HazardCommunication

OSHA Standard

29 CFR 1910.1200

Introduction

• The federal Hazard Communication Standard says that you have a “Right-To-Know” what hazards you face on the job and how to protect yourself against those hazards.

That’s your Right-To-Know!

Purpose• The standard was developed to make sure

that everyone who works with any hazardous chemical is aware of the hazards and the necessary precautions.

The Standard applies to• Chemical Manufacturers

• Employers

• Employees

Chemical Manufacturers

• Must determine the physical and health hazards of the products they make and provide that information to users.

Employers - MSU

• Must determine which workplace materials are hazardous and provide employees with the information, training, and equipment they need to protect themselves and others.

Employees

• Must use their Right-to-Know knowledge to stay safe and healthy on the job.

Why learn about chemicals?

• Chemicals have many valuable uses and are used often.

• But many chemicals also have hazards that can present risks to health and safety when they’re used on the job.

Chemical Hazards• Health

• Physical

Health Hazards

• Acute Health Problems– symptoms show up immediately after exposure

• Chronic Health Problems– problems develop gradually from prolonged or

repeated exposure

Physical Hazards

• Sudden release of pressure (explosion)

• Flammable (catches fire easily)

• Reactive (unstable chemicals)

Routes of Entry

• Inhalation

• Ingestion

• Injection

• Skin Contact or Absorption

4 Main Areas of Haz Com

• Labeling

• Material Safety Data Sheets

• Written Program

• Education and Training

Labeling

• Every container of hazardous chemicals is labeled by the manufacturer.

• Labels make it easy to find at a glance the chemical’s possible hazards and basic steps to take to protect yourself against those risks.

Parts of a Label

• Identity

• Name and Address of the Manufacturer

• Physical Hazards

• Health Hazards

• Proper Storage and Handling

Parts of a Label• Blue - Health

• Red – Flammability

• Yellow – Reactivity

• White – Protective Equipment and Other

• Scale 0-4

– 0 = no danger

– 4 = highest danger

• Pipes and piping systems do NOT require labels.

• However, MSU must communicate the hazards of chemicals in unlabeled pipes to employees.

• Before you move, handle or open a chemical container, READ THE LABEL and follow the instructions.

Material Safety Data Sheets

• Detailed information sheet prepared by manufacturer or importer

• Available for every hazardous chemical or substance

• Contains information that:– Enables you to prepare for safe day-to-day use– Enables you to respond in emergencies

Contents of MSDS

• Chemical name

• Company information

• Hazardous ingredients

• Physical characteristics

• Fire and explosion data

•Health hazard data

• Reactivity data

• Special precautions–Safe handling practices–PPE–What to do in case of spills or leaks

Location of MSDS

• In your work area– Your supervisor will inform you of the specific

location

• Office of Environmental Safety and Health

Written Program

• MSU must have a written Hazard Communication Program– Inform employees about standard– Information and training on the Hazard

Communication program– Must be available to all employees

Education & Training

• MSU must provide employees with education and training on hazardous chemicals in their work area at the time of initial assignment, and whenever a new chemical hazard is introduced into the work area.

Summary

• You have a right to know about the chemical hazards in your workplace.

• And you have a duty to use that right to learn about and protect yourself from those hazards.

Questions & Quiz