Hazard Communication Safety Data Sheets

1. Hazard Communication Safety Data Sheets

2. Introduction Thousands of chemicals are used in our personal lives and at work. Most of us encounter chemicals at work on a daily basis. While many chemicals are relatively harmless when handled properly, many are dangerous substances by nature. With some chemicals, the simple act of pouring from one container to another can be hazardous. All chemicals can pose serious physical and/or health hazards when transported, handled or used improperly. New chemicals are developed everyday and are used in an ever-widening variety of ways. Without accurate, adequate knowledge about these chemicals, their hazards, and appropriate precautionary measures, employees are at great risk of harmful and even fatal accidents.

3. Contents of the OSHA Standard OSHA recognizes the dangers of chemicals when used improperly and/or when employees don't realize the dangers due to their lack of knowledge. OSHA created the Hazard Communication Standard 29 CFR 1910.1200, or HCS, to eliminate potential dangers by ensuring employees have the information necessary to protect themselves and their coworkers. This chemical information is conveyed to employees via labels and Safety Data Sheets.

4. Safety Data Sheets The SDS is a standardized, 16-section, detailed information bulletin prepared by the manufacturer or importer of a chemical that describes the chemical. Manufacturers and importers of chemicals must obtain or develop a SDS for each hazardous chemical they produce or import, and must provide the SDS automatically at the time of the initial shipment of a hazardous chemical to a downstream distributor or user. Distributors must also ensure that downstream employers, or companies, are similarly provided a SDS. Whenever “new or significant information” regarding a chemical’s hazard potential is realized, manufacturers and importers must update their SDSs. They have to update within three months of learning this new information.

5. Safety Data Sheets Appendix D of the HCS explains the information to be included on the SDS and also the format required. All chemical manufacturers and distributors must use the same format. This format is the same as the American National Standards Institute standard on Safety Data Sheets, which is familiar to many US employers. This uniform approach to SDSs improves its effectiveness, makes it easier for your employer to comply with the regulation and provides a safer workplace for employees.

6. Safety Data Sheets Employers must maintain copies of the SDSs for each hazardous chemical and must ensure that they are readily accessible during each work shift to employees in their work area. Electronic access, microfiche and other alternatives to paper copies are permitted as long as no barriers to immediate access for employees in each work area are created by such options. Employers should prepare a list of all hazardous chemicals in the workplace and check it against the collected SDSs. If there are hazardous chemicals used for which no SDS has been received, the employer must contact the supplier, manufacturer or importer to obtain the missing SDS.

7. Safety Data Sheets The following 16 sections are required on the SDS, in order listed, with the stated minimum required information for each section as listed. If no relevant information is found for any given subheading, the SDS must clearly indicate no applicable information is available. Sections 12 through 15 are regulated by other agencies therefore OSHA does not require them on the SDS. They are included in this training to be consistent with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals. OSHA will not enforce information in these four sections because they fall outside their jurisdiction. 1. Identification – Includes product identifier used on label; manufacturer or distributor name, address, phone number; emergency phone number; recommended use; restrictions on use

8. Safety Data Sheets 2. Hazard(s) Identification– Includes all hazards regarding the chemical; required label elements a) Hazard Classification of the chemical such as skin corrosion/irritation, serious eye damage, eye irritation; b) Signal Word to alert employees of a potential hazard. Two words are used: DANGER for severe hazards and WARNING for less severe hazards; Hazard Statement(s) describing the nature and degree of the hazard; Symbol(s) which may be graphical in nature or the name of the symbol, e.g. Flame, Skull & Crossbones; and Precautionary Statement(s) which recommends the measures taken to minimize or prevent adverse effects resulting from exposure or improper storage or handling;

9. Safety Data Sheets c) Unclassified hazards e.g. combustible dust or dust explosion hazard; d) Where an ingredient with unknown acute toxicity is used in a mixture at a concentration greater than or equal to 1%, a statement that “X” percent of the mixture consists of ingredient(s) of unknown toxicity is required.

10. Safety Data Sheets 3. Composition/Information on Ingredients- Includes information on chemical ingredients; trade secret claims • For Substances - Chemical Name; - Common name and synonyms; - CAS number and other unique identifiers; - Impurities and stabilizing additives, which are themselves classified, and which contribute to the classification of the substance.

11. Safety Data Sheets • For Mixtures The chemical name and concentration or concentration ranges of all ingredients. • For all chemicals where trade secret is claimed Where a trade secret is claimed, a statement the specific chemical identity and/or percentage of composition has been withheld as a trade secret is required.

12. Safety Data Sheets 4. First-aid Measures– Important symptoms/effects, acute, delayed; required treatment a) Description of necessary measures, subdivided according to the different routes of exposure (i.e., inhalation, skin and eye contact, and ingestion); b) Most important symptoms/effects, acute and delayed; c) Indication of immediate medical attention and special treatment needed. 5. Fire-Fighting Measures– List appropriate and inappropriate extinguishing techniques and equipment; Specific hazards arising from the chemical.

13. Safety Data Sheets 6. Accidental Release Measures– List emergency procedures; protective equipment; proper methods of containment and cleanup. 7. Handling and Storage– List precautions for safe handling and storage, including incompatibilities. 8. Exposure Controls/Personal Protection – List OSHA’s Permissible Exposure Limits (PEL); Threshold Limit Values (TLVs); Appropriate engineering controls; Individual protection measures, such as personal protective equipment.

14. Safety Data Sheets 9. Physical and Chemical Properties– List the chemicals different characteristics such as appearance, odor, flash point, pH level, vapor density, evaporation rate and viscosity. 10. Stability and Reactivity – List chemical stability and possibility of hazardous reactions including such things as conditions to avoid and incompatible materials. 11. Toxicological Information – Includes information on likely routes of exposure (such as inhalation, ingestion, skin and eye contact); related symptoms, acute and chronic effects; numerical measures of toxicity.

15. Safety Data Sheets 12. Ecological Information (Non-Mandatory)- Includes information on the chemical effects on the ecology 13. Disposal Considerations (Non-Mandatory)- Description of waste residues and information on their safe handling and methods of disposal, including the disposal of any contaminated packaging.

16. Safety Data Sheets 14. Transportation Information (Non-Mandatory)– Transport information dealing with items such as the UN number and proper shipping name, transport hazard class, and so forth. 15. Regulatory Information (Non-Mandatory)- Safety, health and environmental regulations specific for the product in question. 16.Other Information, Including Date of Preparation or Last Revision- The date of preparation of the SDS or the last change to it.

17. Conclusion SDSs are vital to your safety and wellbeing. Knowing where they are located and understanding the information they contain could save your life or that of a coworker. If you have any questions concerning SDS do not hesitate to contact your employer.