1. OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910.1200

2.  The federal Hazard Communication Standard says that you have a “Right-To-Know” what hazards you face on the job and how to protect yourself against those hazards. That’s your Right-To-Know!

3.  The standard was developed to make sure that everyone who works with any hazardous chemical is aware of the hazards and the necessary precautions.

4.  Chemical Manufacturers  Employers  Employees

5.  Must determine the physical and health hazards of the products they make and provide that information to users.  OSHA requires that the following information be included on all labels:  Product name  A warning statement, message or symbol  Manufactures of hazardous chemical include a statement describing safe handling procedures.

6.  Must use their Right-to-Know knowledge to stay safe and healthy on the job.

7.  Chemicals have many valuable uses and are used often.  But many chemicals also have hazards that can present risks to health and safety when they’re used on the job.

8.  Health  Physical

9.  Acute Health Problems  symptoms show up immediately after exposure  Chronic Health Problems  problems develop gradually from prolonged or repeated exposure

10.  Sudden release of pressure (explosion)  Flammable (catches fire easily)  Reactive (unstable chemicals)

11.  Inhalation  Ingestion  Injection  Skin Contact or Absorption

12.  Inventory  Labeling  Material Safety Data Sheets  Written Program  Education and Training

13.  Materials Inventory – Here is a list of the hazardous materials commonly used in a homecare setting.  Albuteral sulfate  Alcohol  Oxygen  Vinegar  Oxygen  Hydrogen peroxide  Tobramycin  Intal  Control 111  Mercury  Bleach  And various household cleaners

14.  Every container of hazardous chemicals is labeled by the manufacturer.  Labels make it easy to find at a glance the chemical’s possible hazards and basic steps to take to protect yourself against those risks.

15.  Identity  Name and Address of the Manufacturer  Physical Hazards  Health Hazards  Proper Storage and Handling

16.  Blue - Health  Red – Flammability  Yellow – Reactivity  White – Protective Equipment and Other  Scale 0-4  0 = no danger  4 = highest danger

17.  Before you move, handle or open a chemical container, READ THE LABEL and follow the instructions.

18.  Detailed information sheet prepared by manufacturer or importer  Available for every hazardous chemical or substance  Contains information that:  Enables you to prepare for safe day-to-day use  Enables you to respond in emergencies

19.  Chemical name  Company information  Hazardous ingredients  Physical characteristics  Fire and explosion data -Health hazard data -Reactivity data -Special precautions Safe handling practices PPE What to do in case of spills or leaks

20.  The pertinent MSDS sheets for each case will be found in the article binder  Here is an example MSDS

21.  PNS must have a written Hazard Communication Program  Inform employees about standard  Information and training on the Hazard Communication program  Must be available to all employees

22.  PNS must provide employees with education and training on hazardous chemicals in their work area at the time of initial assignment, and whenever a new chemical hazard is introduced into the work area.

23.  You have a right to know about the chemical hazards in your workplace.  And you have a duty to use that right to learn about and protect yourself from those hazards.