AHCES Blog

  This FAQ Friday is focused on questions about hazardous chemical definitions. If you have any hazard communication questions or safety questions about common chemicals, ask in the comments below or send an email to contact@ariadne-hces.com.  What is the Difference Between a Hazardous Chemical and a Hazardous Material? Both Hazardous Chemical and Hazardous Material have technical definitions within government regulations. Hazardous chemical means any chemical which is classified as a physical hazard or a health hazard, a simple asphyxiant, combustible dust, pyrophoric gas, or hazard not otherwise classified. 29 CFR 1910.1200(c) “Hazardous chemical” Hazardous material means a substance or material that the Secretary of Transportation has determined is capable of posing an unreasonable risk to health, safety, and property when transported in commerce, and has designated as hazardous under section 5103 of Federal hazardous materials transportation law (49 U.S.C. 5103). The ter...

What is Sodium Silicate? Sodium silicate, also known as waterglass, is an inorganic salt. It has many applications, including as an adhesive, a laundry detergent booster, and in silica gel desiccant. In industrial applications, sodium silicate is also used in fireproofing and foundry molds. Sodium Silicate has the CAS Numbers 6834-92-0 and 1344-09-8. The CAS Number is used to identify sodium silicate as an ingredient on safety data sheets (SDS) and other safety documentation. When looking for sodium silicate as an ingredient in adhesives or other products, look for either CAS Number within the composition table. Notable Properties of Sodium Silicate In the dry state, sodium silicate is clear in its crystalline state and white when powdered. Sodium silicate is readily soluble in water and is available in liquid form, primarily as an adhesive. What Makes Sodium Silicate Hazardous? Sodium silicate is corrosive and correspondingly irritating to the skin, eyes, and mucus membr...

  What is Acetone? Acetone, also known as 2-propanone, dimethyl ketone, or beta-ketopropane, is a type of methyl ketone. In industrial applications, it is used in the production of methyl methacrylate and bisphenol A, which are plastic precursors. It is also a commonly used solvent in household applications, notably as nail polish remover and paint thinner. Acetone has the CAS Number 67-64-1. The CAS Number is used to identify acetone as an ingredient on safety data sheets (SDS) and other safety documentation. When looking for acetone as an ingredient in products, look for the above CAS Number within the composition table. Notable Properties of Acetone Acetone is a clear liquid, with a distinct sweet odor. It is a polar, aprotic solvent which is what makes it useful in multiple solvent applications. What Makes Acetone Hazardous? Acetone is highly flammable. It produces vapors that are heavier than air, which means that the vapors can more easily gather in dangerous concentrations w...

  The best and cutest of neighbors are of course muscovy ducks. I was out on a job in Burbank, California from June to August and am fully settled back in back home in Houston, Texas. Sure I missed my human neighbors, but who I really missed were the ducks, including the proudest of mamas and her third batch of babies this year.

  What is Salicylic Acid? Salicylic Acid, also known as 2-hydroxybenzoic acid, is a benzoic acid which occurs naturally in the bark of the white willow tree and leaves of the wintergreen plant. Salicylic acid is primarily used for its antibacterial, antifungal, and painkiller properties, and is the active ingredient in many products such as acne treatment facewashes, antidandruff shampoos, and wart removers. Salicylic Acid has a CAS Number 69-72-7. The CAS Number is used to identify salicylic acid as an ingredient on safety data sheets (SDS) and other safety documentation. When looking for salicylic acid as an ingredient in products, look for the CAS Number within the composition table. Notable Properties of Salicylic Acid Pure salicylic acid is an odorless white to light tan crystalline solid. Salicylic acid is also reported to have a sweet, acrid taste. Any odor comes from natural impurities or other ingredients within a salicylic acid based product. What Makes Salicylic Acid Haz...