Hazardous Materials

1. When certain hazardous chemicals are stored or mixed together, violent reactions can occur. Section 7 of the new GHS Safety Data Sheet includes a section describing any chemical incompatibilities. Reflect on the importance of this section and a general understanding of chemical incompatibility in the workplace. What tool do you currently use and intend to use to evaluate chemical reactivity and incompatibility in your workplace?

Your journal entry must be at least 200 words. No references or citations are necessary.

2. Recall and reflect on a hazmat incident that has occurred in your lifetime. Describe that incident and detail the tools or resources that you would use as a first responder to evaluate the chemicals that were involved in the incident.

Your journal entry must be at least 200 words. No references or citations are necessary.

3. For this assignment, you will compose an essay about the concept of chemical incompatibility including practical information involving two common chemical products.

· Choose bleach (a base) and another household chemical product that is an acid and review the product labels. You can access product labels and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) information on the Internet.

· Record each product’s chemical formulation.

· Review Section 7 of the product SDS and summarize that information as it relates to the chemical incompatibility and storage of the bleach and the other product that you chose.

· Next, you will use the U.S. EPA Chemical Mixing Compatibility Chart and comment on any chemical incompatibilities associated with the product/chemical(s) that you selected. Include such information as the chemical reactions that could occur if the two products somehow became mixed with one another during an emergency response incident. Also, identify how the chemical properties, uses, and other unique hazards of these two products can affect the tasks and safety of first responders (environmental health and safety/fire service professionals) to an emergency response incident. The chart can be found by clicking here and scrolling down to page 18. There, you will find a description of the chart and the chart itself on pp. 20-21. You are not required to read the rest of the document.

· Summarize and compare the usefulness of the SDS information and the compatibility chart. Were the two references in agreement, or did you find that the information was contradictory? Include a discussion on how you intend to use chemical incompatibility information to keep your workplace or home safe.

Your response must be at least one page in length. You are required to cite the SDS and the U.S. EPA Chemical Mixing Compatibility Chart in your response. All other sources used, including the textbook, must be referenced. Paraphrased and/or quoted materials must have accompanying citations in APA format. You must cite at least three sources in your response.