HAZARD COMMUNICATION

Sunil Chithiri

Safety Officer

Environmental Health, Safety, and Risk Management

Environmental Health, Safety, and Risk Management Stephen F. Austin State

University

HAZCOM Standard Overview

Hazardous Chemicals

Labeling Requirements

Material Safety Data Sheets

Site-Specific HAZCOM Program

Topics

Environmental Health, Safety, and Risk Management Stephen F. Austin State University

Hazard Communication Standard1910.1200(a)

Purpose of Standard

◦To prevent injuries and illness from

hazardous chemicals in the

workplace.

          

 

         

 

Environmental Health, Safety, and Risk Management Stephen F. Austin State University

The four main components of the

HAZCOM standard are:

◦Site-Specific Written Program

◦Material Safety Data Sheets

◦Labeling System

◦Employee Training

Hazard Communication Standard

Environmental Health, Safety, and Risk Management Stephen F. Austin State University

Hazard Communication StandardAll employees, contractors and

subcontractors have a “right-to-know” the

following information:

◦Hazards of chemicals

◦Potential health effects that might results

from routine, non-routine, or emergency

duties

◦How the employee can protect him/herselfEnvironmental Health, Safety, and Risk Management Stephen F. Austin State University

Hazardous chemicals means any chemical

which is a physical hazard or a health

hazard.

◦Physical hazard – exhibited by certain

chemicals due to their physical properties.

◦Health hazard – ability of the chemical to

affect your health.

Hazardous Chemicals

Environmental Health, Safety, and Risk Management Stephen F. Austin State University

Chemical Forms

◦ Solid – becomes airborne as fumes or dust

◦ Liquid – becomes airborne as mists or

vapors

◦ Gas- becomes airborne if not contained.

Hazardous Chemicals

Microscopic View

Solid Liquid Gas

Environmental Health, Safety, and Risk Management Stephen F. Austin State University

Physical Hazard – is any chemical that is a

◦ Compressed gas, combustible liquid,

explosive, flammable, oxidizer, polymer,

pyrophoric, unstable and water-reactive

chemical

Hazardous Chemicals

Environmental Health, Safety, and Risk Management Stephen F. Austin State University

Health Hazard

◦Carcinogen, corrosive, cryogenic,

toxic, irritant, reproductive hazard

(teratogen and mutagen) sensitizer

and target organ chemical.

Hazardous Chemicals

Environmental Health, Safety, and Risk Management Stephen F. Austin State University

Examples of hazardous chemicals include:

◦Demulsifiers

◦Paraffin inhibitors

◦Corrosion inhibitors

◦Emulsion breakers

◦Water clarifier

◦Foaming Agents

◦Alcohols

◦Acids

Hazardous Chemicals

Environmental Health, Safety, and Risk Management Stephen F. Austin State University

Exposure and Effects

◦The degree of hazard depends on:

Exposure route, dosage, toxicity and

individual differences

Hazardous Chemicals

Environmental Health, Safety, and Risk Management Stephen F. Austin State University

Adverse Health Effect

◦Acute Short-term exposure - dizziness

◦Chronic Long-term exposure - cancer

Hazardous Chemicals

Environmental Health, Safety, and Risk Management Stephen F. Austin State University

Exposure Controls

◦Engineering controls

◦Personal Protective Equipment

(PPE)

◦Administrative controls

Hazardous Chemicals

Environmental Health, Safety, and Risk Management Stephen F. Austin State University

PPE Selection

◦Proper type

◦Proper fit

◦Proper use

◦Proper

maintenance

Hazardous Chemicals

Environmental Health, Safety, and Risk Management Stephen F. Austin State University

Methods of Detecting the Presence or Release

◦Air monitoring

◦Continuing monitoring devices

◦Visual appearance

◦Odor

◦Alarm

◦The physical and health hazards of the

hazardous chemical; including the likely

symptoms from an over-exposure.

Hazardous Chemicals

Environmental Health, Safety, and Risk Management Stephen F. Austin State University

Labeling Requirements

Definition

◦Printed information attached to

container.

◦Usually placed by manufacturer.

◦Provides at least general

information.

Environmental Health, Safety, and Risk Management Stephen F. Austin State University

Labeling Requirements

Location

◦May be glued, tagged, or attached

sheet

◦Batch ticket

◦Process sheet

Environmental Health, Safety, and Risk Management Stephen F. Austin State University

Labeling Requirements

Label Information

◦Must identify substance in container

◦Warnings may be pictures/symbols

◦Must give identity about health/physical

hazards

◦Must be changed within 3 months of

learning of new hazards Environmental Health, Safety, and Risk Management Stephen F. Austin State University

Labeling Requirements

Label Information

◦May contain other information like

PPE requirements.

◦Must use same name as MSDS.

Environmental Health, Safety, and Risk Management Stephen F. Austin State University

Labeling Requirements

Know how to use the labeling system.

Know how to report damaged or

missing labels.

Environmental Health, Safety, and Risk Management Stephen F. Austin State University

Labeling Requirements

Never remove or deface the labels

Never use a chemical from container

with no label

Consult labels, MSDSs, and

procedures before using any chemical

Environmental Health, Safety, and Risk Management Stephen F. Austin State University

Labeling Requirements

Type of Labels

◦Written, NFPA (diamond-shaped),

HMIS, CHIT and DOT (diamond-

shaped)

Environmental Health, Safety, and Risk Management Stephen F. Austin State University

Labeling Requirements

Type of Labels

◦Written – presents all of the chemical

information in writing.

Environmental Health, Safety, and Risk Management Stephen F. Austin State University

Labeling Requirements

Type of Labels

◦NFPA Red – flammability

Yellow – reactivity

Blue - health hazards

White - special hazards

Environmental Health, Safety, and Risk Management Stephen F. Austin State University

Labeling Requirements

Type of Labels

◦HMIS Label

Color code, numeric code and alphabetic

code

Old Label

New Label

Environmental Health, Safety, and Risk Management Stephen F. Austin State University

Labeling Requirements

Type of Labels

◦CHIT Label (Chemical Hazard Identification and Training) Uses symbols combined with brief written

descriptions to convey hazard warnings.

Environmental Health, Safety, and Risk Management Stephen F. Austin State University

Labeling Requirements

Type of Labels◦The Department of Transportation

(DOT) label Classifies hazardous materials by either

their hazard class number or class name.

The labels are diamond-shaped, color-

coded, and contain a symbol and hazard

class number.

Environmental Health, Safety, and Risk Management Stephen F. Austin State University

Material Safety Data Sheets

Prior to using a new

chemical

◦Obtain the Material

Safety Data Sheet.

◦Identify chemical

hazards and safe

handling practices. Environmental Health, Safety, and Risk Management Stephen F. Austin State University

Material Safety Data Sheets

Cornerstone of every HAZCOM

program.

Collected by employer for every

hazardous chemical in facility.

Available for employees to check at any

time.

          

 

         

 

Environmental Health, Safety, and Risk Management Stephen F. Austin State University

Material Safety Data Sheets

Added whenever a

new chemical comes

into the workplace.

Revised and reissued

when new hazard

found or new

information is

available.

          

 

         

 

Environmental Health, Safety, and Risk Management Stephen F. Austin State University

Material Safety Data Sheets

Convenient

Location

◦Binders

◦Wall pockets

◦Shelves

◦Computer

system

Ask about

anything you don't

understand.

Environmental Health, Safety, and Risk Management Stephen F. Austin State University

Material Safety Data Sheets

Common MSDS Information

◦Chemical name and any common names.

Environmental Health, Safety, and Risk Management Stephen F. Austin State University

Material Safety Data Sheets

Common MSDS Information

◦Date of preparation or revision.◦Lists contact who can provide more

information. ◦Physical Characteristics.

Environmental Health, Safety, and Risk Management Stephen F. Austin State University

Material Safety Data Sheets

Common MSDS Information

◦Physical Hazards

◦Health Hazards

Environmental Health, Safety, and Risk Management Stephen F. Austin State University

Material Safety Data Sheets

Common MSDS Information

◦Route of Entry

Environmental Health, Safety, and Risk Management Stephen F. Austin State University

Material Safety Data Sheets

Common MSDS Information

◦Exposure limits

◦Carcinogenic Status

Environmental Health, Safety, and Risk Management Stephen F. Austin State University

Material Safety Data Sheets

Common MSDS Information

◦Safe handling and use

◦Control Measures

Environmental Health, Safety, and Risk Management Stephen F. Austin State University

Material Safety Data Sheets

Common MSDS Information

◦Emergency and first aid procedures

Environmental Health, Safety, and Risk Management Stephen F. Austin State University

Site-Specific HAZCOM Program

Identification and Evaluation

◦A list of all hazardous chemicals

used in the facility must be

prepared and evaluated and must be

maintained with the site-specific

Hazard Communication Program

Environmental Health, Safety, and Risk Management Stephen F. Austin State University

Site-Specific HAZCOM Program

Identification and Evaluation

◦The quality of the hazard communication

program depends on the adequacy and

accuracy of the hazard assessment.

◦Potential chemical exposures must be

documented on the PPE Hazard

Assessment form.

Environmental Health, Safety, and Risk Management Stephen F. Austin State University

Site-Specific HAZCOM Program

Labeling

◦All hazardous chemicals received, in use,

and in storage must be labeled

◦Chemicals must be labeled with the

following information:

Name of contents, health hazards, physical

hazards; and manufacturer’s name and phone

number

Environmental Health, Safety, and Risk Management Stephen F. Austin State University

Site-Specific HAZCOM Program

Labeling

Stationary containers such as large

vessels or storage tanks shall be

labeled as follows: The name of the contents (example:

Condensate, Methanol, Glycol), a NFPA

diamond, HMIS III System, or equivalent

that identifies hazards in a color and

numerical grading system Environmental Health, Safety, and Risk Management Stephen F. Austin State University

Site-Specific HAZCOM Program

Labeling

Environmental Health, Safety, and Risk Management Stephen F. Austin State University

Site-Specific HAZCOM Program

Material Safety Data Sheets

◦Adding new chemicals MSDS must be requested when new

chemical is brought in

Affected employees should review new

MSDS

Chemical name should be added to

Chemical Inventory

MSDS should be added to appropriate

books.

Environmental Health, Safety, and Risk Management Stephen F. Austin State University

Site-Specific HAZCOM Program

Material Safety Data Sheets

◦MSDS archive Verify chemical is no longer in use or

present

Eliminate Chemical Name from Inventory

List

Remove MSDS from active binder

Place in archive file for 30 years!Environmental Health, Safety, and Risk Management Stephen F. Austin State University

Site-Specific HAZCOM Program

Employee Information and Training

◦All affected employees must be

trained in hazardous chemicals in the

workplace

◦Affected employees must be trained

upon initial assignment, every year,

and whenever new chemicals are

introduced into their work area Environmental Health, Safety, and Risk Management Stephen F. Austin State University

Site-Specific HAZCOM Program

Chemical Safety

◦Appropriate protective clothing and the appropriate PPE must be worn

◦Smoking, eating, drinking or storage

of food is prohibited

◦Avoid hand-to-mouth, hand-to-face, or

hand-to-eye contamination

◦Never taste a chemicalEnvironmental Health, Safety, and Risk Management Stephen F. Austin State University

Site-Specific HAZCOM Program

Chemical Safety

◦Wash hands after handling chemicals

◦Avoid direct contact with chemicals or samples

◦Prior to working with chemicals, understand the information provided on the MSDS

◦All chemicals as well as samples must be labeled clearly and concisely including any precautionary information needed

◦NEVER add water to acid Environmental Health, Safety, and Risk Management Stephen F. Austin State University

Site-Specific HAZCOM Program

Chemical Safety

◦Refuse to use any substance in an unlabeled or improperly labeled container

◦Do not work with flammable chemicals near ignition or spark sources. Dispose of flammable waste properly

◦Never store incompatible chemicals next to each other

◦Review the MSDS for proper disposal guidelines Environmental Health, Safety, and

Risk Management Stephen F. Austin State University

Site-Specific HAZCOM Program

Employee Monitoring Request

◦If a employee has a concern about a

chemical workplace exposure, the

individual should notify his/her

immediate supervisor

Environmental Health, Safety, and Risk Management Stephen F. Austin State University

Site-Specific HAZCOM Program

Non-Routine / Emergency Activities

◦The employees involved will review information on the potential exposure, effects of exposure, measures to be taken to work safely, and any personal protective equipment requirements

Environmental Health, Safety, and Risk Management Stephen F. Austin State University

Site-Specific HAZCOM Program

HAZCOM Program Administrator

◦Oversees implementation of the Hazard

Communication Program

◦Revises, and updates, the hazardous chemical

inventory when necessary, and annually

◦Makes sure that all hazardous chemicals

received, in use, and in storage are labeled

indicating content name and applicable

hazard warningsEnvironmental Health, Safety, and Risk Management Stephen F. Austin State University

Site-Specific HAZCOM Program

HAZCOM Program Administrator

◦ Establishes procedures for collecting,

maintaining and updating MSDSs for each

chemical used

◦ Identifies and evaluates all chemical hazards at

the worksite and provide information concerning

chemical hazards and appropriate protective

measures to employees and contractors

Environmental Health, Safety, and Risk Management Stephen F. Austin State University

Site-Specific HAZCOM Program

HAZCOM Program Administrator

◦Reviews annually the hazardous

chemical inventory list and site-specific

written Hazard Communication Program

for effectiveness of the program

◦Oversees the employee information and

training programEnvironmental Health, Safety, and Risk Management Stephen F. Austin State University

Questions

Environmental Health, Safety, and Risk Management Stephen F. Austin State University