Hazard Communication

Safety and Risk ServicesThe University of New Mexico

Presented by John Archuleta LSO

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Hazard Communication

Why? Reduce workplace injury and illness Regulation promulgated by OSHA Program must include:

Hazard determination methodsChemical inventoryChemical labeling proceduresSafety Data Sheets (SDS)Employee trainingWritten HazCom program

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Hazardous Chemicals

What are the hazards associated with chemicals?

Physical Hazards

Flammable/CombustibleOrganic-metals

ExplosivesCorrosivesCryogenics

Compressed Gases

Health Hazards

Carcinogens Irritants Mutagens Teratogens Sensitizers Cryogenics Highly Toxic

Target Organ Chemicals

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Routes of Entry or Exposure

How do chemicals attack the body?

Skin and or Eye ContactAbsorbed through skin or dissolve in eye

fluidsInhalation

Absorbed by breathing vapors, fumes, dustIngestion

Usually done accidentally Clear chemicals confused with drinking

waterChemicals splashed in mouth

InjectionNeedles, pipette tips, cannulas

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Detecting Exposure

How do we know if we are exposed?

Smell Taste Physical symptoms Changes in behavior Air sampling If you are unsure how to detect:

Check Safety Data Sheet Contact Safety & Risk Services

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Exposure Response

How will we respond to chemical exposure?

Depends on many factors Idenity of chemical Concentration Length of exposure How exposed or route of exposure Other:

Age/Gender/WeightLevel of fitness Level of exertionSpecific allergies Other chemicals in body (drugs, tobacco)

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Reducing ExposureHow can we reduce employee exposure?

Identify hazard Evaluate hazard Eliminate hazard

SubstitutionProcess change

Control hazardPersonal Protective EquipmentEmployee work practicesMinimizationEngineering controlsVentilationIsolation

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Chemical Labels

What must be on a chemical label?

All chemical containers must have labels Manufacturer label usually appropriate Label must include but not limited to:

Name of chemicalName and address of manufacturerHazards associated with chemical

Many types of labels are commercially available May use “homemade” label (chemical identity &

hazards) Use of hazard ratings on labels

https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3636.pdf

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Example: Chemical Label

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The Safety Data Sheet Contains information about chemical Provided by manufacturer SDS’s must include but not limited to:

Hazardous ingredientsFire and explosion hazardsReactivity dataHealth hazardsPersonal Protective EquipmentEmergency procedures

Must have current SDS for every chemical Request the SDS when ordering new chemical Must be available to employees at all times

https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3514.pdf

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Chemical InventoryWhat is a chemical inventory?

List of all chemicals in work area Employees must be informed where inventory is

located Inventory must be made available upon request Inventory includes but not limited to:

Name of chemical Name of manufacturerLocation of chemicalQuantityPhysical state (gas, liquid, solid)

Inventory should be updated whenever a hazardous chemical is introduced to the area

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Training Tips: HazCom

What do I teach employees?

Training should be specific to areaOften called “Area Specific”

Employees should know about:What chemicals are in area Where chemicals are locatedHazard determination methodsLocation of inventory & SDS’sHow to read SDSHow to read labelsWhat personal protective equipment to

use

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Responsibilities: HazCom

What are my responsibilities for HazCom?

Documents are in order:Hazard Communication (HazCom) program

availableCurrent chemical inventory All chemicals have SDS and are available at all

times Coordinate HazCom training for employees

Record training and maintain on file Be sure all chemical containers have chemical labels

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The End

Questions?

For more information please contact

Safety and Risk Services

The University of New Mexico

277-2753

Or

http://srs.unm.edu/