As has been mentioned before, context matters. Perhaps, as Marta's colleague said, there was a better thumbnail that would have conveyed how engaging this video
series is without prompting safety questions when removed from the context of the presentation.
As for the idea that safety glasses are warranted when pouring molasses from a glass beaker, I'm going to have to disagree. While the SDS for molasses that
John shared does call for eye and hand protection, Section 2 of that document states that molasses is non-hazardous. Manufacturers that recommend PPE for handling non-hazardous substances may be motivated more by liability fears than by reasoned risk assessments.
And, while I can't claim that Jim's scenario is impossible, it doesn't seem any more likely than getting glass in one's eye while washing dishes after dinner.
Chris
________________________________
Christopher M. Kolodziej, Ph.D.
Chemical Hygiene Officer
UCLA Environment, Health & Safety
| Chemical Safety
From: ACS Division of Chemical Health and Safety <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**Princeton.EDU>
On Behalf Of Jennifer Gile
Sent: Friday, August 21, 2020 7:12 AM
To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**Princeton.EDU
Subject: Re: [DCHAS-L] [EXT] Re: [DCHAS-L] New Video Series | ACS Matters | August 18, 2020
I think there's a question of consistency here from the ACS.
Years ago, with the ACS Silicon Valley chapter, our college hosted a "Teach the Teachers" workshop involving candy chemistry. We were working with water, skittles, m&ms, etc. Nothing that I would consider toxic. Because the workshop was
designed for teachers working on a non-existent to limited budget, their "beakers" and "lab glassware" were recycled soda cans and other household items. My ears are still ringing with the shouts of "you need to wear your safety glasses! ACS needs you wearing
your glasses in the photos!"
Would I wear PPE when handling maple syrup in my kitchen? No. Would I if I were going to be on a promotional poster for the ACS? If you asked me last week I would have said the ACS standards dictated it.
Dear All:
What I always appreciate about our ACS safety community is that we lift each other and enable our mutual
learning. We all have been working hard to educate, provide resources, build partnerships, understand, listen and suggest solutions to grow safety culture around us. If we want to grow people, I think the feedback we deliver should teach and inspire, and
research tells us that shaming and blaming are indicators or poor safety culture. Let walk our talk! I am embracing this discussion as a teachable moment and I appreciate all off -line and on-line messages. I am in communication with my colleagues in charge
of the newsletter.
Marta Gmurczyk
Marta U. Gmurczyk, Ph.D.
Safety Programs Manager| Scientific Advancement Division
1155 16th St., NW | Washington | DC 20036
T 202-452-2105 | F 202-872-8068
http://www.acs.org/">www.acs.org
--------------------
ACS Chemistry for Life
American Chemical Society
[Actual Sender is
owner-dchas-l**At_Symbol_Here**princeton.edu]
I couldn't agree more with Jim here. The ACS is supposed to show true leadership not Pooh Pooh something important. If indeed they actually performed any hazard analysis they would
come to the conclusion Jim did. Shame on them.
Farmingdale State
?
They are badly mistaken.
The young woman is holding a glass beaker. If she drops it, she could have glass in her eyes. She should be wearing safety glass with side shields.
Please ask them to reconsider. ... Jim
