Hazard Communications

Presented by QBE Loss Control Services

Hazard Communication

Knowledge About the Hazards of the Materials You Work With.

29 CFR 1910.1200• To ensure hazards of chemicals

evaluated.• To ensure information concerning

chemical hazards is transmitted to employers and employees.

Hazard Communication

Health Hazards• Carcinogens• Toxins• Irritants• Corrosives• Sensitizers• Any agent that damages the lungs, skin,

eyes or mucous membranes

Physical Hazards• Combustible• Flammable• Compressed Gas• Explosive• Oxidizers• Pyrophoric• Unstable• Water-reactive

Toxins• Reproductive toxins• Hepatotoxins• Nephrotoxins• Neurotoxins• Hematopoietic toxins

Responsibilities• Chemical Manufacturers• Importers & Distributors• Employers• Employees

Chemical Manufacturers• Evaluate hazards• Provide labels and MSDSs

Importers & Distributors• Provide labels and MSDSs

Employers• Chemical inventory• Written program• In-plant labeling• Retain MSDSs• Train Employees

Employees• Read labels and use MSDSs.• Prepare hazard labels for new container

when hazardous materials transferred from manufacturers containers.

• Use appropriate personal protective equipment.

• Follow proper procedures when handling hazardous materials.

Chemical Inventory• Include hazardous substances as well as

potential hazardous materials.• Consider all physical forms of chemicals- liquids,

solids, gases, vapors, fumes and mists.• Identify chemicals in containers including pipes.• Include chemicals generated by processes such

as welding fumes, dusts and exhaust fumes.

Written Program• Specific workplace practices- not generic plan• List of hazardous materials• Who is responsible for program and their

duties• Where written materials will be made available

to employees• Provisions for labeling, organizing MSDSs and

training employees

Manufacturer’s Labels• Identify material• Appropriate hazard warnings• Name and address of producer or other

responsible party

Manufacturer’s Labels

In-Plant Labels• Identify material• Appropriate warnings

In-Plant Labels

MSDSs

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs)

• Provided by chemical manufacturer, importer or distributor

• No specific format but specific content requirements

• Must be obtained in workplace before chemicals are used

• Must be readily accessible to employees

MSDS Content• Chemical & common names• List of ingredients• Physical and chemical characteristics• Health effects of exposure• Routes of entry• Exposure limits• Whether the chemical is classified as a carcinogen• Applicable control measures• Emergency first aid• Date of MSDS preparation• Name, address, telephone number for emergency

information

Training• Prior to working with hazardous substance• By individual chemical or by class

(flammable, reactive, etc.)• Hazard Communication Standard• Operations where hazardous materials are

present

Training• Location of written program, chemical

inventory and MSDSs• Contents of written program• Methods to detect chemical presence or

release• Physical and health hazards• Procedures to employees can use to protect

themselves from hazards