Hazard Communication

Keys to Communication Information is easily accessed Information is easy to understand Information is consistent Regularly refreshed It is important to have an open and clear communication system regarding the management of chemicals in the workplace. Information should be accessible to workers/management and be easy to understand. Training for employees and management is a key element to an effective management system and should be incorporated into an ongoing training program. Training on the system should also be provided for new employees.

Communication Game Write down chemical hazard words such as Flammable, Corrosive, Toxic on pieces of paper. Have the attendees draw them (like Pictionary) or act them our (Charades). While other attendees try to guess which chemical hazards are being acted out. Objective: demonstrate that some chemical hazards can be communicated and understood easily (i.e. flammable, explosive) while others may not be as easy to communicated (aquatic toxicity, oxidizer)

Hazard Communication Plan (HAZCOM) Inventory - A list of the hazardous materials present in your facility or work area. Safety Data Sheets - A detailed description of each hazardous material listed in the Inventory. Labeling/Signage – Requirements for labels and signage which identify the material and warn of its potential hazard to employees. Training - All employees must be trained to identify and work safely with hazardous materials.

Example Hazard Communication Program Use the provided example or insert your companies Hazard Communication Policy for reference. Copies of your program can also be provided to attendees for reference.

Chemical Usage Safety in Work Place Workers are entitled to: Know the characteristics of the workplace chemicals, harmful ingredients, safety labels and safety data sheets and the like; Know dangerous chemicals could cause harm to their safety and health in the course of their work; Training, including prevention, control, and emergency treatment or emergency measures; compliance with the national labor protection regulations

Globally Harmonized System (GHS) Chemical Classification and Labelling

Globally Harmonized System (GHS) Includes a common and coherent approach to communicating information on labels and safety data sheets Easy to understand pictograms can be used on labels The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) addresses classification of chemicals by types of hazard and proposes harmonized hazard communication elements, including labels, hazard/precautionary statements and safety data sheets.

Introduction to Chemical Hazards This slide is a place holder/reminder that the other provided sample slide deck titled “Introduction Chemical Hazard” Can be inserted here or added throughout this presentation.

GHS Pictogram Quiz Optional: Have attendees complete the GHS pictogram quiz and see if they can correctly identify the pictograms. Note that some answers may vary.

Using the GHS Globally Harmonized System for Hazard Classification (GHS): International standard for classification of health, physical and environmental hazards Specifies what information should be included on labels of hazardous chemicals and (M)SDS

Work Place Labels LABEL ELEMENT EXAMPLES SIGNAL WORDS – Provide an immediate warning to the reader Danger or Warning HAZARD STATEMENTS – Describe the nature and severity of the chemical hazard based on a chemical’s classification PICTOGRAMS – Provide a pictorial representation of the type of hazard that can be easily recognised at a glance Causes severe skin burns and eye damage Flammable liquid and vapor May cause respiratory irritation May cause cancer Fatal if inhaled Adapted From: http://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/sites/swa/about/publications/pages/managing-risks-of-hazardous-chemicals-in-the-workplace

Labels

Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

Safety Data Sheets (SDS) (Formerly MSDS) A Safety Data Sheet is a document that contains information on the chemical make-up, use, storage, handling, emergency procedures and potential health effects related to a hazardous material

Standardized SDS (Formerly MSDS) 16 Categories Identification and supplier Hazards Identification Composition First Aid Measures Firefighting Measures Accidental Release Measures Handling and Storage Exposure Controls/Personal Protection Physical and Chemical Properties Stability and Reactivity Toxicological Information Ecological information Disposal considerations Transport Information Regulatory information Other Information Factories should not except an SDS that does not meet the standardized criteria.

Standardized Hazard & Precautionary Statements Briefly introduce the concept of Hazard and Precautionary ratings/statements.

SDS Management Does each chemical have an SDS If not, acquire from manufacturer Does SDS meet current legal requirements*? If not, acquire compliant version from manufacturer Is the SDS up to date (not more than 5 years old) If not, request updated version from manufacturer Is SDS available in central location that is accessible to workers? If not create binder of current SDS and keep in chemical storage areas Repeat Review on Annual Basis **If chemical is discontinued, no longer used, or SDS is updated keep old SDS in archive for 30 years or more Explain each point giving examples where needed. For the last point (maintaining SDS of discontinued chemicals) explain that this is a good practice and that this information may be required in the future to demonstrate due diligence in the event of occupational illnesses claims or investigations.

SDS Management SDS Master File Easily Visible Signs and Notices SDS Master File Easily Visible CONTENTS: SDS sheets from supplier as well as “on the line” SDS in language of staff Where should SDS sheets be available?

Discuss issues with simply posting SDS. i. e Discuss issues with simply posting SDS. i.e. too technical for workers, may have many chemicals (looks like wallpaper), can get dirty/wet/damaged easily if just paper is posted One solution – Keep all SDS in a protected binder (well organized and labeled. Also discuss simplified data sheets on next slides

Good Practice – Simplified Data Sheets SDS are highly detailed and not easily understood by common workers Create a data sheet/sign that simplifies the important points Data sheets in the workplace for each hazardous chemical which is used Readily accessible during each work shift to employees when they are in their work area(s) SDSs provide detailed information on the properties of chemicals, but they may not be very useful for advising workers in the use and handling of these chemicals. Simplified Safety Data Sheets can be created to provide brief summary information on chemical use and handling . These should be written in simple language that is understandable to the workers and should be posted conspicuously at locations where the relevant chemicals are stored or used.

Good Practice Workshop: simplified SDS Chemical storage: complete SDS MSDS should be filed in a marked / labeled/ indexed folder or holder which are easily accessible to workers

Simplified Data Sheets Identifies chemicals by name Tells potential harm and how chemicals will enter the body PPE requirements and protective measures Explains signs and symptoms of exposures Explains emergency procedures

Activity – Create Your Simplified Data Sheet Use the SDS to make a simplified Data sheet for your workers Remember it should be as clear and easy to understand as possible Use Chart Paper and sampled SDS. Have the attendees break into a group and create their own Simplified Data Sheet. Have them present to the group and explain why they added the information that they did.

Training Optional: Have attendees complete the GHS pictogram quiz and see if they can correctly identify the pictograms. Note that some answers may vary.

Training & Communicating with employees Chemical hazard information needs to be communicated to any employee who may be exposed to chemicals*, including: Staff who use hazardous chemicals Staff who work in hazardous chemical storage Staff who handle hazardous waste Maintenance staff Key purchase personnel Contractors Suppliers *HINT: Follow each chemical from purchase through disposal and determine all employees that could be exposed

What should be communicated Internal chemical management procedures Relevant standard operating procedures (SOPs) Internal chemical hazard categorization Information on identifying chemical hazard: Reading SDS & chemical labels Safe handling of chemicals Safe storage and transport of chemicals Use of PPE Management of waste chemicals Emergency response procedures Chemical accident management (leakage, fire, personal injury)

Communication Channels: Training Training is essential for new workers. Existing workers should receive refresher courses periodically, as well as updated training if moving to a new position.

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