Hazard Communication

2008

Paula VanderpoolProgram Assistant

(509)667-7110

Suzanne ReisterProgram Manager

(509)667-7100

Introduction

• There are approximately 650,000 existing chemical products and hundreds of new ones being introduced annually

• Chemical exposure may cause or contribute to many serious health effects

• Chemicals may also be safety hazards and have the potential to cause fires and explosions and other serious accidents

Where are chemicals found in your schools?

• Maintenance- lubricants, oils, paints • Custodial- cleaning chemicals• Office areas-inks, glues, toners• Science classrooms- lab chemicals• Vocational Education-paints, varnishes• Bus garage-oils, solvents • Fine arts classrooms-photo, paints, acid

for glass etching• Grounds/Landscaping-fertilizers,

pesticides• Teacher’s desks and under the sinks

Hazard Communication

DOSH StandardName: Employer Chemical Hazard CommunicationReference:WAC 296-800-170

Purpose• Employees have both a need and a

right to know the hazards and identities of the chemicals they are exposed to when working

• Most chemicals we work with are covered by the rule

Employer Responsibilities• Develop, implement, maintain, and

make available a written Chemical Hazard Communication program

• Identify and list all the hazardous chemicals present in the workplace

• Obtain and maintain a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for each hazardous chemical

• Make sure MSDSs are readily accessible to employees

Employer Responsibilities

• Label containers holding hazardous chemicals

• Inform employees about this rule and the written program

• Train employees about hazardous chemicals in the workplace

Written Program Requirements

• All workplaces where employees are exposed to hazardous chemicals must have a written plan

• The plan does not have to be lengthy or complicated

Written Program Requirements

• Employers must develop a written program that covers:– Procedures for making sure all

containers are properly labeled– How to obtain and maintain Material

Safety Data Sheets – Employee Information and Training

Written Program Requirements

• Employers must develop a written program that covers at least:– A list of the hazardous chemicals present

in the workplace – The methods the employer will use to

inform employees of the hazards non-routine tasks

– The hazards of chemicals in unlabeled pipes

– Sharing information with other employers

Written Program Availability

• The employer must make the written program available to their employees

• Where work is carried out at more than one location, the program may be kept at the main location

Multi-Employer Workplaces

• If employees of other employers could be exposed to hazardous chemicals the program must include: – Methods to provide contractor employees

with on-site access to MSDS for each chemical those workers may be exposed to

– The methods used to inform other employers of any precautionary measures to be taken for normal and emergency situations

– The employers chemical labeling system

Chemical Inventory

• Identify all hazardous chemicals in the workplace

• Create a list of theses chemicals (using common or chemical names)

• List can be for workplace as a whole or individual work areas

• List must be kept current

Material Safety Data Sheets

• Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are one of the most important tools available to employers for providing information, and protection to workers from hazardous chemicals which are used in the workplace.

• Must be in English• Must be readily accessible to employees

(electronic such as computer or fax; paper )

Material Safety Data Sheets

• Obtain MSDS for each hazardous chemical used. If none, call the manufacturer or check their website

• Ask for one from your salesperson, wholesaler, or retailer

• Should not allow employees to use any chemicals for which you have no MSDS

• Establish purchasing procedures so that MSDSs are being received before a material is used in workplace

Material Safety Data Sheets

• Prepared by the manufacturer and describe:• Identity of the chemical • Physical and chemical characteristics • Physical hazards such as fire and explosion• Health hazards• Routes of exposure• Exposure limits• Control measures• Emergency and first-aid procedures

MSDS Example• Heavy Duty Silicone Spray Lubricant• Look for:• Emergency phone number• Date of MSDS• Ingredients• Health Hazards/Routes of Entry• Physical Hazards• First Aid and Emergency Procedures• Handling and Storage• How to protect yourself from

overexposure

How must chemicals be labeled?

• Each container of hazardous chemicals entering the workplace must be labeled or marked with the following:– Appropriate hazard warnings– Identity of the hazardous

chemical

• Labels must be legible, in English, and prominently displayed

Labels

The employer need not affix new labelsto comply with the standard if

existing labels already conveythe required information

What is on the product label?

• The manufacturer

• The name of the product

• a hazard warning

• a list of hazardous ingredients

Inform Employees• The Hazard Communication

Standard requirements• Operations in their work areas that

involve hazardous chemicals• Location and availability of the

written Hazard Communication Program including the list(s) of hazardous chemicals and the required MSDSs

• Basics for all employees as part of the new employee safety orientation

Train Employees

• Employers must provide employees information and training on hazardous chemicals in their work area:– At the time of their initial assignment– Whenever a new physical or health

hazard the employees have not previously been trained about is introduced into their work area

Train Employees• Explanation of the HazCom program, including

information on labels, MSDSs, and how to obtain and use available hazard information

• The physical and health hazards of chemicals in the work area

• The likely physical symptoms of overexposure• Protective measures such as engineering

controls, work practices, and the use of PPE• Emergency procedures• How to detect the presence or release of

hazardous chemicals

Documentation• The rule does not require

employers to maintain records of employee training, but is a very good idea

• Written plan reviewed and updated as necessary

Your district’s written plan• Who is responsible for?

– Labeling– MSDS maintenance– Chemical inventory list

• Where is your written program located?• Where and how can employees get a

MSDS? • Is your current chemical inventory

included?• Procedures for non-routine tasks• Your plan for training your employees• Your plan for informing contractor’s

Summary

• Inventory and list all hazardous chemical products

• Obtain a Material Safety Data Sheet for each hazardous chemical product

• Label hazardous chemical containers• Inform and train employees• Develop and make available a

written Hazard Communication Program