Hazard Communication

1. Hazard Communication OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910.1200

2. Introduction • 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. Purpose • 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. The Standard applies to • Chemical Manufacturers • Employers • Employees

5. Chemical Manufacturers • 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. Employees • Must use their Right-to-Know knowledge to stay safe and healthy on the job.

7. Why learn about chemicals? • 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. Chemical Hazards • Health • Physical

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

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

11. Routes of Entry • Inhalation • Ingestion • Injection • Skin Contact or Absorption

12. 5 Main Areas of Haz Com • Inventory • Labeling • Material Safety Data Sheets • Written Program • Education and Training

13. Inventory • 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. Labeling • 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. Parts of a Label • Identity • Name and Address of the Manufacturer • Physical Hazards • Health Hazards • Proper Storage and Handling

16. Parts of a Label • 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. Material Safety Data Sheets • 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. Contents of MSDS • 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. Location of MSDS • The pertinent MSDS sheets for each case will be found in the article binder • Here is an example MSDS

21. Written Program • 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. Education & Training • 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. Summary • 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.