Chemicals

What is Calcium Chloride? Calcium chloride is an odorless, white, crystalline solid compound that is highly soluble in water. A type of salt, this calcium chloride is hygroscopic, which means it can attract and absorb water molecules from its surroundings. In fact, calcium chloride can attract several times its own weight in water, dissolving into a […]

June 1, 2015 is the deadline by which manufacturers, distributors, and importers must reclassify chemicals and update all SDSs and labels to the new GHS format. Many in the industry are in the process of preparing, but some still have questions about what will change for them, and what they’ll need to do in order […]

What is Nitric Acid? Commonly used in fertilizers (and in rare occasions even explosives) Nitric acid is a colorless or yellow liquid with a characteristically acrid, caustic odor and corrosive properties. This mineral acid has a variety of applications and presents several health hazards if used without the necessary safety precautions. Here are some important […]

What is Diethyl Ether? Previously used as an anesthetic, Diethyl ether is an organic compound used primarily as a solvent. This colorless, highly volatile chemical has a pungent, yet somewhat sweet odor. Due to its extreme flammability and other potential hazards, diethyl ether should be stored and handled with extreme care in the workplace. Read […]

What is Ethyl Acetate and Where is it Found? Ethyl acetate is a relatively common chemical used in a variety of industrial and household products. This compound liquid is colorless, with a characteristically sweet, pleasant odor. Due to its potential hazards, ethyl acetate should be stored and handled appropriately to avoid hazards to your health. […]

Sodium Chloride Safety Information & Tips Sodium chloride is the chemical name given to salt or table salt. It’s a white crystalline mineral substance that’s used as a seasoning in many foods, as well as in many workplace situations for a wide variety of purposes. Sodium chloride solutions are used medically to treat or prevent […]

As one of his final acts in office before resigning permanently as head of the Chemical Safety Board (CSB), Chair Rafael Moure-Eraso and the CSB released a new video outlining ways that employers can prevent anhydrous ammonia accidents. The video, Shock to the System, builds on one of the final high profile investigations taking place […]

News outlets are reporting that a man in Orange County, California died earlier this week while using pool cleaning chemicals at a local apartment complex. There was no indication that he was using the chemicals in exceptionally large quantities.  However, early evidence showed that he may have improperly mixed chlorine with other cleaners, which can […]

A new voluntary international standard for occupational health and safety management — including hazardous chemical safety — is currently under development by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The new standard will be called ISO 45001, and is set to replace OHSAS 18001, a voluntary set of international standards first published in 1999 and developed […]

Dichloromethane (also commonly known as Methylene Chloride, Methylene Dichloride, Di-clo and DCM) is a clear, slightly sweet smelling organic liquid chemical solvent which can be pose significant workplace safety risks if strict handling instructions are not followed. Common Uses for Dichloromethane Dichloromethane is used across a variety of industries, and is especially useful in chemical processes […]