1 Rochester Institute of Technology Hazard Communication (HazCom)

2 Rochester Institute of Technology 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 Rochester Institute of Technology Hazard Communication 29 CFR  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 Rochester Institute of Technology 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 Rochester Institute of Technology HazCom Hazardous 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 Rochester Institute of Technology HazCom Employer 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 Rochester Institute of Technology HazCom Employer Responsibilities (cont’d) A Hazard Communication written program specifies how the employer will handle: 1.MSDS 2.Labels; Markings 3.Employee Information & Training

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

9 Rochester Institute of Technology HazCom Material 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 Rochester Institute of Technology Hazard Communication Material Safety Data Sheets

11 Rochester Institute of Technology Hazard Communication Material Safety Data Sheets

12 Rochester Institute of Technology Hazard Communication Material Safety Data Sheets

13 Rochester Institute of Technology Hazard Communication Material Safety Data Sheets

14 Rochester Institute of Technology HazCom Labeling & 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 Rochester Institute of Technology HazCom Labeling & Marking (cont’d) Two common labeling and marking systems are: –National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Diamond –Hazardous Materials Identification System (HMIS)

16 Rochester Institute of Technology HazCom Labeling & Marking (cont’d) NFPA Diamond  Color coded, numerical rating system  Blue = Health  Red = Flammability  Yellow = Reactivity  White = Special hazard information information

17 Rochester Institute of Technology HazCom Labeling & Marking (cont’d) NFPA Diamond  4 = Deadly hazard  3 = Severe hazard  2 = Moderate hazard  1 = Slight hazard  0 = No hazard

18 Rochester Institute of Technology HazCom Labeling & 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 Equipment or special protection information protection information  Numerical Rating of 0-4

19 Rochester Institute of Technology HazCom Employee 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 Rochester Institute of Technology HazCom Employee 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 Rochester Institute of Technology HazCom Employee 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 The written Hazard Communication Plan Chemical Inventory List(s) Chemical Inventory List(s) Material Safety Data Sheets Material Safety Data Sheets

22 Rochester Institute of Technology HazCom Employee 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 Rochester Institute of Technology HazCom General 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 Rochester Institute of Technology HazCom General 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 Rochester Institute of Technology 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