Hazard Communication

1. Hazard Communication DVCC Safety

2. Purpose Each employee has the “RIGHT TO KNOW” about the hazardous chemicals to which they are exposed in the workplace and how to protect themselves from such exposures.

3. Hazardous Chemicals • A “hazardous chemical” is one which, by virtue of it’s chemical properties, can cause physical hazard or a health hazard • Each operation will rely on the hazard determinations made by the chemical manufacturer or importer to identify the physical and/or health hazards of the chemical

4. Physical Hazard • Certain chemicals have “physical hazards” due to their physical properties. • Flammable liquids or solids • Reactive materials • Combustible liquids • Compressed gasses

5. Hazard Details • Flammable: will ignite and burn rapidly • Flash point below 100o F • Examples: Aerosols, Paint Thinner • Combustible: able to catch on fire and burn • Flash point at or above 100o F • Examples: Varnish, Carpet Cleaner

6. Health Hazards • “Health Hazards” occur when a chemical brings about an acute or chronic health effect from an overexposure • Acute: Rapidly, following a brief exposure (Irritant, Corrosive, Toxic, etc.) • Chronic: Long continuous, repeated exposure (Carcinogen, Reproductive hazard, etc.)

7. Hazard Details • Irritant: Procedures aggravation of the tissue, including the skin, eyes, nose, or respiratory system • Examples: Antifreeze, Adhesives • Toxic: Causes harmful biological effects • Examples: Toilet bowl cleaner, Dish detergents • Corrosive: Destruction of living tissue or severe damage to structural materials • Examples: Oven Cleaner, Drain clog remover

8. Routes of Entry Inhalation Skin contact Ingestion Injection Controls Safe work practices Engineering (i.e. ventilation) Personal protective equipment (PPE) (i.e. gloves, goggles) Chemical Exposure

9. Communicating Hazards • Manufacturers: • determine the physical and health hazards of the products they make • inform others of these hazards through container labeling and producing Material Safety Data Sheets • Employers • Develop and implement a written plan explaining how the information relating to chemical hazards will be communicated, accessed, utilized, and retained at their company • Employees • Follow the employers plan by learning about the chemicals they use • know how to locate more information and take the appropriate precautions

10. Material Safety Data Sheets • An MSDA is a fact sheet summarizing information about a hazardous chemical substance and must include: • Identity of the chemical • Manufacturer’s name & address, emergency contact information • Physical and health hazards • Primary routes of exposure • Precautions for safe handling and use • Procedures for the clean up of spills or leaks • Emergency first aid procedures • Recommendation on the appropriate use of engineering and work practice controls, as well as the use of personal protective equipment (PPE)

11. Material Safety Data Sheets • When should you review the MSDS? • Prior to using a chemical to understand the following: • Potential hazards • How to properly handle • The appropriate personal protective equipment • Special storage requirements • Special precautions • How to respond in an emergency • Each operation has a MSDS file in a location that is readily accessible, during all shifts, to all department employees for all materials used in house

12. Container Labeling • It must be written, printed, or have a graphic sign or symbol displayed on containers of hazardous chemicals • It identifies its contents, contains appropriate hazards warnings, and identifies the name and address of the manufacturer or importer • Any chemical transferred from its original container into a portable container should also have an appropriate label • Portable containers must be compatible with the chemicals which they will hold

13. Container Labeling • Always read the label prior to using a chemical product • A label shall not be removed from a container unless the container is emptied • Replace missing or damaged labels immediately • Store chemicals so that label is always visible

14. Chemical Lists • A “chemical list” is a comprehensive list of all Hazardous Chemicals found within an operation • Each operation uses the chemical list as an index within the department’s MSDS file • Chemicals are alphabetical by “Common Name” (i.e. Clorox rather than Sodium Hypochlorite)

15. Your “RIGHT TO KNOW” • It is best to assume that any chemical you work with is hazardous unless you can prove otherwise • Know where the MSDS file is in your operation and be familiar with the information for the chemicals you use • If you don’t understand information on the MSDS or label, ask for clarification from your supervisor • You should be able to readily identify hazards and know what to do to protect yourself

16. With your help, hazards associated with chemicals can be greatly reduced! QUESTIONS?

17. Print Name Signature Hazard Communication Training Trained by: __________________ Training Date:________________ Location: ____________________ Committee Meeting Date:_______ Walk-thru Inspection Date: ______ Please have all safety training attendees sign in. When training is complete fax or deliver to Human Resources in Chestertown, MD Fax: 410-810-1829