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Chemical Formula

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Chemical

Definition

• As a noun, the common definition of chemical is a substance that is produced or used in a process (reaction) involving changes to atoms or molecules. The term is sometimes defined more broadly as "a substance".

  The OSHA definition of chemical under the Hazard Communication Standard 29 CFR 1910.1200 (which requires MSDS's), "element, chemical compound or mixture of elements and/or compounds" is quite broad. For example, steel coils which are cut and processed, castings which are subsequently ground or welded upon, bricks that are dry sawed or drilled, carbide blades which are sharpened, are all examples of products which contain chemicals which, if available for exposure, are covered by the HCS.

• As an adjective, "chemical" means "of or pertaining to chemistry". Chemistry is the study of matter and its transformations.

Books Available

"Prudent Practices in the Laboratory: Handling and Disposal of Chemicals", Hardcover, 448 pages, 1995. Estimated price: $69.95. "Working Safely With Chemicals in the Laboratory", Paperback, 1997. Estimated price: $13.20. "Chemical Exposures: Low Levels and High Stakes, 2nd Edition", Hardcover, 464 pages 1998. Estimated price: $56.95. "Chemical Process Safety: Learning from Case Histories", Hardcover, 384 pages 1998. Estimated price: $75.00.

The DuPont™ Chemistry Emergency Response Guide is now available at Safety Emporium.

MSDS Relevance

Safety Emporium has all kinds of labels for assisting with your OSHA compliance needs.

Material Safety Data Sheets are only required for hazardous chemicals. As noted above, the OSHA definition of "chemical" is much broader than the common definition. However, certain items are exempted from coverage under the Hazard Communication Standard, particularly items that are classified as articles. Recognize that virtually any chemical (substance) has inherent hazards that can cause harm under the right conditions. Water can drown you, pure oxygen can cause deadly fires, and consuming an entire bottle of whiskey over one minute will cause fatal poisoning. The key is to know the potential hazards and precautions of each substance you deal with in the workplace. Read and understand the content of your MSDS's. If you are unsure of the hazards (and what you can do to avoid them) after reading the MSDS do not proceed until someone has fully explained these to you.

Further Reading

• Chemical Safety Guide at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
• The U.S. EPA maintains a site devoted to Preventing Chemical Accidents.
• Working Safely With Chemicals at the American Lung Association.
• Chemical Incident Preparedness and Response Links here at ILPI (with a slant towards terrorism incidents).

See also: Chemical Formula, Mole, What Happens When You Don't Follow Safety Rules.

Disclaimer: The information contained herein is believed to be true and accurate, however ILPI makes no guarantees concerning the veracity of any statement. Use of any information on this page is at the reader's own risk. ILPI strongly encourages the reader to consult the appropriate local, state and federal agencies concerning the matters discussed herein.