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Industrial Technology

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Materials handling

Suggested Answers

Activity 1

1. Describe the problems that can result from the incorrect handling of hazardous materials.
   The problems that can result from the incorrect handling of hazardous materials include cancers and other diseases such as a skin condition known as dermatitis.
   
   
2. Identify specific materials that are considered to be hazardous in the work place.
   Specific substances that are considered to be hazardous in the work place include solvents, pesticides, paints, adhesives, petroleum products, heavy metals or any other substance that is hazardous to health. Hazardous substances can take many forms: - liquids, solids, vapours, gases, fumes or dusts.
   
   
3. Identify specific materials that are considered to be hazardous in the work place.
   For a substance to be described as being hazardous, the concentrations of the ingredients present must be known to cause health effects.
   
   
4. Outline the information that is contained in Material Safety Data Sheets.
   Information contained in Material Safety Data Sheets includes the health effects of the substance as well as safe use and storage of the substance. Details of emergency procedures are also outlined in Material Safety Data Sheets.
   
   
5. Identify the easiest way of determining if a material is a potential hazard.
   The easiest way of determining if a substance is a potential hazard is to look on the label for the words "hazardous", "warning", "poison", "dangerous poison", "harmful", "corrosive" or other advice about specific health effects.
   
   
6. Outline ways in which hazardous materials can enter ones body if they are not correctly handled.
   Hazardous substances can enter ones body if they are not correctly handled by the following "means:
   • by breathing in the substance (inhalation)
   • absorption through the skin (dermal)
   • accidental swallowing (ingestion), for example by eating or smoking with contaminated hands.
     
     
7. Identify and describe the type of equipment that should be worn when handling hazardous materials.
   The type of equipment that should be worn when handling hazardous materials is personal protective equipment (PPE). This equipment commonly includes respirators, gloves and eye protection. PPE must be suitable for the type of substance that is being handled. It must be correctly fitted to the worker and comply with relevant Australian Standard

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