Hazard Communication

Hazard Communication

What's Ahead . . . • This course will help you understand — • What hazardous chemicals may be in the workplace • Routes by which hazardous chemicals can enter your body • How to identify those chemicals • Importance of reading labels/tags • How to understand MSDSs • How to protect yourself from exposure to hazardous chemicals • What to do if you are exposed

In the news…

Purpose • Reasons behind HazCom/Right To Know laws and regulations: • Employees have a need and right to know about possible chemical exposure • Employees need to know about protective measures • The more employees know about hazardous chemicals, the easier it will be to protect themselves HazCom/Right To Know affects all employees, regardless of their position, job function or responsibility HazCom/Right To Know is the law

Chemical Basics • Chemicals can take any of three forms: • Solids • Liquids • Gases • Chemicals can enter your body by four routes: • Inhalation through your nose or mouth • Injection through accidental impact, cut or puncture to skin • Absorption through skin or eyes • Ingestion through your mouth by swallowing

Recognizing Chemical Hazards • Hazardous chemicals present risks of physical or health hazards: • Physical hazards result when chemicals can act on a facility • Health hazards result when chemicals can act on humans • Hazardous chemicals can be found at virtually any worksite • Indoor worksites • Outdoor worksites • Special worksites

In the news…

Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace • Some common substances used in our workplaces may have hazardous chemicals • Products most likely to contain hazardous chemicals: • Paints and paint removers • Liquid correction fluid with a solvent base • Cleaning fluids • Cleaning products • Photocopier and printer toners • Rubber cement and other glues

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) • MSDS is primary source of information about hazardous chemicals in the workplace • MSDS must include specified information: • Emergency and clean-up procedures • Chemical names • Manufacturer's phone number • We are required to review with you — • Physical and health hazards of chemicals • Identification of those chemicals by appearance and odor • Procedures for handling chemicals to protect against hazards • Where MSDSs are located

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) (cont’d) • MSDS is primary source of information about hazardous chemicals in the workplace • MSDS must include specified information: • Emergency and clean-up procedures • Chemical names • Manufacturer's phone number • We are required to review with you — • Physical and health hazards of chemicals • Identification of those chemicals by appearance and odor • Procedures for handling chemicals to protect against hazards • Where MSDSs are located

Pop Quiz! • Homer and Lenny receive a box containing several bottles of a new chemical they will be handling. When Lenny opens the box, an MSDS falls out. Lenny says, "Hey, that's the MSDS." Homer grabs it and says, "Pfft, boring! They can't expect us to read all that! If chemicals were that dangerous, do you think they'd let someone like me handle them?" Homer makes the MSDS into a paper airplane and flies it down the hall, where it hits Frank, a co-worker who knows the significance of an MSDS. How might Frank respond to Homer? • "I'm taking this to your supervisor. At least he should know about the chemical you guys are about to handle." • "You need to review this for your own protection and everyone else's." • "This is supposed to be posted on a bulletin board, near the work area, so that your supervisor and the paramedics will know what to do in case of an emergency."

Read Labels and Tags • Before using a hazardous chemical, read all labels and tags carefully • Manufacturer must label, tag or mark each primary container with — • Manufacturer's name and address • Product name and all hazardous ingredients • Any physical or health hazards When a chemical is stored in a secondary container, special labeling may be required Before using a chemical in a secondary container, check with supervisor or Safety Officer

Preventing Chemical Exposure • Keep in mind these prevention strategies: • Inhalation: Use personal protective equipment to protect yourself from airborne contaminants • Injection: Follow proper storage, handling and disposal procedures when using syringe needles, glassware or other potentially sharp objects • Absorption: Use personal protective equipment; wash exposed body parts • Ingestion: Don't eat, drink or smoke in areas where harmful chemicals are handled

Pop Quiz! • Hazardous chemicals can enter your body through your eyes even if you wear safety glasses while working with them. • True. • False.

Dealing with Chemical Exposure • If you are exposed to a hazardous chemical: • Don't eat or drink any food or water that may have been contaminated • If you were exposed to hazardous chemicals, you may be contaminated and can contaminate others • For severe injuries, call 911 • Consult the appropriate MSDSs • Shower to remove the chemical • If you are uncertain about how to remove the chemical from your body, call your state's Poison Control Network • Consult your healthcare provider for additional medical advice as needed

Other Employer Responsibilities • We have these additional responsibilities: • Maintaining a central inventory of hazardous chemicals • Maintaining an accessible library of MSDSs • Ensuring that all new hazardous chemicals have MSDSs • Helping employees determine what hazardous chemicals are at their location • Consulting with managers or staff • Training employees on new chemical hazards • Posting of conspicuous signage

Final Quiz

Questions?

Thank you for participating! This course and the related materials were developed by WeComply, Inc. and the Association of Corporate Counsel.

Hazard Communication