6 MSDS Sheets and Hazard Communication

Introduction OSHA has estimated that more than 32 million workers are exposed to 650,000 hazardous chemical products in more than 3 million American workplaces. This poses a serious problem for exposed workers and their employers. The basic goal of a Hazard Communication Program is to be sure employers and employees know about work hazards and how to protect themselves; this should help to reduce the incidence of chemical source illness and injuries

MSDS Sheets All chemical manufacturers and importers are required to evaluate the hazards of the chemicals they produce or import They must provide information about them through labels on shipped containers and more detailed information sheets called material safety data sheets (MSDSs) All employers with hazardous chemicals in their workplaces must ensure that all containers are labeled, employees are provided access to MSDSs, and an effective training program is conducted for all potentially exposed employees

MSDS Sheets (cont.) The MSDS is a detailed information bulletin prepared by the manufacturer or importer of a chemical that describes the physical and chemical properties, physical and health hazards, routes of exposure, precautions for safe handling and use, emergency and first-aid procedures, and control measures

MSDS Sheets (cont.) Brand Name/Manufacturer Info. Sec. 1 - Emergency Numbers Sec. 2 - Composition Info. Sec. 3 - Hazard Identification Section Sec. 4 - First Aid Sec. 5 - Fire Fighting Measures Sec. 8 - Personal Protection Sec. 11 - Toxicological Data

Hazard Communication Each employee who may be "exposed" to hazardous chemicals when working must be provided information and trained prior to initial assignment to work with a hazardous chemical, and whenever the hazard changes The Hazard Communication Standard establishes uniform requirements to make sure that the hazards of all chemicals imported into, produced, or used in U.S. workplaces are evalu-ated, and that this hazard information is transmitted to affected employers and exposed employees

Hazard Communication Chemical Manufacturers/ Importers - Determine the hazards of each product. Chemical Manufacturers/ Importers/ Distributors - Communicate the hazard information and associated protective measures downstream to customers through labels and MSDSs. Employers - Identify and list hazardous chemicals in their workplaces. Obtain MSDSs and labels for each hazardous chemical, Develop and implement a written hazard communication program, including labels, MSDSs, and employee training on the information.

Hazard Communication In the workplace, each container must be labeled, tagged, or marked with the identity of hazardous chemicals contained therein, and must show hazard warnings appropriate for employee protection. The hazard warning can be any type of message, words, pictures, or symbols that provide at least general information regarding the hazards of the chemical(s) in the container and the targeted organs affected, if applicable. Labels must be legible, in English (plus other languages, if desired), and prominently displayed

NFPA Hazard Warning Hazard Level 4 = Severe 3 = Serious 2 = Moderate 1 = Slight 0 = Minimal

Warning Signs - DANGER RED on WHITE

Warning Signs - CAUTION BLACK on YELLOW

Warning Signs - SAFETY GREEN on WHITE

Warning Signs - INFORMATION BLUE on WHITE

DOT Placards 1 - Explosives 2 - Gases 3 - Flammable/Combustible Liquid 4 - Flammable Solid 5 - Oxidizers / Organic Peroxides 6 - Poisonous or Infectious Substance 7 - Radioactive Material 8 - Corrosive Material 9 - Miscellaneous 2 1017

Training Program Requirements How the hazard communication program is implemented and how to read and interpret information on labels and the MSDS The hazards of the chemicals in the work area. Measures employees can take to protect themselves from the hazards. Specific procedures to provide protection, such as engineering controls, work practices, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Methods and observations—such as visual appearance or smell—workers can use to detect exposure.

The North American Emergency Response Guide (NAERG) is a cooperative effort of the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) and its Mexican and Canadian counterparts This guide is specifically designed for first responders and should only be used during the first 30 minutes of an incident

Guidebook Chapters Yellow Blue Orange Green (PIH = Poision Inhalation Hazard) The North American Emergency Response Guidebook (NAERG) is available on line at http://hazmat.dot.gov/gydebook.htm.

YELLOW NUMERICAL SECTION Numerical listing of UN/DOT 4-digit identification numbers

BLUE ALPHABETICAL SECTION Alphabetical listing of UN/DOT 4-digit identification numbers

ORANGE GUIDE SECTION Provides specific directions for particular chemical hazard

GREEN SECTION Protective Distance for Public Safety (If entry is highlighted in yellow or blue sections)

USING PLACARD IDENTIFICATION Match the vehicle placard(s) with one of the placards displayed on the following slides. Consult the numbered guide associated with the sample placard. Use that information for now. For example, a FLAMMABLE (Class 3) placard leads to Guide 127. A CORROSIVE (Class 8) placard leads to Guide 153. If multiple placards point to more than one guide, initially use the most conservative guide

NOTE of CAUTION It is essential to read the entire Emergency Response Guide page before taking any action and to ensure that any actions taken do not exceed the level of training of the responders. The NAERG is intended for use by first responders who, by Federal Law, have a limited capability to deal with hazardous materials because of their less than comprehensive training and lack of proper chemical protective equipment