COSHH-CRYOGEN-CONTACT DERMATITIS-CNS DEPRESSANT-CARCINOGEN

CARCINOGEN
An agent (whether chemical, physical or biological) capable of increasing the incidence of malignant neoplasms. Defined in Regulation 2 of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 1999 as:
(a) any substance or preparation which if classified in accordance with the classification provided
for by Regulation 5 of the Chemicals (Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply) Regulations
1994 would be in the category of danger, carcinogenic (category 1) or carcinogenic (category
2) whether or not the substance or preparation would be required to be classified under those
Regulations; or
(b) any substance or preparation:
(i) listed in Schedule 1, or
(ii) arising from a process specified in Schedule 1 which is a substance hazardous to health.

CATION
A positively charged atom or group of atoms, or a radical which moves to the negative
pole (cathode) during electrolysis.

CHEMICAL BOND
Strong forces of attraction holding atoms together in molecules or crystalline salts.

CHLOROFLUOROCARBONS (CFCS)
Organic substances containing chlorine and fluorine which were initially thought to be harmless and found extensive use, e.g., as propellants because they are largely non-flammable. Some CFCs have since been found to be one of the main sources of atmospheric ozone depletion and a greenhouse gas. Until recently they were used extensively as aerosol propellants, solvents, refrigerants and in foam making. Many countries have now agreed to eliminate CFCs as soon as possible.

CHLORINATED HYDROCARBONS
Hydrocarbons containing chlorine atoms, e.g. trichloroethylene. Some of these chemicals accumulate in the food chain and do not readily degrade. Some plastics which contain certain chlorinated hydrocarbons release dioxins into the air, when burnt at low temperatures.

CHRONIC
Occurring for a prolonged period.

CHRONIC TOXICITY
Adverse health effects resulting from repeated daily exposures to a chemical for a significant period.

CLASS A FIRE
A fire involving solids, normally organic, in which combustion generally occurs with the formation of glowing embers.

CLASS A POISON (USA)
A toxic gas/liquid of such a nature that a very small amount of the gas, or vapour of the liquid, in air is dangerous to life.

CLASS B FIRE
A fire involving liquids or liquefiable solids.

CLASS B POISON (USA)
Any substance known to be so toxic that it poses a severe health hazard during transportation.

CLASS C FIRE
A fire involving gases or liquefied gases in the form of a liquid spillage, or a liquid or gas leak.

CLASS D FIRE
A fire involving metals.

CNS DEPRESSANT
Substances, e.g. anaesthetics and narcotics, which depress the activity of the central nervous system. Symptoms following exposure include headache, dizziness, loss of consciousness, respiratory or cardiac depression, death.

CONFINED SPACE
A space which is substantially, although not always entirely, enclosed and where there is a reasonably foreseeable risk of serious injury from hazardous substances or conditions within the space or nearby. The risks may include flammable substances; oxygen deficiency or enrichment; toxic gases, fume or vapour; ingress or presence of liquids; free-flowing solids; presence of excessive heat. For the purpose of the Confined Spaces Regulations 1997 a ‘confined space’ means any place, including any chamber, tank, vat, silo, pit, trench, pipe, sewer, flue, well or other similar space in which, by virtue of its enclosed nature, there arises a reasonably foreseeable specified risk.

CONTACT DERMATITIS
Inflammation of the skin due to exposure to a substance that attacks its surface.

CONTROLLED WASTE
All household, industrial or commercial waste of any quantity or description.

CORROSIVE
A substance that chemically attacks a material with which it has contact (body cells, materials of construction).

COSHH (CONTROL OF SUBSTANCES HAZARDOUS TO HEALTH)
The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 1999 establish the responsibilities of employers with regard to all substances which pose a health hazard in the workplace.

CRYOGEN
A substance used to obtain temperatures far below freezing point of water, e.g. < – 78°C.

CVCE (CONFINED VAPOUR CLOUD EXPLOSION)
Explosion of a gas or vapour which is initially ‘confined’ within a vessel, building, piping, etc.