Hazard Communication

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