Employees had no legal means to force employers to force employers to provide information to provide information about the hazardous substances about the hazardous substances used at work used at work Not so very long ago in a galaxy not so very far away

OSHA Hazardous Communications General Requirements

Established uniform requirements to ensure that the hazards of all chemicals used in workplaces are evaluated, and hazard information is transmitted to employers and employees.

HAZCOM Objectives Reduce risks Reduce risks Transmit vital information Transmit vital information Reduce incidence and cost of illness and injury Reduce incidence and cost of illness and injury Reduce volume and toxicity of hazardous substances stored Reduce volume and toxicity of hazardous substances stored

REQUIREMENTS MSDS’s Labels and other forms of warning Employee training Written HAZCOM program

Material Safety Data Sheets Hazardous Ingredients Hazardous Ingredients Physical Data Physical Data Fire and Explosion Data Fire and Explosion Data Health Hazard Data Health Hazard Data Etc. Etc.

Your Rights (concerning MSDS) Employer must have an MSDS for every hazardous substance used Employer must have an MSDS for every hazardous substance used MSDSs must be available to you the entire time you are in the workplace MSDSs must be available to you the entire time you are in the workplace

NFPA Diamonds Labeling and Marking Systems HMIS

Employee Training is Required Within the first 30 days of employmentWithin the first 30 days of employment Whenever new hazards are introducedWhenever new hazards are introduced AnnuallyAnnually

The Written Plan You have a right to possess your own copy of the written hazard communications plan Employers must develop, implement, and maintain a written, HAZCOM program that includes provisions for: container labeling collection and availability of MSDS's employee information and training

BE SAFE, NOT SORRY! Who is responsible for safety? Only Everybody!