Revised Spring 2007 Hazard Communication And Your Right - To - Know Dept of Environmental Safety Services

Course Overview  It’s Your Right to know!  HazCom Overview  Regulation and Policy  Waste Management  Spills/ Emergencies  Pollution Prevention

You Have a Right to Know  What Substances you handle on your job  Their hazards and risks  How to protect yourself from them

Chemicals Are Everywhere  Examples: – Cleaning solvents – Lubricants – Fuels – Pressurized containers

Physical Hazards You May Face  Flammable liquids or solids  Combustible liquids  Compressed gases  Explosive materials  Unstable materials  Water reactive materials

Health Hazards You May Face  Acute – Short-term effects – Symptoms appear just after exposure – High concentration – Corrosives, irritants – Rashes, burns, respiratory irritation, poisoning Chronic –Long-term effects –Symptoms appear long after exposure –Low concentration –Neurotoxins, carcinogens –Cancer, lung or liver damage, allergies

Ways Chemicals Enter the Body  Inhalation: Breathed through mouth or nose  Absorption: Touches skin or is injected  Ingestion: Swallowed  Ocular Entry: Through the eyes

Information From Labels  Check labels prior to use for: – Identity of chemical – Name and address of manufacturer – Appropriate hazard warnings  All containers must be labeled  Regard unlabeled containers as dangerous  Do not remove labels

Labeling and Marking Systems  NFPA Diamonds – Blue = health hazard – Red = flammability – Yellow = reactivity – White = special hazard info. – Numbered 0-4 (from lowest to highest hazard)

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

Information Provided on 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

Personal Protective Equipment  Requirements found on labels or MSDS – Goggles, face shields, glasses – Gloves – Respirators & dust masks – Head protection – Foot protection – Aprons or full body suits

General Work Practices  Use hazardous chemicals only as directed  Prior to using hazardous chemicals – Inspect equipment for damage prior to use – Ensure adequate ventilation  When using – Don’t smoke, eat, drink or apply cosmetics – Never smell, inhale or taste – Keep off of hands, face, clothing and shoes  After use – Wash hands and face thoroughly with soap and water

Know Safe Handling Procedures  Refer to label & MSDS for info on: – Flammability – Incompatibility – Stability – Shock sensitivity

Hazard Recognition  Know likely emergencies ahead of time – Refer to labels or MSDS  Emergency incidents: – Spills – Leaks – Fires – Explosions

Spill & Leak Response  Remove potential sources of ignition  Evacuate the area  Inform supervisor or emergency response team  Stay away until given the “all clear”  MSDS provides specific instructions

Summary  You have a right to know  Chemicals present both physical and health hazards  Read the labels and MSDS – Follow PPE and special handling recommendations  Emergency response – Notify supervisor – Know immediate first-aid response if contact with a hazardous chemical occurs

Where to Get Help To get help, or to learn more:  Call the Safety Department at  List of environmental resources in – The Web It’s your responsibility!

The Right-To- Know Test  Log in on this site:  Select Training on the left side of your screen  Select right to know basic awareness  Click on “Next” upper right corner of your screen.  Follow the screen commands (Click on next and answer the questions.  When you print your certificate, ESS will be notified automatically.