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HazardCommunication

ContentsI. The Hazard CommunI calion Standard 1

II. HazCom Takes Teamwork 4

III. All About Chemicals 7

IV. Chemical Labels 11

V. The Material Satety Data Sheet 17Chemical Identity 20Physical Hazards 21Physical and Chemical Characteristics 22Reactivity 24Health Hazards 25Precautions and Controls 27More Chemical Safety Information 28

VI. HazCom: More than the Facts 29VII. Hazard Communlcallon Summary 33VIII. Dictionary olTerms 35IX. Test Your Hazard Communlcallon

Knowledge Quiz 39Training Verification 40

I.The HazardCommunicationStandard

Chemicals play many important roles atwork. They also present many com-mon workplace hazards. Chemicals

are safe when handled properly, but if you're notaware of their potential hazards, you can putyourself and others at risk.

You have a Right to Know about the hazards ofchemicals in your workplace-and how to workwith them safely.That's why the OccupationalSafety and Health Administration (OSHA) createdthe Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom).

Youhave a righllo knowOSHA developed HazCom to ensure that

employers provide their employees with informationand procedures that:

.:. Explain which hazardous chemicalsare present on the job and how they'rehazardous

.:. Provide ways to avoid chemical exposure

.:. Train employees on how to reduce the risksof working with hazardous chemicals.

This righllo knowapplies 10 all:

.:. Hazardous chemicals used in theworkplace

.:. Employers that package, handle, or transferhazardous chemicals

.:. Employees who may be exposed to ahazardous chemical while performing theirjobs.

2

HazCom protects youThe Hazard Communication Standard requires

companies that make or import chemicals toidentify their hazards. They must list those hazardsand related safety information on chemical containerlabels and material safety data sheets (MSDSs).

All chemicals must be in labeled containers andmust be accompanied by an MSDS. Your employeruses that information in developing a hazardcommunication program. Through that program,employers make sure their employees have theinformation, equipment, and procedures to worksafely with the hazardous chemicals.

3

II.HazCom TakesTeamwork

Ittakes teamwork to reduce risk of injurywhile working with hazardous chemicals.To ensure that everyone helps, OSHA

assigns important HazCom responsibilities to bothemployers and employees.

An important employerresponsibility is to developa wrinen hazard communicaUon program.The written program covers what your employer willdo to teach you about chemicals, their hazards,and how to protect yourself.

Be sure you knowwhere youremployer'sprogram islocated.

4

The writtenHazCom program

Your employers written program coverstopics like:

.:. The general requirements of OSHA'sHazard Communication Standard

.:. What chemicals are used in your work.place and what hazards they present

.:. How your employer will provide the trainingand information you need to recognizechemical hazards and minimize risks

.:. How to use labels and MSDSs

.:. What procedures and precautions willbe used to prevent overexposure tohazardous chemicals.

Your employer will provide you with chemicalsalelY Inlormallon and training. Bul II's up 10you to use this knowledge to protect yoursell.

5

Employees haveresponsibilities, 100

To prevent injury or illness when you workwith chemicals, you must:

.:. Take part in HazCom training

.:. Use what you learn in training-and youremployer's procedures and equipment-tostay safe on the job.

HazCom does more than require training. It says thatemployees must understand chemical hazardsand protective measures. So it's very important toask questions ~there's any part of your hazardcommunication training that you dont understand.

6

III.All AboutChemicals

~

Chemicals are part of many products weuse at work and in our homes fNery day.These substances play an important

role in a wide variety of industrial processes, frommaking plastics to cleaning tanks. But thafs not all.You'll also find chemicals in:

.:. Paint

.:. Solvents and paint removers

.:. Fertilizers, pesticides. and weed killers

.:. Swimming pool water treatment

.:. Cleaning products and detergents

.:. Office copier toner

.:. Synthetic fabrics

.:. Drain and oven cleaners.

Chemicals are part of modern living. We don'twant to give up their benefits. But we have torecognize how to avoid their hazards.

7

c

Chemicals can behazardous

When used or handled incorrectly, chemicalscan be hazardous. Problems arise when peopledon't realize that a chemical could be hazardous orwhat conditions to avoid. Following safetyprocedures is the best way you can avoidchemical hazards.

HazCom is designed to prevent hazards bytraining you to understand:

.:. What types of hazards chemicals canpresent

.:. How you might be exposed to chemicalhazards on the job

.:. What situations increase your riskof injury

.:. How you should avoid exposingyourself and others to thehazards of chemicals in yourworkplace.

Two typesof hazards

There are two groups of chemical hazards.

Chemicals wrth physical hazardsmaybe:

.;. Explosive. They cansuddenly release pressure .

•;. Flammable. They cancatch fire easily .

•;. Reactive. Theycan burn, explode,or release toxic vaporif exposed to otherchemicals, heat, air, orwater.

Chemicals' health hazards can rangefrom minor to deadly. They may be:

.;. Corrosive. They can burn oreven destroy skin or eyes oncontact.

.;. Toxic. They can causeillness or damagespecific organs,such as thekidneys or lungs.In the worstinstances, they cancause death.

9

Three routesof exposure

You may be exposed to chemical hea~hhazards three ways:

-:- Skin or eye contactmay resu~ in rashes,bums, allergies, visionproblems, or evenblindness. Manychemicais can enterthe bloodstream thisway, causing seriousilness.

-:- Inhalallon cancause headache,dizziness,damage to thelungs, throat, orrespiratorysystem,andpossibly uncon-sciousness andeven death.

-:- Swallowing (ingestion) could cause poison-ing or internal organ damage. It usually occursITyou don1 wash between handiing chemicalsand eating, drinking, or smoking.

Hea~h hazards can be:-:- Acute-effects that show up right away,

such as burns or irritation.-:- Chronlc-effects that develop over time,

such as cancer or reproductive problems.10

IV.ChemicalLabels

Labels play an important role in hazardcommunication. OSHA requires chemicalmanufacturers and distributors to label

every bag, barrel, cylinder, drum, or other containerthat holds a hazardous chemical.

When employers handle these containers, theymust make sure each one has a label orsimilar hazard warning that is:

.;. Legible .•;. In English (when workers speak other

languages. employers may add informationin those languages, too) .

•;. Easy to spot.

Never use a chemlcallrom an unlabeledcontainer. And Immediately report anycontainers with labels that are missingor too damaged to read.

Labels can lookdiUerent

The Hazard Communication Standard doesntrequire all chemical containers to look alike or usethe same fomnat. But OSHA does require labels toInclude the following basic infonnation:

.:. The identity of thechemical.:. The name*and address ofthe chemicalmanufacturer,importer, or othersource.:. Wamings aboutthe chemical'sspecific physical andheatth hazards.

A label may alsoinclude briefinformation, such as:.:. Basic procedures,protective clothing,and equipment youneed to work safelywith the chemical.:. Handling andstorage instructions.:. First aidinstructons•:. Specialinstructionsconcerning children .

CAUTION:FLAMMABLE MIXTUREDO NOT USE NEARFIRE OR FLAME

A. F.D. C. 01 A. No. 786

~w.-m/tlg: VAPOFlS HARMfU.. MAYCAUSE$KIN OR EYE IRRITATION. DlZZJN~SS. NAlJ.SEA OR HEADACHE.COWWIiS-HEPrANE (CAS f4Nl2-5)

Awid InhaJng vapors or "..., c:ont«l ll\llI r:riI i'lwell .....eia1OO ••• Whe<1 oSlg do nolNl,lh>k01 SIllOI<e. It ••••aJowed do NOT ilcLal VQlTI\I'lg.

CAli PWYSICIAN IIIIfEDIA my

CAUT1ON: VAPORS /olAV IGNITE EXPlO-SIVE! Y OR CAUSE FlASH RRE.When ...-.g """"O<Ji'n all 11M.- and J*.o!1.gIl'I,1umon '1""", -'odrie ~ and_~rs_ AVOId _rb. ClatII:ds;t>a'V" IIIIdOlllaf _ 01 igrulJon. CIoN c:on1_••ltet use

KEEP AWAY FROM CHILDREN

XYZChemical, Inc.Alnown u.s. A.

• Does not have to be on all portable containers.

12

Colors, numbers,and symbols

The hazard warnings on chemical labelsmay appear in words, colors, numbers, orsymbols.

On some labels, words might give warnings likethese about the chemical:

Carcinogen (causes cancer)

Irritant (irritates the skin or eyes)

Corrosive (burns the skin or eyes)

Some labels use signal words. They tell you howdangerous the chemical may be:

DANGER = Can cause immediate seriousinjury or death

WARNING = Can cause moderate injuryor deathCAUTION = Can cause relatively minor injury

c uses se~erBburns, vapor can bee:UemelY hazardous In higherconcentrations

13

Some labels use colors to show the type ofhazard:

_RED=Fire

_ BLUE = Health_ YELLOW = Reactivity

o WHITE = special hazard or aprotective equipment requirement

labels may use numbers along with colors to showthe degree of hazard.

o = minimum hazard

1= slight hazard

2 = moderate hazard

3= serious hazard

4 = severe hazard

A label with a 4 in a blue section means a severeacute health hazard. A 1 in a red section meansjust a slight fire hazard. These are warnings of whatcould happen with this chemical if you don't followsafety and handling precautions.

14

Diamond andcolor bar labels

Two label formats that use colors and num-bers are diamond- and bar-shaped.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)has a diamond-shaped label. Its divided intodifferent.;;olored sections. Here, the white section isused for specific information, such as ~ thechemical is corrosive, etc.

On color bar labels. white identifies protectiveequipment. Letters in the white bar tell what protec-tive equipment you need. For instance:

A = eye protection

B = eye and hand protection, etc.

CD REACTIVITYo PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

15

Traveingcontainers

Chemical containers shipped by truck, rail,or air usually have labels with special symbolsused worldwide to help identify the possiblehazards. Like colors and numbers, these symbolsallow everyone, no matter what language theyspeak or how well they read, to understand thehazard warnings.

Whatever form chemical label warnings take.they're a critical part of your right to know.Look for them and take proper precautlonsl

16

The MaterialSafetyData Sheet

The MSDS is an important right to knowtool. It contains detailed chemical hazardand safety information.

Each chemical in your workplace must have anMSDS that identifies:

.:. The chemical

.:. The chemical's hazards

.:. The conditions that make it most hazardous

.:. How to protect yourself. other people, andthe environment from its hazards

.:. What to do in an emergency involving thechemical.

The Hazard Communication Standard requireschemical manufacturers and importers to:

.:. Develop or obtain an MSDS, in English, foreach of their hazardous chemicais .

•:. Provide these MSDSs to hazardous chemicalcustomers.

17

Get to knowthe MSDS

Employers that use hazardous chemicals must:

.:. Provide an MSDS, on paper or computer, foreach hazardous chemical.

.:. Make it easy for employees to get access toMSDSs .

•:. Train employees to understand and useMSDS information.

1I1eHazard Communication Standard lists theinformation that must be on an MSDS. Though itdoesn't require a specific format, two types areused most often:

.:. The OSHAlormat describes the chemical,its hazards, and protective and emergencymeasures

.:. The American National StandardsInstitute (ANSI) lormat covers what's onthe OSHA form, plus information to helptransporters and users in other countries.

18

-"

Use the MSDSto stay safe

Whatever its format, an MSDS contains theinformation you need to work safely w~h a chemical.Don't be put off by the scientific language. As youbecome familiar with the technical terms, you'll beable to use that information to determine your risksand what measures to take to avoid injury.

The following pages review what you'll find on anMSDS, explaining some key terms-and whythey're so important.

Know where 10Iind-andhow to us~SDSs inyour workplace. Thenread the MSDS andtake the properprecautionsbefore you startany job involvinga chemical.

19

Chemicalidentity

chemical you Material Salety Data Sheet

e exposed to May be used IDCXlinpIyWIthOSHA's Haurd Communr.:a\lOn Sla/IdaId.29CFA '910,1200, StanOan:lm"slb9

t damaging consuftlld lor fiP(OCific'equ<_

ealth. This may .,.........,.....-""<-........,--he form of: __ ._""' __ Df'e-,

Imissibleposule Limit Haz.8rdous Inllrvdlenbl1dentlty Information

L), specified by _e...--_~_,e..--_",regulations

esholdil Value (TLV),ommended by ~Americannference of Ph'fS\CllVCIwmlcaICNraeterl.tIcs

vernmental -- I~v___ ••••'

ustrial "-.--.'gienists. _.-

Ate and hplMlon Hazan! Data--_..-,~--~.._---.........,<--

~-

or.:. ThrLimrectheCoGoIndHy

The MSDS first tells you what the chemicalis, including:

.:. Common and chemical names

.:. Names of any hazardous ingredients

.:. Name, address, and telephone number ofthe chemical manufacturer, importer, orother firm that provided the MSDS so thatyou can get additional information or con-tact them in an emergency.

You'll also find ameasure of how muchof thecan bwithouyour htake t

.:. PeEx(PEthe

20

Physicalhazards

The MSDS tells you if a chemical will:

.:. Catch fire

.:. Explode

.:. React dangerously if exposed to air, water,or other chemicals, and what conditionsand substances to keep it away from.

Information that alerts you to fire and explosionhazards may include:

------- ._-.-_ ..""___ "'__ 00_"_--'--_ .•_----------;;----=---~ ..

I~1._..... I.e.

21

.:. Flash point:Minimumtemperature atwhich a flam-mable liquid'svapors couldcatch fire if theycontact a sparkor other ignitionsource. Lowernumbers meangreater firehazards .

•:. Upperand lowerflammableor explosivelimits (UFL.LFL, UEL, LEL):Minimum andmaximumamounts ofvapor in the airthat could catchfire or explodeif they contactan ignitionsource.

Physical andchemical characteristics

The MSDS lists many chemical properties tohelp ycu understand how a chemical will behaveunder different conditions. •

Malerial safety Data Sheel~~'=-%~!I(Jn StardII~.29CFR 1910 1200, StaIIdard musl be~/oI~~ls..."""', ...-""..-_ •...•._.-__ ._C2I' __ n>""",

HUllrdou. 1~I""'sIIdenIlty lnfomultlon

-..._-"--_._-

F'tlv-1CIIl.IChemlcai ChII'acleri.ues-- I~v__ ••••.••• ,"--_ ..-~*----Fire and Ex losion HlIZ8rd CMUI

--1-'-.~-----------,--- .

.:. Normal appearance and odor:Characteristics helpful in recognizing thechemical.

.:. Boiling point:Temperature at whicha liquid boils orchanges to a vapor.

.:. Meltingpolntnreezlngpoint: Temperatureat which chemicalchanges from solidto liquid or liquid tosolid .

•:. Solubility Inwater: How muchof the chemical willdissolve in water.

22

---_ .....- •...•-....--. .....--._ ...__ .._ .._ •..•

u.s. Dep.rtmen' of Labo, b.~~ Sa~ andH&althMmnsIrallOIl <-..~~~Fonn}

OMB No 1218-0072

=

-:- Specllic gravity: A mass-to-volume comparisonrelative to water (1). A specific gravity below 1 willfloat in water, above1 will sink.

-:- Vapor density:Compares achemical's vapordensity to airdensity. (1). Avapor below 1 willrise in air, above 1will sink.

-:- Vapor pressure:The higher thenumber, the fastera chemicalevaporates,increasinginhalation risk.

------~,--,--"'--

1-.- 1- I~

.•.."'-'.

23

ReactivityIdent~ies conditions that might cause

dangerous chemical reactions .

_.,.'-~e-_._.._

~~'"''''a==-,_ .._,--~..-~

-~-_ .•........

•:. StabilitylInstability: Whether a chemical is prone orresistant to breakdown over time; conditions toavoid (heat, shock, pressure, etc.) to preventhazardous reactions .

•:. Incompallblllty: Specific chemicals, air, orwater that couldcause a dangerousreaction with thechemical.

.:. Hazardousdecompositionproducts: Whetherthe chemical'sbreakdown or reac-tion will create newhazardous productslike toxic gases.

.:. Hazardouspolymerization:Whether achemical will reactby itself, releasingheat that could leadto an explosion. -.. ....._,,_ ...-

s.c.1oro Vb - Contnll Mu..u •••

""'"'- .•.•..•..----

24

Health hazardsIrs very important to know what health

problems could develop from exposure to a chemical.To help you understand the resu~s of overexposure, theMSDS explains:

.:. Routes of chemical exposure (inhaling,swallowing, eye or skin contact)

.:. Type of exposure (acute or chronic).:. Speclllc health

effects fromexposure (e.g.,skin irritation orburns, breathingproblems,reproductiveproblems)

.:. Organs that mightbe affected (e.g.,lungs or liver)

.:. Whether thechemical maycause cancer(carcinogenic)

.:. Signs andsymptoms ofexposure (e.g.,headaches,nausea, dizziness,rashes).

25

Avoid chemicalexposures

The MSDS also lists medical conditions thatcould be worsened by exposure to the chemical.If you have asthma, a heart condrtion, or anyproblem that's listed, alert your supervisor.You may need to take extra precautions to avoidcontact wrth the chemical.

The MSDS also tells what to do rtyou areoverexposed. First aid instructions to follow whilewarting lor medical help may include:

.:. Flushing eyes at an emergency eyewash

.:. Removing contaminated clothing andthoroughly washing skin

.:. Getting to fresh air after inhaling achemical.

Remember: II you work with chemicals,report any possible overexposure symptomsImmediately!

26

Precautions and controlsAn MSDS contains more than warnings. It

has instructions and information on ways to reducethe risk of chemical accidents and health problemsfrom exposure. It may cover:

.:. Personal protective equipment, such asrespirators or eye protection

.:. Hygiene practices, such as washing handsafter working with the chemical

.:. Engineering controls,such as venUlation

.:. Instructions forhandling and storingthe substance properlyand safely, such asavoiding heat sources.

If there's an emergencyinvolving the chemical, theMSDS has informaUon onwhat to use to:

.:. Clean up spills andleaks

.:. Put out fires

.:. Dispose of the chemical properly.

27

More chemical safetyinformation

An ANSI.lonna! MSDS often includesadditional information on the chemical's potentialhazards. It may also provide information that'suseful during transport or for shipment to othercountries. The ANSI MSDS may cover:

.:. Specific tests used to identify healthhazards (toxicology)

.:. Possible short. or long-term effects on theenvironment or living creatures if thechemical is released into the air, water, orground (ecology)

.:. Proper disposal requirements

.:. Transport and shipping classes andrequirements

.:. Rules or laws from OSHA, EPA, or elsewherethat apply to the chemical.

28

.\

-I

VI.HazCom:More than the Facts

Your right to know about chemical hazardsand protections doesn1 stop wtth puttinginformation on labels and MSDSs. OSHA

developed the Hazard Communication Standard totry to make sure you:

.:. Understand the hazard and safetyinformation provided

.:. Can use that information and other employerprocedures to work safely with chemicals.

That's why OSHA requires employers to provideemployees with hazard communication training.Your training will, among other things, help youlearn:

.:. Which operations in your workplace involvehazardous chemicals

.:. What hazards those chemicals present.

29

Hazard Communication training will alsohelp you avoid chemical hazards by explainingpreventive measures such as:

.:. How to detect a hazardous chemical'spresence or release (e.g., smell, appearance,or monitoring equipment)

.:. What work practices, personal protectiveequipment (PPE), and other procedures touse to protect against chemical hazards

.:. How to find, understand, and use thehazard and safety information on chemicallabels and MSDSs.

30

Make the most 01HazComRead and use chemicallnlormalion

.:. Know where to find your workplace's hazardcommunication plan, chemical inventory list,and MSDSs .

•:. Read chemical labels, MSDSs, and yourcompany procedures, before starting anyjob with a chemical

Select and usethe right PPE lor chemical protection

.:. Ask yoursupervisorand check theMSDS to learnwhat type ofPPE you needto preventexposureto thatchemical..:. Be sureyou havegloves,clothes, eyeprotection,respirators,etc., designedto protectagainst theparticularchemical.

.:. Inspect PPE carefully. Don't use if damaged .•:. Get a good fit with clothing and respirators .•:. Secure all fasteners .•:. Remove and dispose of PPE properly.

31

Practice good hygiene.:. Don't eat, drink, smoke, or apply cosmetics

around chemicals .•:. Wash thoroughly after working around

chemicals .•:. Keep work clothes and street clothes

separate.

Follow sensible work procedures.:. Pay full attention to your work .•:. Stay constantly alert for hazards .•:. Know and follow safety rules .•:. Don't fool around, cut corners, or let your

mind wander .•:. Keep your work area

clean andneat.

Be prepared lor emergencies.:. Know how to handle a small spill, leak,

or fire .•:. Know how to give alarms for spills, leaks,

fires, or other emergencies that requiretrained responders .

•:. Know your evacuation route and where to go.

If you're not sure about a hazard orprecaution: Ask!

32

VII.Hazard CommunicationSummary

OSHA's Hazard Communi calionStandard gives you the right to knowabout chemical hazards you may face

on the job. It requires employers to obtain labels,MSDSs and other hazard information. Employersmust then develop a hazard communication plandesigned to make sure you know:

.:. The physical and health hazards of thechemicals you work with

.:. The conditions and situations thatincrease your risk of injury

.:. The engineering controls, protectIveequipment, hygiene practices, and workprocedures to use to minimize exposure tochemicai hazards

.:. The emergency procedures to follow ifthere's an accidentinvolving the chemical.

33

Your employer and the companies thatsupply rts chemicals give you the tools you need towork safely. It's up to you to use that information,equipment, and training to protect yourself.Remember:

.:. Pay attention to your HazCom training, andask questions until you feel you understandthe chemical hazards and how to protectyourself.

.:. Always read labels and MSDSs beforestarling a job with a chemical.

.:. Use your employers engineering controls,PPE, and work procedures whenever youwork with chemicals .

•:. Know what to do in a chemical emergencyso you're prepared to act quickly.

You have a right to know-and an obligation to useyour knowledge to work safely with chemicals.

34

-~

VIII.Dictionary of Termsabsorpdon The passage of one substance into or through another.acute health hazard An adverse effect on the human body wheresymptoms usually develop after brief exposure.aerosol A solid or liquid particulate that can remain suspended inair, such as paint spray or smoke.American Conlerence 01 Governmental Industrial Hygienists(ACGIH) A professional organization devoted to worker health pro-tection, which publishes "Threshold Limit Values (TLV) for ChemicalSubstances in the Work Environment: These values are often workerexposure limits.American Hallonal Standards Instllute (AHSI) A coordinatingbody of trade, technical, professional. and consumer groups whodevelop voluntary standards, including an MSDS form.asphyxiation Death resulting from lack of adequate oxygen, pres.ence of noxious agents, or other obstruction to normal breathing.boiling point The temperature at which a liquid changes its physicalstate to a gas.bonding The electrical connection of two objects to equalizeelectrical potential and prevent sparks.can:lnogen Substance that causes cancer.CFR ICode 01 Federal Regulallons) The collection of rules andregulations published in the Federal Register by governmentdepartments and agencies. OSHA regulations are found in 29 CFR.chemical Inventory A list of hazardous chemicals known to bepresent in a facility or work area.chemical (OSHA) 'Any element, chemical compound or mixture ofelements and/or compounds.'chemical-protective clothing Special clothing that may be resis-tant to permeation, penetration, or degradation from a chemical.chronic An adverse effect on the human body. with symptoms thatdevelop slowly over a long time, usually after long-term exposure.combustible liquid (OSHA) 'Any liquid with a nash point at orabove 100°F but below 2000~, except any mixture with componentswith flash points of 200° or higher, the total volume of which makeup 99 percent or more of the total volume of the mixture.'common name (OSHA) Any designation or identification otherthan its chemical name used to identify a chemical (e.g" codename, code number. trade name, brand name. generic name).compliance The state Ofmeeting all the requirements of the law.container (OSHA) 'Any bag, barrel, bailie, box, can, cylinder,drum. reaction vessel. storage tank, or the like that contains ahazardous chemical.'contingency plan A document specifying an organized, planned.and coordinated course of action to be followed in case of a fire,explosion, or other accident that releases toxic chemicals.hazardous wastes, or radioactive materials that threaten humanhealth or the environment:

35

cOlTUslve (OSHA) 'A chemical that causes visible destruction of,or irreversible alterations in, living tissue by chemical action at thesite of contact:decomposition Chemical breakdown of a material brought on bysome adverse action.degradation The destructive effect a chemical may have on a pieceof chemical-protective clothing, such as softening: hardening thatreduces strength and flexibility; or even destruction.densltJ A number that relates a substance's weight to its volume.Densities of solids and liquids are usually compared with that ofwater, which is 1. Substances with densities greater than 1 sink inwater; those less than 1 float.denn3Utis Inflammation of the skin.documentation The record of compliance with a regulation that acompany should maintain.DOT Department of Transportation.dust Particles light enough to be suspended in air.ecology The relationship of living things to one another and theirenvironment, or the study of such relationships.emergency (chemical) A situation created by an accidental release ';..or spill of hazardous chemicals that poses a threat to the safety ofworkers, residents, the environment, or property.Envlronmeolal Prolectlon Agency (EPAI The federal agencyresponsible for enforcing regulations related to clean air and water,tOXICsubstances, etc.evaporation rate How long it takes for a given amount of a sub-stance to evaporate, usually compared with the time required for anequal amount of ether or butyl acetate.explosive (OSHA) 'A chemical fhat causes a sudden, almostinstantaneous, release of pressure, gas, and heat when exposed tosudden shock, pressure, or high temperature:exposure/exposed (OSHA) •... subjected to a hazardous chemicalin the course of employment through any route of entry (inhalation,ingestion. skin contact or absorption). including accidental or possi-ble exposureflammable limits Range of a chemical's concentration in air thatmay readily catch fire when exposed to a flame or spark. Defined bythe lower and upper flammability limits (LFL and UFL) and some-times as explosive limits (LELand UEL).nammable liquid (OSHA) •... liquid having a flash point below100°F, except any mixture having components with flash points of100°F or higher. the total of which make up 99 percent or more ofthe total volume of the mixture.'Ilash point (OSHA) •...the minimum temperature at which a liquidgives off vapor in sufficient concentration to ignite:loreseeable emergency Any potential occurrence, such as equip-ment failure, which could result in an uncontrolled release of a haz-ardous chemical into the workplace.fume A smoke, vapor. or gas. especially when irritating or offensivegrounding Electrically connecting an object to ground. preventingsparks and shock.hazard communication Special measures and activities conductedby employers to reduce and eliminate adverse health effects due tounnecessary exposures to hazardous materials in the workplace.Hazard Communi calion Standard OSHA's regulation thatdescribes how employers must inform employees of workplacechemical hazards and protective measures.hazardous chemical Any chemical that is a physical hazard or ahealth hazard.

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hazanlous chemical (OSHA) •... any chemical that is a physicalhazard or health hazard.'hazardouS substance Any material that poses a threat to humanhealth or the environment; any substance designated by EPA 10 bereported if a designated Quantity spills in United States waters or isotherwise emitted into the environment.hazard warning (OSHA) •... any words, pictures, symbols. or com-bination thereof appearing on a label or other appropriate form ofwarning that convey the hazards of the chemical(s) in the container(s):health hazanl (OSHA) •... a chemical for which there is statisticallysignificant evidence, based on at least one study conducted inaccordance with established scientific principles, that acute orchronic health effects may occur in exposed employees:Idelltity (OSHA) •... any chemical or common name that is indicatedon the M$OS for the chemical:IDLH (lmmedialely dangerous 10 life and health) The maximumlevel of a substance to which a healthy individual can be exposedfor 30 minutes without suffering irreversible health effects orescape impairing symptoms.Ignttable Capable of burning or causing a fire.IgnlOon source The means by which something catches fire.ImpelYlous Chemically resistant to specific chemicals.Incompatible Materials that should be kept apart due to hazardsthat may result if they come into direct contact.InflammaUon Tissue reaction to injury.Ingestion Chemicals that enter the body by swallowing.Inhalation Chemicals that enter the body by breathing.Instability How likely a substance is to change under normalconditions.label (OSHA) •... any written, printed, or graphic material displayedon or affixed to containers of hazardous chemicals.'material salety data sheel (MSDS) Information required under theOSHA Hazard Communication Standard that gives the identity ofhazardous chemicals and their health and physical hazards, expo-sure limits, and handling precautions.medical surveillance Employee medical testing and examinationsprovided by the employer and required by various OSHA chemicalregulations to ensure that employees are not experiencing adversehealth effects as a result of chemical exposure.melting point Temperature at which a solid changes to a liquid.mixture (OSHA) •... any combination of two or more chemicals ifthe combination is not. in whole or in part, the result of a chemicalreaction.National Fire Prolection Association (NFPA) A nonprotit associa-tion that provides information on fire protection and prevention.nausea A stomach distress that causes distaste for food and anurge to vomit.OSHA IOccupational SalelY and Health Administration) The feder-al agency responsible for developing and enforcing regulationsrelated to workplace safety and health.oxldaUon The addition of oxygen that breaks down organic wasteor chemicals; oxygen combining with other elements.oxidizer (OSHA) •... a chemical other than a blasting agent orexplosive that initiates or promotes combustion in other materials,thereby causing fire either of itself or through the release of oxygenor other gases.'particulates Fine liquid or solid articles such as dust, smoke, mist,fumes, or smog found in air or emissions.

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penetration The passage of a chemical through an opening in aprotective material.penneaUon The passage of a chemical through a piece of clothingon a molecular level, even when the clothing may show no signs ofdegradation.Permissible Exposure Urnft (PEl) The maximum air contaminantconcentration a worker can be exposed to on a repeated basis with-out developing adverse effects, according to OSHA.pH A measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a liquid or solid.physical hazard (OSHA) •... a chemical for which there is SCientifi-cally valid evidence that it is a combustible liquid. a compressedgas, explosive, flammable, organic peroxide. oxidizer, pyrophoric,unstable (reactive), or water reactive.'polymerization A chemical reaction in which two or more smallmolecules combine to form larger molecules.PPE Personal protective clothing and equipment worn to preventexposure to hazardous substances.reaCllve (OSHA) •... a chemical which in the pure state, or as pro-duced or transported, will vi90rousty polymenze, decompose, con-dense, or become self-reactIVe under conditions of shocks, pres-sure, or temperature:reactivity A measure of a substance's tendency to undergo chemi-cal reaction with the release of energy.rlghllO know Term applied to OSHA's Hazard CommunicationStandard and other local laws that call for making chemical hazardinformation available.sensmzaUon A condition of being made sensitive to a specific sub-stance.smoke Particles suspended in air after incomplete combustion ofmaterials.solvent A substance (usually liquid) capable of dissolving or dis-persing one or more other substances.specific gravity The comparison of densities between two differentsubstances, usually compared to the density of water (1).stability How likely a material is to remain unchanged under nor-mal conditions.threshold limn value mY) The daily air concentrations of chemi-cal substances to which ACGIH research believes workers may beexposed without adverse effect.tollc Harmful to living organisms.IOllc substance A chemical or mixture that may present an unrea-sonable risk of injury to health.vapor The gaseous phase of substances that are liquid or solid atatmospheric temperature and pressurevapor density A comparison of the density of the chemical's vaporto that of air, which is 1. A vapor below 1 will rise in air, above 1will sink.vapor pressure The rate at which a chemical evaporates; the higherthe number, the faster the evaporation.venUlatlon The act of admitting fresh air into a space in order toreplace stale or contaminated air.water solubility The maximum concentration of a chemical com~pound that can result when it is dissolved in water. A water-solublesubstance can very readily disperse through the environment.work area A room or defined space in a workplace where hazardouschemicals are produced or used, and where employees are present.workplace An establishment, job site, or project. at one geographicallocation containing one or more work areas.

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IX.Test Your HazardCommunicationKnowledge Quiz

Answer true or lalse.T F 1. The Hazard Communication Standard

gives you a right to know about chemicalhazards.

T F 2. Employers must have hazardcommunication programs, but don't need awritten plan.

T F 3. There's no way to know if the chemicalsyou work with have physical or healthhazards.

T F 4. A chemical's possible physical hazardsinclude fire, explosion, or reactivity.

T F 5. Chemical container labels may usesymbols, colors, or numbers in addition towords to give hazard warnings.

T F 6. A material safety data sheet lists healtheffects the chemical could cause, but notsymptoms or routes of exposure.

T F 7. A material safety data sheet coverschemical hazards as well as protective mea.sures.

T F 8. All labels and material safety data sheetsfollow the exact same format.

T F 9. Employees who complete hazard commu-nication training should understand chemicalhazards and safety precautions.

T F 10. Before starting any job with a chemical,you should read its label and MSDS carefully.ANSWERS

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HazardCommunicationSafety TrainingVerification

I have read the Hazard CommunicationPocket Guide. I understand the requirementsof the Hazard Communication Standard. Ialso understand my role in identifying andavoiding chemical hazards.

Employee Name (print)

Employee Signature

Supervisor Name (print)

Date

Supervisor Signature Date

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II NOTES:

~~-----~

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NOTES:

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