Hazard Communication

Printing Services

Overview

Scope and General Requirements Program Requirements Rights and Responsibilities

Scope and General Requirements

The State of Oklahoma created the Hazard Communication Standard in 1970. It was revised in July 2000.

The intent of the regulation is employee health and safety.

The regulation applies to chemicals in the workplace that are either health or physical hazards.

Chemical Hazards

A chemical can be a health hazard in many ways.

A chemical can also be a health hazard by exploding, catching on fire, or reacting violently. – Examples include compressed gas, flammable

liquids or solids, or any unstable chemical.

Exemptions

Some items are exempt from this regulation. These include:– Hazardous waste– Personal use items– Drugs– Other “consumer products” that are not used

differently than they would be at home

Program Requirements

Written Program– The written program is found on the web page for

the Department of Risk Management and Safety Services at: http://www.ou.edu/risk/documents.html.

– A copy is provided to each department supervisor so that it can be examined at any time by employees.

Inventory

Inventory– An inventory is required for each area where

hazardous chemicals are stored or used. – The Chemical Inventory List (CIL) must be updated

at least annually or within 15 days whenever inventory changes significantly.

– The department retains a copy and sends a copy to DORMSS.

Labeling

All containers must be labeled with AT LEAST the name of the chemical or the product name, the identity of the hazardous chemicals and the hazard warnings.

Items obtained from vendors must retain their original manufacturer’s labels.

Any chemicals transferred to new containers must be labeled as indicated above unless used immediately (by the end of the shift).

Material Safety Data Sheets

MSDSs must be available for all hazardous chemicals in the workplace.

Employees must have immediate access to MSDSs the entire time they are in the workplace.

If new chemicals are introduced, MSDSs should be available before new chemicals are put into use.

They can be written, on computer, or other format as long as they are immediately available.

Not all MSDSs are “created equal”.

Material Safety Data Sheets

There is not a standard format for the MSDS, but they should contain the following sections.

MSDS Review, as appropriate

Material Safety Data Sheets

Review the MSDS

Access to Records

The employee is to be provided with access to copies of the CIL and MSDSs as soon as possible but no later than one working day after the request was made.

If the employee requests copies, the employer must provide copies or a way to copy the request information within 15 days.

Training

Training is required for all employees– Within 30 days of employment,– At least annually after that, and – Whenever changes occur that could expose an

employee to any new hazardous chemicals.

Training

Training must include:Ways to detect the release of hazardous

chemicalsThe physical and health hazards of the chemicals

used in the workplaceMeasures employees can take to protect

themselves from exposure – Work practices– Emergency procedures– Personal protective equipment

Training

Training must include:Details of the OU Hazard Communication Policy

and Program.How to find and use Material Safety Data Sheets

(MSDSs)How to obtain and use appropriate safety

informationDiscussion of specific work hazardsAvailability of the CILAny other special precautions

Injury and Exposure Reporting

The employer is responsible for maintaining documentation on every employee who has been injured.

“Exposure” means exposure to a chemical over the legal OSHA limits by any exposure route (skin, lungs, ingestion).

Supervisors should coordinate transport of the injured person.

Injury and Exposure Reporting

If an employee is injured on the job, it MUST be reported immediately to the supervisor, no matter how small it may seem.

Employees complete the OU Employee’s Report of On-the-Job Injury/Illness form.

The Supervisor completes everything else and fax to Lynda Manley at 325-7238 within 24 hours of learning of the incident.

Responsibilities

DORMSS– Develop and maintain the CIL– Monitor compliance and conduct audits as needed– Review and update the Hazard Communication

Policy and Program annually– Conduct training and maintain training files

Responsibilities

DORMSS– Maintain exposure and injury reports for at least 40

years– Provide copies of MSDSs to employees and

departments as requested– Act as liaison with Norman Fire Department

Supervisors

Maintain departmental CILs and MSDSs Promptly and accurately complete injury

reports and coordinate treatment Review the CIL at least annually and update if

needed

Supervisors

Ensure that containers are properly labeled Ensure that employees are properly trained Ensure that safety if incorporated into the

employee performance review Take disciplinary action whenever an

employee does not comply with safety training

Employees

Employees have the right to know about chemicals in their workplace

An employee may refuse, without fear of adverse consequences, to work with a substance if training and information has not been provided.

Employees cannot waive their rights Employees are responsible for performing their work

according to the training they receive All employees must receive training at least annually

and other safety training as needed

Miscellaneous Issues

Fire Safety Placarding - NFPA diamond Asbestos Office Safety

Questions? MSDS Review Quiz

Office Safety

Falls are the most common office accident Falls account for the greatest number of

disabling injuries. One of the most common causes is tripping

over on open desk drawer or file drawer. Bending while seated in an unstable chair or

tripping over electrical cords are also common causes.

Slips, Trips and Falls

Office falls can also be caused by using an office chair or stack of boxes in place of a ladder or by slipping on wet floors.

Loose carpeting, objects stored in halls or walkways, and inadequate lighting are other causes.

All these causes are preventable.

Slip, Trip and Fall Prevention

Close drawers completely after use.

Avoid excessive bending, twisting, or leaning back while seated.

Secure all electrical cords. Never use an extension

cord when permanent wiring is needed.

Always use a stepladder for overhead reaching.

Clean up spills immediately.

Pick up objects left on the floor by others.

Report loose carpeting, damaged flooring and lights that are out.

Never carry anything that obscures your vision.

Wear stable, non-slip shoes.

Slips, Trips and Falls

If you find yourself heading for a fall, remember to roll, and don’t reach.

By letting your body crumple and roll, you are less likely to injure yourself.

Reaching out an arm or leg may result in a broken limb instead.

Strains and Overexertion

Even small, light loads, when lifted improperly can cause sore muscles.

Backs are especially vulnerable and most back injuries are caused by improper lifting.

Before you lift, ask yourself if:– Is the load too heavy?– How high do I have to lift it?– How far do I have to carry the load?

Safe Lifting Steps

Take a balanced stance with feet placed at shoulder width.

Squat close to the load. Keep your back straight. Tuck your chin so your neck and head continue

the straight line. Grip with the whole hand, not just fingers.

Safe Lifting Steps

Draw the object close, holding your elbows close to the body to keep the load and the body weight centered.

Lift by straightening your legs. Tighten your stomach muscles to help support

your back. Never twist. If you must turn a load, turn your

whole body.

Safe Lifting Steps

Never carry something that blocks your vision. To set something down, use the same body

motions designed for lifting. Don’t pick something up from a seated

position. Your chair can become unstable or slip out from under you. Squat and stand whenever you have anything to lift.

Being Struck by or Striking Objects

A common office injuries include:– Bumping into doors, desks, files, open drawers– Bumping in to other people while walking– Striking open file drawers while standing up or

bending down– Striking against sharp objects such as office

machines, files, staples, and pens

Prevention of Striking Injuries

Pay attention where you walk at all times Properly store materials in the work area Never carry objects that prevent you from seeing your

path ahead of you. Never open one more than one filing cabinet drawer at

a time If you are carrying something and you drop it, LET IT

GO. Catching dropped items often causes back injuries.

Caught in or Between Objects

Injuries may include:– Fingers caught in drawers, doors or windows– Finger, hair, clothing or jewelry caught in office

machines– Fingers caught under the knife-edge of a paper

cutter or heavy duty stapler

Proper Material Storage

Store heavy objects on lower shelves, not high ones

Try to store materials inside of cabinets, not on top because they can “landslide”.

Boxes and cartons should be uniform in size in any pile or stack.

Always stack material in such a way that it will not fall over.

Proper Material Storage

Office equipment such as typewriters, index files, lights, or calculators should not be placed on the edge of a desk, filing cabinet or table.

Aisles, halls, or corridors must remain unobstructed. Storage areas should be designated and used only for

that purpose. Store heavy materials so you do not have to reach

across something to retrieve them. Fire equipment, exits, sprinkler heads, etc. should

remain unobstructed (minimum of 18”).

Office Ergonomics

Chair with Arms