When working with solvents, one should remember their toxicity and the fact that careless handling of them is dangerous for health. Once in the body, these substances act mainly as a narcotic, causing functional disorders of the nervous system.
Where solvents are used
Solvents are used in industrial enterprises and in everyday life. Application of solvents in the following industries: paint, shoe and leather goods (as part of glues, paints, etc.); instrument and mechanical engineering (for cleaning and washing parts of instruments and machines from oils); in the production of organic synthesis; in the medical industry; laboratory work (for chromatography); in the automotive industry (such as fuel, etc.), etc., requires compliance with the rules and safety instructions. Violation of basic requirements for safe work with solvents is also dangerous in domestic use.
Classification of solvents according to the degree of danger
The safety assessment of organic solvents is carried out according to their properties: the degree of toxicity, volatility and evaporation rate.
Solvents are divided into four groups according to the maximum permissible concentrations (MPC) in the air:
- the least toxic – MPC 300 mg/m3 and more – ethyl alcohol, butyl alcohol, etc.;
- more toxic – MPC 200-100 mg/m3 – acetone, butyl acetate, ethyl acetate, methyl acetate, etc.;
- highly toxic – MAC 50-20 mg/m3 – benzene, xylene, toluene, etc.;
- especially toxic – 10 MPC mg/m3 and less toxic – carbon disulfide, trichlorethylene, etc.
Rules for working with solvents
In the process of working with solvents, the following rules should be followed:
– the can or bottle with the composition should be placed directly in front of you, slightly away from tools and other means;
– keep a damp cloth nearby and wipe surfaces with it if a drop of solvent suddenly gets on them;
– it is necessary to work with solvents carefully, concentrating;
– use liquids only as intended, strictly following the dosage specified in the instructions.
When the work is completed, all containers with solvents should be tightly closed, the used dishes should be washed (or thrown away).
When using solvents in automated equipment washing systems or other technological processes, you should strictly follow the instructions for working with these devices.
Employees working with solvents must undergo a preliminary and periodic medical examination, and the enterprise administration must provide them with overalls and personal protective equipment. All workers must be instructed in labor protection and industrial safety upon starting work, and then at least once every six months. Reception and storage of food in work premises is not allowed. It is necessary to carry out systematic laboratory control of the state of the air environment.
High concentrations of some solvents have a narcotic effect on the human body. In contact with the skin, the solvent causes skin dryness, irritation, as well as dermatitis and eczema. Solvents strongly irritate the mucous membrane of the eyes and upper respiratory tract. In case of skin contact, wash off immediately with plenty of soap and water.
How to remove the smell of solvent from the room?
It’s simple – the room must be well ventilated.
Rules for storing solvents
Everyone who deals with solvents should remember that these substances are extremely flammable, their evaporation is harmful, therefore it is very dangerous to leave them in open containers even in small doses. Containers in which solvents are stored must be hermetically closed. at workplaces and areas of work with solvents, the necessary conditions for safe work must be provided: local exhaust and general supply-exhaust (general exchange) mechanical ventilation.