1. St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES “Right to Know” Training
The course can be navigated by clicking on the arrows located at the bottom of the screen next to the “Slide # of #” wording or by clicking the links on the left hand navigation portion of the screen.

2. Hazard Communication Standard
Title 29 CFR
- Major Components:
hazard determination
labeling
material safety data sheets (MSDS)
employee training
record keeping
A written copy of St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES Hazard Communication Program is available at the Central Office.

3. Legislative Intent
To ensure that the hazards of all chemicals are evaluated.
To ensure that information concerning chemical hazards is transmitted to affected employers and employees.
Essentially, you have the “Right to Know” the hazards of the chemicals you work with and how to protect yourself!

4. What is a MSDS?
A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is designed to provide both workers and emergency personnel with the proper procedures for handling or working with a particular substance.

5. Material Safety Data Sheets
Must be in English and provide the following information:
Supplier Information
Hazardous Ingredients/Identity Information
Physical and Chemical Characteristics
Fire and Explosion Hazard Data
Reactivity Data
Precautions for safe handling and use
Control Measures

6. Employee Rights
To have MSDS’s available for each hazardous material for which there is likely exposure.
To obtain a copy of a MSDS.
To receive training on chemical hazards.
Be able to review the written hazard communication standard.
Cannot be required to waive any rights under the “Right to Know” Law as a condition of employment.
To file a complaint with the Department of Labor if he or she has been discriminated against in violation of the “Right to Know” Law.
To exercise these rights without fear of discrimination.

7. Employee Responsibilities
To comply with the safety and health standards (OSHA standards) and other regulations which are applicable.
This includes reading material safety data sheets, labels, following instructions and warnings.

8. Employer Responsibilities
To evaluate chemical hazards in the work place.
To create and make available a written hazard communication program.
To provide education and training on chemical substance use.
To make available in the work area all current MSDS’s for the chemicals that employees may be exposed to.
To label all hazardous containers.
To provide requested copies of MSDS’s.
To keep records of training, including dates, names, trainers name and description of training.

9. Potential Hazards of Chemicals
HEALTH HAZARDS:
ACUTE:
Manifests quickly
Evident shortly after exposure
Examples: Rashes – Burns – Sudden Illness
CHRONIC:
May take a long time to develop visible signs
Repeated exposure
Examples: Cancer – Allergic or Reproductive problems

10. Potential Hazards of Chemicals
PHYSICAL HAZARDS:
FLAMMABLES/COMBUSTIBLES – Substances which are easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames.
EXPLOSIVES – Chemicals that cause a sudden release of pressure, gas and heat when subjected to sudden shock, pressure or high temperature.
REACTIVES – Chemicals that react with other substances or change to create a health or physical hazard.
OXIDIZERS – Chemicals that can spontaneously evolve oxygen, even in the absence of air.

11. Main Routes of Entry
INHALATION – Breathing in chemical vapors, dust, mist or fumes.
INGESTION – Swallowing of chemicals.
ABSORPTION – Passing of chemicals through the skin or eyes.
Avoid inhaling vapors whenever possible. Keep work areas well ventilated.
Do not eat in work areas where chemicals may contaminate food or beverages. Avoid hand-to-mouth contact.
Don’t allow chemicals to be absorbed through work clothes or come in contact with your skin. Use protective equipment.

12. The Language of Labels
MANUFACTURER’S LABELS MUST CONTAIN THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:
Name, address and emergency phone number of the manufacturer or other responsible party.
Physical hazards, such as flammability or radioactivity.
Health hazards of the chemical.
Identity of hazardous chemical.
Appropriate hazard warnings.
Special storage and handling instructions.
Precautions for safe handling and use.

13. Label Signal Words Signal words on chemical labels:
CAUTION – Potentially hazardous situation, which may result in minor or moderate injury.
WARNING – Potentially hazardous situation which could result in death or serious injury.
DANGER – Imminently hazardous situation which will result in death or serious injury.

14. Additional Label Information
Never use a chemical from an unlabeled container.
Hazard warnings may be in the form of messages, pictures or symbols, as long as they convey the hazard properly.
Labels must be in English and properly displayed on the package.
Report any missing, illegible or dirty labels so they can be replaced.

15. Test your knowledge
Click on the following link to open up a small test on “Right to Know”.
Right to Know Quiz