1. Meeting WISHA Training Requirements
To meet the WISHA training requirements for Hazard Communication, you must include information specific to your worksite as indicated in Slides # 36, 37, 45 and 46.
Preview this program and include your specific workplace information before conducting the training.
It is recommended you keep an attendance roster for your records to document training.

2. How to use this PowerPoint Program
Users with PowerPoint can download, edit, and use the program for training with a laptop and multimedia projector.
Additional information is found in the Notes section of this presentation. You can read the text in quotations or use your own words.
If you want to print out this program, the PDF file uses less computer memory and prints faster.

3. This training will cover the following:
Hazard Communication
This training will cover the following:
What are hazardous chemicals,
How do hazardous chemicals affect the body,
what are the different types of hazardous chemicals,
what is on product labels,
what are material safety data sheets
How to protect yourself from hazardous chemicals.
“The Department of Labor & Industries – WISHA requires that we train our employees on the hazards of chemicals we use. This training is done to meet those regulations and to make sure you are protected from any harm from chemicals you may use.” 1

4. What is hazard communication?
Hazard communication or “hazcom” is our program where we tell you about the hazardous chemicals used in our workplace.
We will also train you on how to protect yourself from the effects of these hazardous chemicals.
Hazcom training is required by WISHA.
“ The WISHA hazard communication (“hazcom”) regulations are found in the Core Rules – WAC We have copies if you wish to see them.” 2

5. What is a “hazardous chemical”?
Hazard Communication
What is a “hazardous chemical”?
A hazardous chemical is any chemical that can do harm to your body.
Most industrial chemicals can harm you at some level.
It depends how much gets into your body.
“Some chemicals are more toxic than others. Just a little bit of some chemicals entering your body could harm you. Others are much less toxic and it would take great amounts entering your body to do any harm.” 3

6. How do hazardous chemicals
Hazard Communication
How do hazardous chemicals
affect the body?
The effect a certain chemical has on the body depends on several factors:
The physical form of the chemical
How the chemical enters the body
The amount of chemical that actually enters the body - the dose
How toxic (poisonous) the chemical is
“ A poisonous chemical will not do you any harm, obviously, if it does not enter your body.” 4

7. The Three Forms of Chemicals
Types of Chemicals
The Three Forms of Chemicals
All chemicals exists in one of three forms:
Solid
Liquid
Gas
“The physical form of the hazardous chemical can affect how hazardous it is and how it enters the body.” 5

8. Types of Chemicals Solids - Dusts
Dust or powder can be released into the air by cutting, drilling, grinding or sanding and inhaled.
Dust can also be stirred up by dry sweeping and inhaled.
“ For example, cutting brick or cinder block without water can generate lots of dust that contains quartz (silica). If silica dust is inhaled it can scar the lungs and cause breathing problems.” 6

9. Solids – Fumes and Fibers
Types of Chemicals
Solids – Fumes and Fibers
Fumes are extremely small droplets of metal formed when the metal has been vaporized by high temperatures (usually welding)
Some compounds are fibers which can be similar to dusts but they have an elongated shape (like asbestos or fiberglass)
“ Metal fumes are formed during welding. Because of their tiny size, they are easily inhaled deep into the lungs and can be absorbed into the blood stream.”
“Asbestos and quartz (or silica) are one of the most hazardous dusts because of the damage they do to the lungs. Fiberglass does not damage the lungs, but can be irritating to the respiratory system.” 7

10. Types of Chemicals Solids - Dust
Dust in the air can settle out on work surfaces, cups, plates, utensils, and food.
The settled dust can be swallowed with food or drinks.
“This is real problem with lead dust.” 8

11. Types of Chemicals Liquids
Liquids can come into direct contact with the skin and be absorbed into the body.
Liquids can be sprayed and form mists or evaporate and form vapors which can be inhaled.
“Typical hazardous liquids are various types of solvents. Some liquid solvents are flammable and can be a fire hazard as well.” 9

12. Types of Chemicals Liquids (Mists) Mists can also be inhaled.
Mists can settle on the skin and be absorbed.
Airborne mists can also settle out and contaminate food or drink.
“The most common exposure to mists is from inhalation. A common example of a mist exposure at work is paint overspray.” 10

13. Types of Chemicals Gases and Vapors
Gases are chemicals that are in the gas phase at room temperature.
Vapors evaporate from substances that are liquids or solids at room temperature.
Gases and vapors enter the body by inhalation.
“Chlorine and methane are examples of gases. Most liquid solvents release vapors. Examples are acetone, paint thinner and gasoline. Gases do not normally pass through the skin. ” 11

14. How Chemicals Enter the Body
There Are Three Routes of Entry:
Ingestion – swallowing the chemical
Inhalation – breathing in the chemical
Absorption – the chemical soaks through the skin
“Inhalation is typically the most common way chemicals can enter the body in a work situation. Skin absorption is less common, but can occur with some solvents and pesticides. Ingestion is usually not a major problem in the workplace except in certain situations.” 12

15. How Chemicals Enter the Body
Ingestion (Swallowing)
Chemicals that are swallowed are absorbed in the digestive tract.
Chemicals can rub off dirty hands and contaminate food, drinks or tobacco products.
Chemicals in the air can settle on food or drink and be swallowed.
“This is another good reason to wash your hands before eating, drinking or smoking.” 13

16. How Chemicals Enter the Body
Inhalation (Breathing)
Airborne chemicals are breathed in through the mouth or nose.
The size of particles or droplets can affect where the chemical settles in the respiratory tract.
Where the chemical settles in the respiratory tract determines what symptoms or diseases will develop.
“Some chemicals settle in the nose and throat, some go deeper into the lungs. The chemicals that go deeper in the lungs often cause more damage. Fine dust usually goes deep into the lungs” 14

17. How Chemicals Enter the Body
Skin Absorption
Some chemicals can pass through the skin and be taken into the body’s systems.
Solvents and pesticides are examples of compounds that can be absorbed through the skin.
“Some chemicals are absorbed through the skin more easily than others. Many insecticides and some solvents are easily absorbed through the skin.”
[note: during slide show photo appears after 4 second delay.] 15

18. Toxicity: how poisonous are chemicals?
Chemical Toxicity
Toxicity: how poisonous are chemicals?
Dose - The effects of any toxic chemical depends on the amount of a chemical that actually enters the body.
Acute Toxicity - the measure of how toxic a chemical is in a single dose over a short period of time.
Chronic Toxicity – the measure of the toxicity of exposure to a chemical over a long period of time.
[Optional slide. These terms are often used in MSDSs.] “ Some chemicals can cause problems immediately, others may not hurt you until you have been exposed for a long time” 16

19. Chemical Toxicity Chronic Toxicity and Acute Toxicity
Some chemicals will only make you sick if you get an ‘acute” or high dose all at once. Example - ammonia
Some chemicals are mainly known for their chronic or long-term effects. Example - asbestos
Most chemicals have both acute and chronic effects. Example – carbon monoxide
“Ammonia smells terrible and irritates the nose, but doesn’t really hurt you except at very high levels where it can burn your lungs. At lower levels, it has no long-term effects. Asbestos has no immediate effects , but over the long-run causes breathing problems or lung cancer. Carbon monoxide can kill you in minutes at a high enough level, but also give you headaches and eventually damage your heart if you breathe it day after day at low levels.” 17

20. Chemical Exposure Limits
Chemical Toxicity
Chemical Exposure Limits
Many chemicals have exposure limits, or allowable amounts of a chemical in the air.
These limits are often called “PELs” or “TLVs”.
They are based on 8-hour average exposure or ceiling or peak levels.
Levels must be kept below these limits for safety.
PEL
“PEL” means “permissible exposure limit”. “TLV” – means “threshold limit value”. WISHA regulations have PELs for about 600 chemicals. Often the MSDS will list the OSHA PEL which can be different from the WISHA PEL. The limits are usually expressed as parts per million (ppm) or milligrams per cubic meter (mg/cu. meter). Your exposure to chemicals cannot exceed these limits.”
example: 100 parts per million 18

21. Toxic Chemicals Carcinogens Carcinogens are cancer-causing compounds.
Some chemicals are known human carcinogens, others are only suspected as carcinogens.
WISHA has regulations covering the general use of carcinogens, and has specific regulations for several known human carcinogens.
“A manufacturer is required to list any carcinogens in their product even if the amount is as low as 0.1% of the product. The allowable exposure limits for carcinogens are either extremely low or at zero.” 19

22. Toxic Chemicals Carcinogens
WISHA and OSHA have specific regulations on the following carcinogens:
Vinyl Chloride
Acrylonitrile
1,2,-Dibromo-3-chloropropane (DBCP)
Inorganic Arsenic
Ethylene Oxide
Cadmium
Butadiene
Methylene Chloride
Benzene
“Benzene, Vinyl chloride and DBCP are rarely used anymore. Methylene chloride is found in many paint strippers. Cadmium is sometimes found in metal coatings or in paint pigments. Ethylene oxide is used as a sterilant in hospitals. Arsenic can be found in many things, but its use has dropped in recent years. Acrylonitrile and butadiene are used to make plastics” 20

23. Other Groups of Toxic Chemicals
Teratogens
Teratogens are compounds that can harm the developing fetus, causing birth defects or death.
Mutagens
Mutagens cause genetic mutations or changes. These mutations can cause birth defects or other problems in following generations or may lead to cancer in the exposed person.
“ As an example of a tetratogen, some you may remember, the drug Thalidomide taken by pregnant woman in the 1950’s that cause babies to be born without arms or legs. Fortunately, there are few chemicals in common use today that are in this group.” 21

24. Other Groups of Toxic Chemicals
Sensitizers
Sensitizers can “switch on” a reaction in an individual worker.
The reaction to a sensitizer depends upon the individual worker.
Once a worker becomes sensitized to a compound, smaller and smaller exposures can cause a reaction, and the reactions can become more severe.
“One well-known example of a sensitizer is isocyanates found in polyurethane paint used in some auto paint shops.” 22

25. Corrosive Chemicals Corrosive Chemicals
Acids and bases are common corrosive chemicals.
Corrosive chemicals are capable of damaging skin, eyes and the respiratory system.
“Corrosive chemicals may or may not have an internal effect on the body, but usually affect the skin or eyes, irritating or destroying tissue. This can also happen in the lungs if corrosive chemical vapors are inhaled.” 23

26. Corrosive Chemicals - Skin
Corrosives can cause visible skin burns or damage.
The extent of skin damage depends on how long the corrosive is on the skin and how concentrated the corrosive is.
“The longer the corrosive is on your skin, the greater the injury. The more concentrated the corrosive, the greater the damage.” 24

27. Corrosive Chemicals – Inhalation and Eyes
Inhalation of corrosive mists or vapors can cause severe bronchial irritation.
Corrosives are especially damaging to the eyes.
“Corrosive chemicals main hazard is splashes to the eyes or skin. Goggles are essential when handling strong corrosives. Eyewashes are required where corrosives are handled. Damage to the eyes can be minimized by quick and thorough rinsing of the eyes.” 25

28. Examples of Corrosive Chemicals
Sulfuric Acid
Ammonia
Chromic acid
Phenol
Acetic Acid
Chlorine
“These are just a few examples of corrosive chemicals.” [You can also list or describe corrosive chemicals used at your workplace here.]
Batteries contain sulfuric acid 26

29. Protection from Corrosives
Corrosive Chemicals
Protection from Corrosives
Protective gloves & clothing
Goggles
Eyewashes
Water (for splashes on the skin)
“ Protective clothing and goggles are the first line of defense, emergency eyewashes showers are used after a splash or spill occurs.” 27

30. Properties of Flammable Liquids
The vapor of a flammable liquid ignites and causes fire or explosion – not the liquid itself.
The flammability of a liquid depends on its physical properties:
Vapor Pressure
Flash Point
Limits of Flammability
Vapor Density
“Flammable liquids include fuels like gasoline and various types of solvents.” 28

31. Flammable Liquids Vapor Pressure
Vapor pressure is a measure of how fast a liquid evaporates.
The higher the vapor pressure the more rapidly the liquid will evaporate.
Vapor pressure goes up and down with the temperature of the liquid.
“ Usually, the higher the vapor pressure, the more flammable the liquid is. However, some chemicals have high vapor pressure, but don’t burn. An example is methylene chloride, a chemical used in many paint strippers.” 29

32. Flammable Liquids Flash Point
The flash point is the lowest temperature that a flammable liquid can generate enough vapor to form a mixture with air that will ignite.
“For example, gasoline has a much lower flash point than motor oil. The lower the flashpoint, the more easily the liquid will burn or catch fire.” 30

33. Limits of Flammability
Flammable Liquids
Limits of Flammability
The limits of flammability is the range that a mixture of air and vapor is flammable.
Mixtures can be too lean (not enough vapor) or too rich (too much vapor) to ignite and burn.
“An example is an automobile engine. Even though gasoline is very flammable, the car won’t run if the mixture is too rich (too much gasoline vapor) or too lean in the carburetor or fuel injection system.” 31

34. Flammable Limits Example
Flammable Liquids
Flammable Limits Example
“This slide shows that acetone will not burn or explode if it is less than 2.5% in the air or more than 12.8% in the air. Acetone is the sweet-smelling chemical used in finger nail polish remover and in many solvents”
LEL – “lower explosive limit”
UEL – “upper explosive limit” 32

35. Lower Explosive Limit – LEL
Flammable Liquids
Lower Explosive Limit – LEL
In most work situations, the “lower explosive limit” (LEL) is the main concern.
Vapors from flammable liquids can be found in the workplace, but are often too diluted to catch fire or explode.
“ Vapors that exceed the LEL are usually toxic as well, and lower the amount of oxygen. So if the explosion or fire doesn’t harm you, the toxicity or lack of oxygen probably will.”
[click on the speaker to hear an explosion.]
However, these vapors can quickly go above the LEL in small room or confined space like a tank. 33

36. Flammable Liquids Vapor Density
“Vapor density” is a measure of how heavy a vapor is compared to air.
Vapors with a density greater than 1.0 are heavier than air and can collect near the floor, and “flow” like a liquid.
This may create a fire/explosion hazard if the vapor flows to an ignition source.
“ An example of vapors heavier than air include propane. A leak from a propane tank will often settle in the lowest part of building or ground.” 34

37. Metals Hazards of Metals
Metals can be both physical hazards and health hazards.
Some metals can ignite and explode – magnesium, or dusts/filings of other metals such as aluminum
Some metals are almost non-toxic – iron, aluminum
Others are very toxic – lead, cadmium, mercury, beryllium
“Metals can present different hazards from poisoning to explosions and fire. Metals can cause health effects such as elevated blood pressure, brain damage, kidney failure and death.  Some metals such as magnesium can burn rapidly and intensely. Airborne dusts and filings of some metal such as aluminum, can explode when ignited. Some metals are carcinogenic – ex. chromates found in paints or in metal plating” 35

38. Training Break
This slide can be used to take a break or divide this training into two sessions.
[Otional slide. Because of the length of this presentation, it can be presented in two separate training sessions.]

39. Our Worksite Information
The following operations or work areas is where hazardous chemicals are present:
[List where hazardous chemicals are used]
back 36

40. Our Worksite Information
The following products are used at:
[list products and where used here]
[If need more slides and you have PowerPoint; click on Insert on the toolbar; select duplicate slide.]
back 37

41. How do you get information about
Getting Information
How do you get information about
hazardous chemicals?
You can get information two ways:
from the product label,
from the product material safety data sheet.
“ Labels are sketchy and don’t have all the information about the hazards of chemicals in a product. MSDSs usually provide much more information, although it may not always be easy to understand.”
MSDS 38

42. What is on the product label?
Getting Information
What is on the product label?
The manufacturer,
The name of the product,
a hazard warning,
a list of hazardous ingredients
“A label of course may have lots of other information not related to its hazards – amounts, advertising, directions for use, etc. But the label must include a list of the hazardous ingredients, a hazard warning and name and address of the manufacturer. Sometimes this information is on the back or side of the container.” 39

43. What is a material safety data sheet?
Getting Information
What is a material safety data sheet?
Material safety data sheets or “MSDSs” are information sheets on products that:
tells what chemicals are in the product,
what the hazards of the chemicals are,
how to protect yourself from the hazards.
MSDS
“The chemical hazard communication standard requires that producers and importers of hazardous chemicals develop Material Safety Data Sheets for their products. These MSDSs contain information on the hazardous chemicals in a product and come with every chemical product we use.” 40

44. Material Safety Data Sheet
[see following slides which outline information found on this MSDS.] 41

45. Material Safety Data Sheet
MSDSs – what information do they have?
Names of hazardous chemicals in a product,
Physical and chemical properties of the product,
Physical hazards of working with the product,
Health hazards of working with the product (including signs and symptoms of overexposures),
Acetone
Flammable & highly volatile
Burns
[optional slide – you can print out the previous slide or use your own MSDS sheets, and go over it section by section with your employees. The information in red on the right is from the previous MSDS slide.]
Headaches, eye irritation 42

46. Material Safety Data Sheet
Material safety data sheets (continued)
The main way the chemical enters the body,
The legal limit allowed in the air
If the chemical is a carcinogen
Precautions for safe use of the hazardous chemical,
Inhalation
750 ppm
[optional slide] No
Use with adequate ventilation, keep away from open flame 43

47. Material Safety Data Sheet
Material safety data sheets (continued)
Exposure control methods, including personal protective equipment,
Emergency and first aid procedures,
The date the MSDS was prepared or revised,
Name, address and phone number of the person responsible for the information in the MSDS.
Wear respirator, rubber gloves
Eyes: flush with water for 15 minutes
[optional slide]
1996
John Doe 1234 Maple St. Anywhere, USA 44

48. Our Worksite Information
Material Safety Data Sheets are located in the following locations, or contact [name] to see MSDSs
[Employees must have access to material safety data sheets. They can be kept almost anywhere including on a computer as long as it is easy for employees to access them]
back 45

49. Our Worksite Information
We have done air sampling in the following locations:
[This is an optional slide, to use if you have done air sampling or had it done for you.]
Results of this air sampling can be found at the following location:
back 46

50. You can protect yourself from hazardous chemicals by:
Protecting Yourself
You can protect yourself from hazardous chemicals by:
Knowing what is in the product your work with,
Using the smallest amount of a chemical to do the job,
“When using chemicals, more is not always better. Smaller amounts mean less goes into the air and less is spilled or splashed.
“ Equipment needs to be maintained to prevent or minimize leaks or releases of chemicals into the work area”
Maintaining machinery and equipment to prevent leaks or releases, 47

51. Protecting Yourself Protect yourself from hazardous chemicals by:
Using ventilation to reduce amounts of chemicals in the air,
Enclosing a chemical process as much as possible,
“ Personal protective equipment includes gloves, goggles, safety glasses, aprons, coveralls, Tyvek as well as respirators. PPE is the last resort for protection when there is no other means of reducing chemical exposure.
Wearing necessary personal protective equipment. 48

52. In the case of a leak or spill, protect yourself by:
Protecting Yourself
In the case of a leak or spill, protect yourself by:
Informing your supervisor of unusual odors, spills, or releases,
Leaving an area of a large spill or chemical release.
“Don’t ignore any unusual odors, or stronger than normal odors. This may indicate a leak or release, or if you are wearing a respirator, it may indicate a poor fit, a leak or a used up cartridge. Large leaks, spills or release of a chemical may overwhelm your respirator. Don’t be a hero, get help and proceed cautiously or let the experts clean up the spill.” 49

53. If you have been exposed to a chemical and feel sick:
Protecting Yourself
If you have been exposed to a chemical and feel sick:
Let your supervisor know,
Find out what the chemical was,
Follow the first aid directions in the MSDS,
Get medical attention as needed,
Check your PPE before going back to the area.
“ Obviously, not all sickness is from exposure to chemicals. But if you know you have inhaled a chemical, spilled a chemical on your skin, or ingested some and you feel sick, we want to know. Our intent is to have a safe and healthy workplace and we want to fix any problems.” [Add your company policies here] 50

54. Hazard Communication Quiz
The following questions are optional. They can be used to check your employees understanding of this training and promote discussion. You can add more questions for a short written or verbal quiz.

55. Hazard Communication Quiz
Question 1
What are the three routes of entry of chemicals into the body?
a) Ears, eyes and mouth
b) nose, mouth and skin
c) swallowing, inhaling and drinking
d) ingestion, inhalation and absorption
d) Is the correct answer, b) could also be correct

56. Hazard Communication Quiz
Question 2
What is acute toxicity of a chemical?
a) a good-looking chemical
b) the chemical is toxic only if you drink it
c) the chemical will harm you only after years
of exposure
d) the chemical can harm you in a single dose over a short period of time
d) is the correct answer.

57. Hazard Communication Quiz
Question 3
When is a chemical vapor flammable?
a) Only if it is really hot
b) Only when the amount is above the UEL
c) When the amount in the air is above the LEL
d) Whenever there is an open flame
c) is correct. The LEL is the “lower explosive limit”. d) is correct only if the amount in the air is above the LEL or below the UEL – upper explosive limit and the chemical will actually burn.

58. Hazard Communication Quiz
Question 4
How can you find out what chemical is in a product we use?
a) Ask your supervisor
b) Look on the label
c) Read the MSDS
d) ask your co-worker
All answer could be correct, but usually the most reliable information is in the MSDS

59. Hazard Communication Quiz
Question 5
What should you do if there is a large chemical spill in your work area?
a) Run out of the building
b) Leave the area and inform your supervisor and coworkers
c) Clean it up right away
d) Call 911
b) is the best answer. a) might be correct if the chemical is a known highly toxic or flammable gas. Clean up should only be done when the proper personal protective equipment is worn.