ASSESSMENT ACTIVITY 1

Name: Cabanlit, Neil Angel B. Section: BSEE 1-2

Instructor: Mr. Jose Mari Felicita Date: October 14, 2020

1. In your own words, define what chemical safety is and state its importance to your life as a member of
the community, a student of Chemistry for Engineers who is to undergo laboratory classes, and a future
professional working in the engineering field.
Chemical safety is a practice of proper handling of chemicals and hazardous substances to prevent or
reduce potential harm or damage, ensuring your safety, the people around you, and the environment. Knowledge
on chemical safety is important for me as a member of the community and a student of chemistry for engineers
because it helps me how to act accordingly when encountering hazardous chemicals in our community and
properly handle chemicals when undergoing laboratory activity. Its beneficial as well at times of need when an
accident occur, knowledge on necessary measures will be very useful to prevent worsen the situation. As future
engineers our goal is to make people’s life better and safer, not to cause or bring harm to them.

2. Cite the difference between “hazard” and “risk” by giving an example.

A lightning strikes a tree beside your house. The lightning, tree and a possible fire are hazards for the
people living in the house. The risks in this situation are, there is a chance that a broken branch or a part of the
tree may fall off to you or to your house and also if the tree burned after being struck by lightning there is a chance
of your house being caught on fire as well.

3. Imagine yourself to be a medical practitioner in a hospital that caters Covid-19 pandemic patients. Name
a hazard under each classification that you are exposed to.
As a medical practitioner in a hospital that caters to Covid-19 patients, I'm exposed to different hazards.
First and foremost, when treating Covid-19 patients, I am exposing myself to the Covid-19 virus, which is a
biological hazard. Transporting patients or hospital equipment and using alternatives because of the lack of supply
of PPE causes physical hazards. Frequent use of disinfectants, chemical cleaners, and other cleaning agents
increases exposure to chemical hazards. The combination of a heavy workload, exhaustion, and stress induce
ergonomic and phycological hazards.

4. Look for an available GHS-compliant label of hydrogen sulfide, identify the type of hazards of the
substances and the necessary measure(s) if someone inhales it.
The hazards of hydrogen sulfide are the following; extremely flammable gas, contains gas under pressure;
may explode if heated, fatal if inhaled, may cause respiratory irritation, and very toxic to aquatic life. In case a
person inhaled hydrogen sulfide, move the person to a place with fresh air and keep at rest and in a position
comfortable for breathing. If not breathing, give artificial respiration and if breathing is difficult, trained personnel
should give oxygen. Call a physician.

5. Look for an available GHS-compliant label of n-propyl alcohol, identify the type of hazards of the
substances and the necessary measure(s) if it gets to your eyes.
The hazards of n-propyl alcohol are the following; flammable liquid & vapour, causes serious eye irritation,
and may cause dizziness or drowsiness. In case of eye contact, wash eyes with plenty of water, holding eyelids open
and seek medical assistance if there is any irritation.

6. Make an NPFA fire diamond and an HMIS color bar for a deadly, stable radioactive substance but does
not burn.

Figure 1. NPFA fire diamond and HMIS color bar for Substance X

7. You are to work with a 0.5N hydrochloric acid purchased from LabChem, Inc. The SDS is available for
download from the company’s website.
a. Is the product applicable for food use?
Hydrochloric acid is not applicable for food use.
b. Is the product flammable?
Hydrochloric acid is not flammable.
c. What are the personal protective equipment that you need to use when handling the substance?
When handling a hydrochloric acid, the personal protective equipment needed are the
following: chemical goggles or face shield, protective gloves, chemical resistant apron, and
respiratory protection but not required in normal conditions.
d. What is (are) the available GHS pictogram(s) for the product?
The GHS pictogram present for hydrochloric acid is the corrosion symbol.
e. What is the first aid measure during skin contact?
In case that we made skin contact with hydrochloric acid, the first aid measures are; remove
or take off immediately all contaminated clothing, then rinse the skin with clean water, and
immediately call a poison center or doctor/physician.
 8. What are the different hierarchy of hazard controls? Give an example for each.
Hierarchy of Hazard Control Example
Dispose properly used chemicals and
Elimination return chemical containers to a safe and
secure storage.
Replacing mercury thermometers with
Substitution
digital thermometers.

Engineering Controls Upgrading systems and facilities

Conducting trainings and orientation on

Administrative Controls
proper handling of hazardous materials.

face mask, face shield, safety goggles,

Personal Protective Equipment
gloves, lab gown, respirators

9. The lesson on Chemical Safety ends with the slogan “Think Safety First.” Why is this so? How are you
going to practice during times of emergencies? Cite an example of a situation to answer the question.
The lesson on Chemical Safety ends with the slogan “Think Safety First” because this phrase reminds us
what chemical safety is about and that is prioritizing our safety, the people around us and the environment during
an occurrence of chemical incident or exposure to chemical hazards. I can practice “Think Safety First” by
educating myself about the necessary measures to do in common types of emergency. For example, an electrical
fire occurred in our house and we don’t have a fire extinguisher present at that moment the first thing to do is to
identify the source of fire if its from an appliance remove it from the power source and if unplugging is impossible
turnoff the main switch of the house. Put out the fire while its still small to stop it from spreading, don’t use water
if the power is still on to avoid being electrocuted use water only if the power is turned off. After extinguishing the
fire seek professional support to check what is the cause of the fire. Preparing myself greatly affect my safety and
the people I am with, when an actual emergency occurred. In case of any emergency always ask for help.

References
• Hydrogen Sulfide. Retrieved from https://amp.generalair.com/MsdsDocs/PA46112S.pdf
• N-Propyl Alcohol. Retrieved from http://megaloid.ca/MSDS/n-Propyl%20Alcohol.pdf
• Hydrochloric Acid, 0.5N (0.5M), LabChem. Retrieved from
http://www.labchem.com/tools/msds/msds/LC15280.pdf