Printed Resources and Support Organizations

There are several printed resources available that can provide personnel with technical data. In addition, organizations such as the Chemical Manufacturers Association provide a variety of support operations.

CHRIS: Chemical Hazard Response Information System
CHRIS was developed by the U.S. Coast Guard and is one of the best sources of information regarding the aquatic toxicity of chemicals.

CHRIS contains information on hazardous chemicals shipped in large volume by water. Information regarding each chemical is categorized by its physical, chemical, and toxicological properties.

CHRIS is available from:
Commandant (G-MSO-3)
U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters
2100 2nd Second Street, SW
Washington, DC 20593

Telephone: 202-267-1217

National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) - OSHA Resources
NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards
This guidebook is available at no cost from the U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402. The guide can be obtained by requesting DHEW (NIOSH) Pub. No. 85-114. Presented in tabular format, this pocket guide is a reference for industrial hygiene and medical surveillance personnel. Included are:

    • chemical names and synonyms
    • permissible exposure limits
    • chemical and physical properties
    • signs and symptoms of overexposure
    • environmental and medical monitoring procedures
    • recommended respiratory and personal protective equipment
    • procedures for treatment

 

Occupational Health Guidelines for Chemical Hazards
This document is available from the National Technical Information Service, Springfield, VA 22161. The guidelines can be obtained by requesting Pub. No. PB83-154609 (3 parts).

This three-volume publication provides data for most of the substances listed in the NIOSH Pocket Guide. The information is much more detailed and is designed primarily for use by industrial hygienists and medical surveillance personnel. In addition to the information found in the Pocket Guide, Occupational Health Guidelines includes:

    • recommended medical surveillance practices
    • air monitoring and measurement procedures
    • personnel sanitation
    • spill and disposal techniques

 

Fire Prevention Guide on Hazardous Materials
This guide is available from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Quincy, MA 02269. The NFPA has combined five manuals into one comprehensive guide on hazardous materials. The following information is presented:

  • fire hazards of more than 1,300 flammable liquids, gases and solids listed in alphabetical order
  • toxicity data on approximately 416 chemicals
  • hazardous chemical reactions of over 3,550 mixtures
  • the NFPA labeling system described in detail with an explanation of the ratings

 

The Merck Index
This index is available for order at most bookstores or from Merck and Company in Rahway, N.J. 07065. The Merck Index is a comprehensive interdisciplinary encyclopedia of chemicals, drugs and biological substances. Information includes:

  • physical, chemical, and toxicological information on over 9,800 chemicals
  • CAS numbers
  • an extensive index and cross-index

 

Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials
This book is available for order at most bookstores or from Von Nostrand Reinhold (publishers), 135 W. 50th Street, New York, NY 10020. The book provides a single source of concise information on the hazards of nearly 13,000 common industrial and laboratory materials. Descriptive information and technical information are given in three sections of the book:

  • general information: synonyms, description, formula, physical characteristics
  • hazard analysis: toxicity, fire hazard, explosive hazard
  • countermeasures: handling, storage, shipping, first aid, firefighting, personal protection
  • industrial, commercial, or household uses for the chemical

 

Condensed Chemical Dictionary
This book is available for order at most bookstores or from the Van Nostrand Reinhold Co., 135 West 50th Street, New York, NY 10020. This book is a compendium of technical data and descriptive information covering many thousands of chemicals and reactions. It is designed to be used in industrial situations to assess a hazardous waste site or spill. However, information pertaining to environmental behavior of chemicals is limited. Three distinct types of information are presented:

  • technical descriptions of compounds, raw materials, and processes
  • expanded definitions of chemical entities, phenomena, and terminology
  • description and identification of a wide range of trade name products used in the chemical industry

 

DOT Emergency Response Guidebook
The DOT Guidebook is available from the U.S. Department of Transportation. This publication is designed for first responders. It provides assistance in identifying chemicals by name and by UN number. Each chemical is cross-referenced with response guidance that describes potential hazards, emergency actions and initial isolation and protective action distances. The document is available for no charge from various State coordinators or from several commercial suppliers. For a list of the current coordinators and suppliers, please consult the following DOT web address: hazmat.dot.gov/pubs/erg/gydebook.htm.

Test Methods for Evaluating Solid Waste: Physical/Chemical Methods (SW-846)
SW-846 is intended to provide a unified, up-to-date source of information on sampling and analysis related to compliance with applicable hazardous waste regulations. The manual provides methodology for collecting and testing representative samples of waste. Aspects of sampling and testing covered in SW-846 include quality control, sampling plan development and implementation, analysis of inorganic and organic chemicals, the estimation of intrinsic physical properties, and the appraisal of waste characteristics. It is available from USEPA, Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response at (202) 260-4610. It is also available online at www.epa.gov/epaoswer/hazwaste/test/main.htm.

Farm Chemicals Handbook
The annually-updated Farm Chemicals Handbook provides a comprehensive reference source for pesticides, biocontrols and fertilizers. The handbook includes a fertilizer dictionary, a pesticide/biocontrol dictionary, a regulatory file section, and an environmental and safety section.

  • Fertilizer Dictionary - includes descriptions of fertilizer and fertilizer-related materials and processed used in manufacture, "how to use" information, and a guide to nutrient suppliers.
  • Pesticide/Biocontrol Dictionary - includes a compilation of experimental and commercial products available in the U.S. and around the world; chemical identification, chemistry, action/use, registration notes, environmental guidelines, safety guidelines, and emergency guidelines. The dictionary also includes the names of producers and a listing of discontinued products.
  • Regulatory File - includes an accessible and condensed overview of various United States and State regulations and policies which impact the manufacturer, importer, formulator, distributor, dealer, applicator, or farmer.
  • Environmental and Safety Section - presents information about the safe handling, application, and storage of farm chemicals.

 

The Farm Chemicals handbook is available from Meister Publishing Company, 37733 Euclid Avenue, Willoughby, OH 44094; (440) 942-2000 or 1-800-572-7740.

Material Safety Data Sheets in Spanish
Material Safety Data Sheets translated into Spanish (or many other languages) are available from:

3DWord, Inc
4325 Athens Hwy, Suite 4-13
Atlanta, Ga. 30052

Toll-Free 1-877-433-9673

 

 

 

    
         
   
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