|
Misuse,
improper handling and exposure to solvents and monomers can
cause accidents and health problems. The plant supervisor
should be notified of any eye discomfort, breathing difficulty
or other physical discomfort.
Styrene
monomer and most of the commonly used solvents such as acetone
and MEK (methyl ethyl ketone) give off hazardous vapors which
can form flammable or explosive concentrations even under
normal temperatures. It is imperative these materials be used
with good ventilation. Upper and lower explosive limits for
styrene monomer by volume of air are 6.1% and 1.1% respectively.
When concentrations of styrene fall between these two limits,
any ignition source will cause an explosion. Therefore,
it is imperative that all sources of ignition be eliminated
from areas where solvents or styrene will be used or stored.
That includes smoking, welding, burning, hot machinery, open
flame and electrical equipment not designed for specific use
with these materials.
Flash
Point of Styrene
The
lowest temperature at which a substance gives off enough vapors
to form a flammable mixture with air is the flash point. The
flash point of styrene is 31º C. (87.7º F.).
Fire
Point of Styrene
In
general, fire points are temperatures slightly above those
designated at flash points. The fire point is the lowest temperature
at which a liquid in an open container will give off enough
vapors to continue burning after ignition. The fire point
of styrene is 34º C. (93.2 º F.).
Auto-Ignition
of Styrene
Known
also as the kindling temperature, the auto-ignition temperature
is the lowest temperature at which self-sustained (spontaneous)
combustion will occur (without the presence of spark or flame).
The auto-ignition temperature of styrene is 490º C. (914º
F.).
Styrene
Toxicity
Toxicity
test results show styrene vapors less toxic than benzene.
The characteristic odor along with almost immediate eye/nose
irritation gives workers ample warning that styrene vapor
is present and that precautions must be taken to reduce exposure.
In case of accidental exposure to styrene monomer, call a
physician immediately.
Dispensing
of Styrene and Solvents
As
the fluid is being poured, static electricity can build up
creating a potentially explosive accident. To prevent static
electricity build-up when transferring solvent from a drum,
the drum must be grounded and the receiving container bonded
to the drum. Be sure that grounding cables and connectors
are attached to clean bare metal surfaces.
Clean-up
Solvent
spills must be cleaned up immediately. Compounds such as perlite,
vermiculite, clay and sand will absorb solvent.
Storage
and Handling
Carry
and dispense solvents from safety cans. Take only the amount
of solvent to be used during a shift into the work area. Return
unused solvent to storage at the end of each shift.
|
