HAZCHEM CODE - EMERGENCY ACTION CODE

Emergency Action Code, commonly known as the "Hazchem Code" is a very simple and effective communication device to enable personnel to know at once what precautions or actions are required to deal with emergencies like spills, leaks or fire.

The Hazardous Goods Emergency Action Code (EAC) List is reviewed every two years and is an essential compliance document for all emergency services, local government and for those who may control the planning for, and prevention of, emergencies involving dangerous goods.

The Code:

For Fire-Fighting Response:

1. Jets / Coarse Spray

2. Fog / Fine Spray

3. Foam

4. Dry Agent

Example: A Substance With Hazchem Code 3YE  for PETROL.

The number tells the fire brigade what medium to use to extinguish a fire - in this case 3 indicates that emergency responders should apply foam to extinguish a fire. 

Y indicates appropriate spill response, which in this case is in the 'contain' section of the table. 

This substance must be prevented, by whatever means possible, from entering drains or watercourses. 

When the spill response code relates to the 'Dilute' section of the table, this means that the substance can be flushed away with water.

UN Classification of Hazardous Materials

Classification of Hazardous Materials Given Below:

Class 1 – Explosives

Class 2 – Gases

Class 3 – Flammable Liquids

Class 4 – Flammable Solids

Class 5 – Oxidizing Substances

Class 6 – Toxic Substances 

Class 7 – Radioactive Substances 

Class 8 – Corrosive Substances

Class 9 – Miscellaneous Hazardous Materials

UN Class	Dangerous Goods	Division(s)	Classification
1	Explosives	1.1 - 1.6	Explosive
2	Gases	2.1	Flammable gas
		2.2	Non-flammable, non-toxic gas
		2.3	Toxic gas
3	Flammable liquid		Flammable liquid
4	Flammable solids	4.1	Flammable solid
		4.2	Spontaneously combustible substance
		4.3	Substance which in contact with water emits flammable gas
5	Oxidizing substances	5.1	Oxidizing substance
		5.2	Organic peroxide
6	Toxic substances	6.1	Toxic substance
		6.2	Infectious substance
7	Radioactive material		Radioactive material
8	Corrosive substances		Corrosive substance
9	Miscellaneous dangerous goods		Miscellaneous dangerous goods

The multitude of Hazardous Materials regimes across the world and the complexity of dangerous goods classifications and regulations render compliance a particularly difficult task.

CLASS 1: EXPLOSIVES

Explosives are materials or items which have the ability to rapidly conflagration or detonate as a consequence of chemical reaction.

Subdivisions:

Division 1.1: 

Substances and articles which have a mass explosion hazard

Division 1.2: 

Substances and articles which have a projection hazard but not a mass explosion hazard

Division 1.3: 

Substances and articles which have a fire hazard and either a minor blast hazard or a minor projection hazard or both

Division 1.4: 

Substances and articles which present no significant hazard; only a small hazard in the event of ignition or initiation during transport with any effects largely confined to the package

Division 1.5: 

Very insensitive substances which have a mass explosion hazard

Division 1.6: 

Extremely insensitive articles which do not have a mass explosion hazard

Commonly Transported Explosives

Fireworks

Flares

Fuse

Primers

Igniters

Rockets

CLASS 2 : GASES

Gases are defined by dangerous goods regulations as substances which have a vapor pressure of 300 kPa or greater at 50°c or which are completely gaseous at 20°c at standard atmospheric pressure, and items containing these substances. 

The class encompasses compressed gases, liquefied gases, dissolved gases, refrigerated liquefied gases, mixtures of one or more gases with one or more vapours of substances of other classes, articles charged with a gas and aerosols.

Subdivisions

Division 2.1: Flammable gases

Division 2.2: Non-flammable, non-toxic gases

Division 2.3: Toxic gases

Commonly Transported Gases

Acetylene

Carbon Dioxide

Helium

Hydrogen Gas

Oxygen Gas

Nitrogen Gas

Natural Gas

Oil Gas

Petroleum Gases

CLASS 3 : FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS

Flammable liquids are defined by dangerous goods regulations as liquids, mixtures of liquids or liquids containing solids in solution or suspension which give off a flammable vapour (have a flash point) at temperatures of not more than 60-65°C, liquids offered for transport at temperatures at or above their flash point or substances transported at elevated temperatures in a liquid state and which give off a flammable vapour at a temperature at or below the maximum transport temperature.

Subdivisions

There are no subdivisions within Class 3, Flammable Liquids.

Commonly Transported Flammable Liquids

Adhesives

Paints

Alcohols

Petrol

Diesel

Kerosene

CLASS 4 : FLAMMABLE SOLIDS

Flammable solids are materials which, under conditions encountered in transport, are readily combustible or may cause or contribute to fire through friction, self-reactive substances which are liable to undergo a strongly exothermic reaction or solid desensitized explosives. 

Also included are substances which are liable to spontaneous heating under normal transport conditions, or to heating up in contact with air, and are consequently liable to catch fire and substances which emit flammable gases or become spontaneously flammable when in contact with water.

Subdivisions

Division 4.1: Flammable Solids

Division 4.2: Substances liable to spontaneous combustion

Division 4.3: Substances which, in contact with water, emit flammable gases

Commonly Transported Flammable Solids

Carbon

Phosphorus

Sulphur

CLASS 5 : OXIDIZING SUBSTANCES; ORGANIC PEROXIDES

Oxidizers are defined by dangerous goods regulations as substances which may cause or contribute to combustion, generally by yielding oxygen as a result of a redox chemical reaction. 

Organic peroxides are substances which may be considered derivatives of hydrogen peroxide where one or both hydrogen atoms of the chemical structure have been replaced by organic radicals.

Subdivisions

Division 5.1: Oxidizing substances

Division 5.1: Organic peroxides

Commonly Transported Oxidizers; Organic Peroxides

Calcium Peroxide

Hydrogen Peroxide

Magnesium Peroxide 

CLASS 6 : TOXIC SUBSTANCES; INFECTIOUS SUBSTANCES

Toxic substances are those which are liable either to cause death or serious injury or to harm human health if swallowed, inhaled or by skin contact. Infectious substances are those which are known or can be reasonably expected to contain pathogens. 

Dangerous goods regulations define pathogens as microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, rickettsiae, parasites and fungi, or other agents which can cause disease in humans or animals.

Subdivisions

Division 6.1: Toxic substances

Division 6.2: Infectious substances

Commonly Transported Toxic Substances; Infectious Substances

Biomedical Waste

Bacteria & Viruses

Clinical Waste

Biological Cultures

Medical Cultures

Dyes

Acids

Chloroform 

CLASS 7 : RADIOACTIVE SUBSTANCES

Dangerous goods regulations define radioactive material as any material containing radionuclides where both the activity concentration and the total activity exceeds certain pre-defined values. 

A radionuclide is an atom with an unstable nucleus and which consequently is subject to radioactive decay.

Subdivisions

There are no subdivisions within Class 7, Radioactive Material.

Commonly Transported Radioactive Material

Radium

Thorium

Uranium

CLASS 8 : CORROSIVES SUBSTANCES

Corrosives are substances which by chemical action degrade or disintegrate other materials upon contact.

Corrosives cause severe damage when in contact with living tissue or, in the case of leakage, damage or destroy surrounding materials.

Subdivisions

There are no subdivisions within Class 8, Corrosives.

Commonly Transported Corrosives

Acids

Batteries

Dyes

Formaldehyde

Paints

Sulphides

Polysulphides

Nitric Acid

Iodine

CLASS 9 : MISCELLANEOUS HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

Miscellaneous dangerous goods are substances and articles which during transport present a danger or hazard not covered by other classes. 

This class encompasses, but is not limited to, environmentally hazardous substances, substances that are transported at elevated temperatures, miscellaneous articles and substances, genetically modified organisms and microorganisms and magnetized materials and aviation regulated substances.

Commonly Transported Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods

Vehicles

Chemical Kits

First Aid Kits

Benzaldehyde

Functions of Scientific Management

5 Functions of Scientific Management:

(1) Planning:

It refers to thinking beforehand. In other words, planning is the determination of a future course of action to achieve a desired result. Under planning, it is ascertained that what should be done, how it should be done and who should do it.

If before the commencement of a job all these points are not contemplated then the objective of a business cannot be achieved.

Planning is a long process, for the consummation of which following steps are taken:

(i) Setting objectives

(ii) Developing premises 

(iii) Identifying alternative courses of action 

(iv) Evaluating alternative courses 

(v) Selecting an alternative 

(vi) Implementing the plan 

(vii) Follow-up action

(2) Organising:

It refers to harmonious adjustment of various parts to achieve common objectives. In order to make the first function of management (i.e., planning) functional, ‘a structure of roles’ needs to be framed and sustained.

The process of creating this structure of roles is known as organising. Planning is just to put some idea in writing, but to convert that idea into reality, a group of people is needed.

Further, to streamline the activities of this group of people, organising is required. Under this, the whole project is divided into various small jobs, to assign these jobs to designated posts (which will clarify that a particular job will be performed at which post), to unite various jobs into one department, to clarify the rights and duties of employees to be appointed at various posts, and to define relationship among various posts (employees).

Following steps are taken to complete the organising function of management:

(i) Identification and Division of Work 

(ii) Departmentalization 

(iii) Assignment of Duties 

(iv) Establishing Reporting Relations

(3) Staffing:

It refers to filling and keeping filled the post with people. In planning, ideas are given a written shape, on the other hand organising, with the objective of converting these ideas into reality, prepares a structure of various posts.

After organising comes staffing which deploys people on these posts so that jobs can be performed. In view of the fact that the success of an organisation is commensurate with how adroitly every employee performs his job, the importance of staffing function increases even more.

Following steps are taken to complete the staffing function of management:

(i) Estimating the manpower requirements

(ii) Recruitment

(iii) Selection

(iv) Placement and Orientation

(v) Training and Development

(4) Directing:

It refers to instructing, guiding, communicating and inspiring people in the organisation. Under directing following four activities are included:

(i) Supervision 

(ii) Communication

(iii) Leadership 

(iv) Motivation

Brief description of these four activities is as follows:

(i) Supervision:

It refers to monitor the progress of routine work of one’s subordinates and guiding them properly. Supervision is an important element of the directing function of management. Supervision has an important feature that face to face contact between supervisor and his subordinate is a must,

(ii) Communication:

It refers to an art of transferring facts, ideas, feeling, etc. from one person to another and making him understand them. A manager has to continuously tell his subordinates about what to do, how to do, and when to do various things.

Also, it is very essential to know their reactions. To do all this it becomes essential to develop effective communication facilities. Communication by developing mutual understanding inculcates a sense of cooperation which builds an environment of coordination in the organisation.

(iii) Leadership:

It refers to influencing others in such a manner to make them do work what the leader wants them to do. Leadership plays an important role in directing. Only through this quality, a manager can inculcate trust and zeal among his subordinates.

(iv) Motivation:

It refers to that process which excites people to work for attainment of desired objective. Among the various factors of production, it is only the human factor which is dynamic and provides mobility to other physical resources. If human resource goes static then other resources automatically turn immobile.

Thus, it becomes essential to motivate human resource to keep them dynamic, aware and eager to perform their duty. Both monetary and non-monetary incentives are given to employees for motivation.

(5) Controlling:

It refers to bringing the actual results closer to the desired results.

Under this, the manager monitors whether the jobs are being performed in accordance with the set plans or not. He also checks whether the quality and quantity of job performed is in alignment with the pre-determined standards/parameters or not.

Deviations are then checked for by matching actual performance with pre­determined standards. After this corrective action is taken for negative deviations so that the difference between actual result and desired results can be minimised.

Thus, with the enforcement of controlling process all the bottlenecks coming in the way of work-progress are removed and efforts of all the people start approaching in the desired direction, in the form of conclusion, controlling process has five main steps:

(i) Setting performance standards

(ii) Measurement of actual performance

(iii) Comparison of actual performance with standards

(iv) Analysing deviations

(v) Taking corrective action.

Ergonomic Hazards

An ergonomic hazard is a physical factor within the environment that harms the musculoskeletal system. Ergonomic hazards include themes such as repetitive movement, manual handling, workplace/job/task design, uncomfortable workstation height and poor body positioning.

Ergonomics is the study of how a workplace, the equipment used there and the work environment itself can best be designed for comfort, efficiency, safety and productivity. Often we can improve our levels of comfort and productivity with relatively simple changes.

Although ergonomics is a broad field, the main areas of concern for workplaces and employees will often relate to:

Workstations (Sitting and Standing)

Equipment Layout and Operation

Computer Systems

Noise

Lighting

Thermal Comfort

Maintenance tasks performed on plant items.

Improperly adjusted workstations and chairs

Frequent Lifting

Improper & Poor Posture

Vibration

Unsafe Acts & Unsafe Conditions

A. Unsafe Act:

Performance of a task or other activity that is conducted in a manner that may threaten the health and safety of workers. 

For Example:

Improper Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Standing Under Suspended Load.

Operating Equipment at Unsafe Speed.

Removal of Safety Devices.

Using Defective Equipment.

Use of tools for other than their intended purpose.

Working in hazardous Locations without adequate protection or warning.

Improper repair of equipment.

Operating Machines Without Authority. 

B. Unsafe Condition: 

A condition in the work place that is likely to cause property damage or injury. For example:

Unsafe Condition is defined as an unsatisfactory physical condition that exists at the workplace especially immediately before an accident which had a crucial role in triggering the incident. 

In general terms we can say that it is something which existed previously and is different from the normally accepted “safe conditions”. Such conditions may lead to death, injury, loss of property.

These conditions exist all around us for e.g. being in a car and driving it at a high speed puts us in an unsafe condition where we are prone to accidents. Although we are vulnerable to such conditions but mostly we neglect them. 

According to OSHA (Occupational Health & Safety Act), it’s the responsibility of the employer to provide a safe and healthy working environment to all its employees. Some of the examples of unsafe conditions are:

Congested workplace where the workers don’t have sufficient space to move and work freely.

For Example:

Improper Atmospheric conditions without adequate safety measures

Inadequate supports or guards

Inadequate warning systems

Defective Tools & Tackles, Machinery, Equipments

Fire & Explosion Hazards

Poor Housekeeping

Poor Ventilation

Poor Illumination

Excessive Noise

Operating without prior training

Poorly maintained record of injuries

Unsafe Conditions lead to workplace hazards, there are four main types of workplace associated hazards:

1. Physical Hazards: 

Most frequently occurring hazards. Examples, loud noise of the machines, unguarded machinery, spill etc.

2. Ergonomic Hazards: 

This type of hazard occurs when the body of the worker is under stress because of the conditions of work and well the posture in which he’s working. 

It’s very difficult to detect this type of hazard as it has a long term impact on employee’s health. E.g. Improper work stations, awkward moments at workplace.

3. Chemical Hazard: 

This type of hazard occurs when the employee is exposed to any kind of chemical preparation be it solid, liquid or gas. E.g. CO or other gaseous emissions, exposure to gasoline or other flammable materials.

4. Biological Hazards: 

Involves the people, animals or any other infectious plant or animal material to which the employees are in contact with. Most common and widely known hazard comes from blood or other bodily fluid, bacteria and viruses.