Hazard Communication (HazCom)

1. Hazard Communication(HazCom)

2. This material was produced under grant number 46B4-HT15 from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor. It does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. Department of Labor, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

3. Hazard Communication29 CFR 1910.1200 • Known as “Chemical Right-to-Know” • This standard was put into place to ensure employers and employees know about chemical work hazards and how to protect themselves • Applies to general industry, shipyard, longshoring, and construction workers, as well as to chemical manufacturers and importers exposed to chemical hazards

4. HazCom“Chemical Right-to-Know” You, as an employee, have the right to know the properties and potential health & safety hazards of any hazardous chemical to which you may be exposed.

5. HazComHazardous Chemical • A hazardous chemical is any chemical that may harm you physically or that may pose a hazard to your health • Hazardous chemicals may be: • Gases • Liquids • Solids

6. HazComEmployer Responsibilities • Hazard determination • Identify and list hazardous chemicals in workplace • Obtain and maintain Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) • Implement a written HazCom program • Describes how program elements will be met (MSDS, labels and employee information and training) • Labels and other forms of warning • Employee information and training

7. HazComEmployer Responsibilities (cont’d) A Hazard Communication written program specifies how the employer will handle: • MSDS • Labels; Markings • Employee Information & Training

8. HazCom Program (f) "Labels and other forms of warning." (g) "Material safety data sheets." (h) "Employee information and training." HazComWritten Program • Employers will provide a written program to provide information and training • Written program provides necessary hazard information

9. HazComMaterial Safety Data Sheets • Prepared by the chemical manufacturer, distributor or importer. Describes: • Physical hazards: fire and explosion • Health hazards: signs of exposure • Routes of exposure • Safe handling and use precautions • Control measures • Emergency and first-aid procedures • Must be readily available to employees

10. Hazard CommunicationMaterial Safety Data Sheets

11. Hazard CommunicationMaterial Safety Data Sheets

12. Hazard CommunicationMaterial Safety Data Sheets

13. Hazard CommunicationMaterial Safety Data Sheets

14. HazComLabeling & Marking • Label each container with: • Name of chemical • Appropriate hazard warning(s) • Name & address of responsible party • Warning can be written, a picture, or symbol as long as you provide information on hazards, and target organs affected, if applicable • Must be legible

15. HazComLabeling & Marking (cont’d) Two common labeling and marking systems are: • National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Diamond • Hazardous Materials Identification System (HMIS)

16. HazComLabeling & Marking (cont’d) NFPA Diamond • Color coded, numerical rating system • Blue = Health • Red = Flammability • Yellow = Reactivity • White = Special hazard information

17. HazComLabeling & Marking (cont’d) NFPA Diamond • 4 = Deadly hazard • 3 = Severe hazard • 2 = Moderate hazard • 1 = Slight hazard • 0 = No hazard

18. HazComLabeling & Marking (cont’d) HMIS System Same color & numerical rating system as NFPA diamond • Blue = Health • Red = Flammability • Yellow = Reactivity • White = Personal Protective Equipment or special protection information • Numerical Rating of 0-4

19. HazComEmployee Information & Training • Required for all employees that are exposed to hazardous chemicals in the workplace • Shown here is a partial list of common hazardous chemicals typically found in your industry: • Ammonia • Nitrogen • Chlorine (Bleach) • Acids • Bases

20. HazComEmployee Information & Training(cont’d) Employees are required to receive Hazard Communication training as follows: • Initially upon employment • Whenever a new hazardous chemical is introduced into the work area

21. HazComEmployee Information & Training (cont’d) • You must be provided with specific training for your work area, including: • Description or listing of chemicals in your work area • Specific procedures or precautions that must be used in your work area • Location of: • The written Hazard Communication Plan • Chemical Inventory List(s) • Material Safety Data Sheets

22. HazComEmployee Information & Training(cont’d) • You must be provided with specific training for your work area, including: • Requirements of the HazCom standard • How to detect the presence or release of a hazardous chemical (see, taste, smell, monitoring devices, etc.) • Physical & Health hazards • Details of your site-specific HazCom program

23. HazComGeneral Precautions • Be aware of the potential hazards of the chemicals you are working with • Read and understand the label and/or MSDS • Ask your supervisor if you don’t understand something • Use proper ventilation when working with chemicals, and isolate the work area to reduce unnecessary exposure to others in the area

24. HazComGeneral Precautions (cont’d) • Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) that is appropriate for the chemical you are working with (e.g. gloves, goggles, protective clothing) • Avoid breathing vapors • Avoid skin contact with chemicals • Learn to recognize potentially hazardous situations • Unlabeled containers • Unusual vapors or odors • Spills • Non-routine tasks • Unlabeled pipes or containers

25. HazCom Summary This standard is simple… • Employees have both a need and a right to know about hazardous chemicals they are exposed to in the workplace • Employers must inform employees what PPE to wear to prevent adverse health effects