| Because solvents are so widely used in industry | | | | Personal protective equipment depends upon the |
| and manufacturing, exposure to theses chemicals | | | | type and volume of spill |
| is a common workplace risk. Some flammable | | | | - Protective gloves should always be worn to |
| solvents produce vapors and mists that, even at | | | | protect the skin |
| room temperature, can ignite and cause a fire. | | | | - Face shield or goggles to protect against |
| Because they are heavier than air, solvent vapors | | | | splashes |
| hang close to the floor. They may move toward | | | | - Respirator may be necessary to protect against |
| a distant ignition source such as a spark from | | | | toxic fumes |
| welding, a motor, or static electricity, and then | | | | - Protective clothing and boot covers may be |
| explode. If someone is smoking in the general | | | | needed, depends upon spill |
| area of a solvent leak or spill, that can be enough | | | | - Confine spill with socks, pads or pillows as |
| to set off an explosion. Solvent vapors can | | | | needed |
| accumulate in confined spaces and remain there | | | | Cover spill with BioRem absorbent from kit |
| for a long time, only to cause trouble | | | | - It has been recommended that if the spill is 1 |
| unexpectedly. | | | | gallon in size, the absorbents should not be applied |
| Some solvent vapors are colorless and have no | | | | unless a trained responder is standing by with a |
| noticeable odor but they can still irritate the lungs | | | | fire extinguisher |
| and throat, burn the skin, and irritate or damage | | | | - The absorbent material raises the flashpoint, |
| the eyes, which could lead to blindness. A Solvent | | | | reducing flammability, and absorbs vapors and |
| Spill Kit, containing an absorbent, is vital in getting | | | | liquid |
| a spill under control and cleaned up quickly. | | | | - BioRem can be applied with a mop or a floor |
| Handling A Solvent Spill | | | | scrubber |
| - Restrict access to spill area | | | | - Do not walk or track through the spill area |
| - Determine the extent of the spill | | | | - Use a scoop and whisk broom to clean up |
| - A large flammable spill such as 5 gallons of | | | | chemical residue from spill |
| ethanol should be cleaned up by the fire | | | | - Place in properly marked bag or bucket for |
| department or Emergency Response team. The | | | | disposal |
| flashpoint on this solvent is below room | | | | - Clean spill area thoroughly with BioRem Surface |
| temperature and a spill this size could cause a | | | | Cleaner, then wipe dry |
| large fire. Some companies recommend that | | | | Do not take chances with solvents! Since they |
| anything larger than a 1 gallon spill requires the fire | | | | are used in such a wide variety of chemicals, |
| department. | | | | complete labeling of canisters and solutions is a |
| - Extinguish all ignition sources | | | | must. MSDS information for each chemical should |
| - Appropriate type of fire extinguishers should be | | | | be on hand and available to employees. |
| available | | | | Remember, solvents are hazardous and prompt |
| - If inside, open windows, if possible, to decrease | | | | control and cleanup can make the difference |
| vapor build-up in immediate area | | | | between a minor incident or a major catastrophe. |