the gas exchange taking place in our cells occurs. This is especially true when it is hot or when we are doing heavy work and sweating, as all substances can more easily penetrate the human body. The structure of our skin is porous, which is why all liquid substances that are hazardous can easily penetrate the body through it. Always wear appropriate clothing and gloves, especially when working with hazardous substances. If you suspect that a hazardous substance has come into contact with your skin, use an emergency shower.

• Through the upper respiratory tract.
Through the nose and mouth. This is how vapors and mists of hazardous substances, smoke, or poisonous gases can easily enter the body. But also hazardous dust suspended in the air, which in the form of dust particles can enter the lungs and from there into the bloodstream. Always use appropriate protection for the upper respiratory tract. Do not smoke at your workplace – along with the smoke, you may also inhale toxic substances.

• Through the mucous membranes.
When working with hazardous substances, they can also enter the body through the mucous membranes. Refrain from applying makeup at work with hazardous substances and from rubbing your eyes. If a hazardous substance gets into your eyes, use an eye wash station. Choose the color of the shower according to the type of chemicals you have been in contact with.

• Through the circulatory system.
A hazardous substance can also enter the bloodstream directly through open wounds, scratches, or even abrasions of the skin. The easiest and fastest way is through cuts, because there are many open blood vessels compared to lacerations or abrasions, where there are significantly fewer open blood vessels.

Remember, if you have come into contact with a hazardous substance and are experiencing symptoms of poisoning, seek medical attention immediately! Take the product packaging with you and, if possible, the product safety data sheet (SDS) and a colleague who can assist you in case of a sudden deterioration in your health.

Irritants (GHS07)

This symbol is used to indicate substances that cause discomfort during use and certain toxic substances. These substances include, for example, acetone. In higher concentrations, it can cause irritation of the mucous membranes and mouth, burns to the upper respiratory tract, and even loss of consciousness and coma. Although it is an organic solvent naturally occurring in the human body and can be processed by the liver in small doses, it is very dangerous to humans in industrial concentrations.

Carcinogenic/mutagenic substances (GHS08)

 “The little man with a star,” known by health and safety specialists a sign of painter syndrome. This means that exposure to small doses of this substance may have irreversible health effects in the future for you or your offspring. An example is a painter who, in the 1940s and 1950s, painted windows, doors, and door frames with lead-based enamels. (actually lead white obtained from lead oxide). He inhaled lead compounds for 8 hours a day, often for many years of his working life. Lead, as a heavy metal, is not metabolized by humans, and lead poisoning has irreversible effects on health. The disease, or rather the group of diseases caused by lead, is called lead poisoning. Today, the painter is retired, but he has Disturbances in taste, smell, and sometimes hearing and vision are symptoms of chronic poisoning caused by daily exposure to small doses of a toxic substance.

Substances marked with this symbol must not be used by pregnant women. These substances may have a negative effect on the health of the unborn child at any stage of its development and cause irreversible damage to the fetus!

Substances harmful to the environment (GHS09)

These are all substances that have a negative impact on the environment. For example, all petroleum products, freons found in refrigerators, and other hazardous chemicals. There are many of them. An example of such a product is turpentine. It is a widely used organic solvent in industry. It is a refined product of coniferous tree resins and, under normal conditions, i.e., in a well-ventilated room for no longer than 8 hours and with the use of appropriate personal protective equipment, it is relatively safe for humans. The use of turpentine may cause headaches. However, in extreme cases, when this solvent is not used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions may cause brain damage. Turpentine is very dangerous for the environment and spilling it on the ground or in water causes contamination. Take care of the environment! Use hazardous substances for their intended purpose and dispose of them in accordance with the product data sheet. Do not pour residues onto the ground or into the sewer system.