4.

0 Introduction

Occupational health and safety have been vital and important aspect as it ensures the health
and safety of human in a workplace. It also ensures good use of by-products and waste
products, that whatever the company is manufacturing, is environmental friendly by not having
any negative effects on the nearby communities or residential area. Trans-esterification is a
simple process to convert waste cooking oils into an alternative and green fuel for diesel
engines. This has led to a rapid increase in the number of producers of biodiesel in the recent
years, especially amongst small companies [1]. However, the manufacture of biodiesel can be
hazardous if suitable precautions and process safety are not taken, as it involves the storage,
handling and use of hazardous substances. Basically, the main focus of process safety is to
prevent fires, explosions and accidental chemical releases in chemical process facilities. In
todays industry, safety is equally important to production and has developed into a discipline
that includes many highly technical and complex theories and practices.

4.1 Objectives

There are several objectives of the implementation of safety, health and environment which are:

1) To make sure that the process safety for hazard identification, risk assessment and
control are effective to manage hazard which may occur within the workplace in acetone
production plant.
2) Avoid harm to all employees, assets and public nearby.
3) Minimize the number of accidents and incidents, hence, saving human, political
and financial cost.
4) Develop a high level of health and safety awareness amongst all employees.

4.4 Control and Preventive Measure

Preventive measure such as the first aid, personal protective equipment (PPE) handling
and storage must be emphasized because each chemical used in the production of biodiesel
processes. This must be done to prevent consequences that might cause harm to the workers
at the plant. The involvement of high temperature and high pressure in the equipment and
streams is the main reason why the process must be monitored and controlled consistently from
time to time [2].

4.4.1 First Aid Measures

First aid is medical attention that is typically administered immediately after an injury or illness
occurs. The implementation of first aid in every organization is very vital because it can help
prevent injury that occur from worsening. First aids purpose is also to promote early recovery to
sudden illness or injury.

Table Error! No text of specified style in document..1: First aid measure for chemicals [3]

Chemical Required first aid measures

Triacylglycerol Eye Contact: Get medical attention immediately. Immediately
flush eyes with plenty of water, occasionally lifting the upper and
lower eyelids. Check for and remove any contact lenses.
Continue to rinse for at least 10 minutes.

Skin Contact: In case of contact, immediately flush skin with

plenty of water for at least 15 minutes while removing
contaminated clothing and shoes. Wash clothing before reuse.
Clean shoes thoroughly before reuse. Get medical attention
immediately.

Inhalation: Move exposed person to fresh air. If not breathing, if

breathing is irregular or if respiratory arrest occurs, provide
artificial respiration or oxygen by trained personnel. Loosen tight
clothing such as a collar, tie, belt or waistband. Get medical
attention immediately.
 Ingestion: Wash out mouth with water. Do not induce vomiting
unless directed to do so by medical personnel. Never give
anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Get medical
attention immediately.

Methanol Eye Contact: Check for and remove any contact lenses.
Immediately flush eyes with running water for at least 15 minutes,
keeping eyelids open. Cold water may be used. Get medical
attention.

Skin Contact: In case of contact, immediately flush skin with

plenty of water for at least 15 minutes while removing
contaminated clothing and shoes. Cover the irritated skin with an
emollient. Cold water may be used. Wash clothing before reuse.
Thoroughly clean shoes before reuse. Get medical attention
immediately.

Inhalation: If inhaled, remove to fresh air. If not breathing, give

artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. Get
medical attention immediately.

Ingestion: If swallowed, do not induce vomiting unless directed to

do so by medical personnel. Never give anything by mouth to an
unconscious person. Loosen tight clothing such as a collar, tie,
belt or waistband. Get medical attention immediately.

Sulfuric Acid Eye Contact: Check for and remove any contact lenses. In case of
contact, immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15
 minutes. Cold water may be used. Get medical attention
immediately.

Skin Contact: In case of contact, immediately flush skin with

plenty of water for at least 15 minutes while removing
contaminated clothing and shoes. Cover the irritated skin with an
emollient. Cold water may be used.Wash clothing before reuse.
Thoroughly clean shoes before reuse. Get medical attention
immediately.

Inhalation: If inhaled, remove to fresh air. If not breathing, give

artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. Get
medical attention immediately.

Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting unless directed to do so by

medical personnel. Never give anything by mouth to an
unconscious person. Loosen tight clothing such as a collar, tie,
belt or waistband. Get medical attention if symptoms appear.

FAME Eye Contact: In case of contact, immediately flush eyes with

plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Get medical attention if
irritation occurs

Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water. Get medical attention if
irritation develops.

Inhalation: If inhaled, remove to fresh air. Get medical attention if

symptoms appear.
 Ingestion: If swallowed, do not induce vomiting. Never give
anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Aspiration hazard if
swallowed. Can enter lungs and cause damage. Get medical
attention.
Sodium Hydroxide Eye Contact: Check for and remove any contact lenses. In case of
contact, immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15
minutes. Cold water may be used. Get medical attention
immediately.

Skin Contact: In case of contact, immediately flush skin with

plenty of water for at least 15 minutes while removing
contaminated clothing and shoes. Cover the irritated skin with an
emollient. Cold water may be used. Wash clothing before reuse.
Thoroughly clean shoes before reuse. Get medical attention
immediately

Inhalation: If inhaled, remove to fresh air. If not breathing, give

artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. Get
medical attention immediately.

Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting unless directed to do so by

medical personnel. Never give anything by mouth to an
unconscious person. If large quantities of this material are
swallowed, call a physician immediately. Loosen tight clothing
such as a collar, tie, belt or waistband.
Sodium Sulfate Eye Contact: Check for and remove any contact lenses. In case of
contact, immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15
minutes. Cold water may be used. Get medical attention.
 Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water. Cover the irritated skin
with an emollient. Get medical attention if irritation develops. Cold
water may be used.

Inhalation: If inhaled, remove to fresh air. If not breathing, give

artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. Get
medical attention.

Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting unless directed to do so by

medical personnel. Never give anything by mouth to an
unconscious person. Loosen tight clothing such as a collar, tie,
belt or waistband. Get medical attention if symptoms appear.
Glycerol Eye Contact: Check for and remove any contact lenses. In case of
contact, immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15
minutes. Get medical attention.

Skin Contact: In case of contact, immediately flush skin with

plenty of water. Cover the irritated skin with an emollient. Remove
contaminated clothing and shoes. Wash clothing before reuse.
Thoroughly clean shoes before reuse. Get medical attention.

Inhalation: If inhaled, remove to fresh air. If not breathing, give

artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. Get
medical attention.

Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting unless directed to do so by

medical personnel. Never give anything by mouth to an
unconscious person. Loosen tight clothing such as a collar, tie,
belt or waistband. Get medical attention if symptoms appear.
4.4.2 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

PPE is an important and vital requirement in every plant. PPE is equipment that will protect the
user against health or safety risks at work. Items such as safety helmets, gloves, eye protection,
high-visibility clothing, safety footwear and safety harnesses can be included as PPE. It also
includes respiratory protective equipment (RPE).

Table Error! No text of specified style in document..2: Required PPE for chemicals [3]

Chemical Required PPE

Triacylglycerol Safety glasses, lab coat, gloves
Methanol Splash goggles, lab coat, vapor respirator, be sure to use
an approved respirator or equivalent, gloves.
Sulfuric Acid Face shield, full suit, vapor respirator, Be sure to use an
approved respirator or equivalent, gloves, boots.
FAME Splash goggles, lab coat, vapor respirator, be sure to use
an approved respirator or equivalent, gloves.
Sodium Hydroxide Splash goggles, lab coat, vapor respirator, be sure to use
an approved respirator or equivalent, gloves.
Sodium Sulfate Splash goggles, lab coat, vapor respirator, be sure to use
an approved respirator or equivalent, gloves.
Glycerol Splash goggles, lab coat, vapor respirator, gloves.

4.4.3 Handling and Storage of Chemicals.

One must carefully handle the chemicals involved in plants. This is to prevent these chemicals
from being in contact with any hazard sources hence, avoiding more serious damage such as
explosion. Safe storage of hazardous chemicals is an essential part in environmental,
health, and safety. Chemical storage facilities must meet certain minimum standards to
satisfy diverse regulations and prevent unwanted event from occur.
 Table Error! No text of specified style in document..3: Safety precaution and storage of chemicals [3]

Chemical Precaution and Storage

Triacylglycerol Precaution: Keep away from heat. Keep away from sources of
ignition. Do not breathe dust. Keep away from incompatibles
such as oxidizing agents

Storage: Keep container tightly closed. Keep container in a cool,

well-ventilated area
Methanol Precaution: Keep locked up. Keep away from heat. Keep away
from sources of ignition. Ground all equipment containing
material. Do not ingest. Do not breathe gas/fumes/ vapor/spray.
Wear suitable protective clothing. In case of insufficient
ventilation, wear suitable respiratory equipment. If ingested,
seek medical advice immediately and show the container or the
label. Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Keep away from
incompatibles such as oxidizing agents, metals, acids.

Storage: Store in a segregated and approved area. Keep

container in a cool, well-ventilated area. Keep container tightly
closed and sealed until ready for use. Avoid all possible sources
of ignition (spark or flame).
Sulfuric Acid Precaution: Keep locked up. Keep container dry. Never add
water to this product. In case of insufficient ventilation, wear
suitable respiratory equipment. If ingested, seek medical advice
immediately and show the container or the label. Avoid contact
with skin and eyes. Keep away from incompatibles such as
oxidizing agents, reducing agents, combustible materials,
organic materials, metals, acids, alkalis, moisture. May corrode
metallic surfaces. Store in a metallic or coated fiberboard drum
using a strong polyethylene inner package.
 Storage: Hygroscopic. Reacts violently with water. Keep
container tightly closed. Keep container in a cool, well-ventilated
area. Do not store above 23C (73.4F).
FAME Precaution: Avoid direct contact with the substance. When using
do not eat, drink or smoke. Used working clothes should not be
worn outside the work area. Wash hands before breaks and
after work.

Storage: Keep container tightly closed in a cool, well-ventilated

place. Keep away from sources of ignition Do not store together
with oxidizing agents
Sodium Hydroxide Precaution: Keep container dry. Do not breathe dust. Never add
water to this product. In case of insufficient ventilation, wear
suitable respiratory equipment. If you feel unwell, seek medical
attention and show the label when possible. Avoid contact with
skin and eyes. Keep away from incompatibles such as oxidizing
agents, reducing agents, metals, acids, alkalis, moisture.

Storage: Keep container tightly closed. Keep container in a cool,

well-ventilated area. Hygroscopic. Deliquescent.
Sodium Sulfate Precaution: Do not ingest. Do not breathe dust. Avoid contact
with eyes. Wear suitable protective clothing. If ingested, seek
medical advice immediately and show the container or the label.
Keep away from incompatibles such as oxidizing agents, metals.

Storage: Keep container tightly closed. Keep container in a cool,

well-ventilated area. Hygroscopic
Glycerol Precaution: Keep away from heat. Keep away from sources of
ignition. Empty containers pose a fire risk, evaporate the residue
under a fume hood. Ground all equipment containing material.
 Do not ingest. Do not breathe gas/fumes/ vapor/spray. Wear
suitable protective clothing. In case of insufficient ventilation,
wear suitable respiratory equipment. If ingested, seek medical
advice immediately and show the container or the label. Avoid
contact with skin and eyes. Keep away from incompatibles such
as oxidizing agents.

Storage: Hygroscopic. Keep container tightly closed. Keep

container in a cool, well-ventilated area. Do not store above
24C (75.2F)

Reference

[1] M. Steiman et al., Biodiesel Safety and Best Management Practices for Small-Scale
Noncommercial Use and Production, pp. 125, 2008.
[2] S. Iavicoli, B. Rondinone, A. Marinaccio, and M. Fingerhut, Research Priorities in
Occupational Safety and Health: A Review, pp. 169178, 2006.
[3] Sciencelab.com, MSDS Sodium Sulfate anhydrous, pp. 15, 2013.