Hazard Communication

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 You Have a Right to Know

What hazardous chemicals

you work with

Their hazards and risks

How to protect yourself from them

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 Chemicals Are Everywhere

Examples:

Cleaning solvents

Lubricants

Fuels

Pressurized
containers

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Physical Hazards You May Face

Flammable liquids
or solids
Combustible liquids
Compressed gases
Explosive materials
Unstable materials
Water reactive
materials
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Health Hazards You May Face

Acute Chronic
Short-term effects Long-term effects
Symptoms appear Symptoms appear
just after exposure long after exposure
High concentration Low concentration
Corrosives, irritants Neurotoxins,
Rashes, burns, carcinogens
respiratory irritation, Cancer, lung or liver
poisoning damage,
allergies
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Ways Chemicals Enter the Body

Inhalation: Breathed through mouth or nose

Absorption: Touches skin or is injected

Ingestion: Swallowed

Ocular Entry: Through the eyes

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Hazard Communication Program

Written plan for our facility

Labels

Material Safety Data Sheets

Training
PPE, work practices and safe handling
Recognition
Emergency response

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 Labels

Check labels prior to use for:

Identity of chemical
Name and address of
manufacturer
Appropriate hazard warnings
All containers must be labeled
Regard unlabeled containers as
dangerous
Do not remove labels
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Labeling and Marking Systems

NFPA Diamonds
Blue = health hazard
Red = flammability
Yellow = reactivity
White = special hazard
info.

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 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

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Information Provided on MSDS

Chemical name Health hazard data

Company information Reactivity data

Hazardous ingredients Special Precautions

Safe handling practices
Physical characteristics PPE
What to do in case of
spills or leaks
Fire and explosion data

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Personal Protective Equipment

Requirements found on
labels or MSDS
Goggles, face shields,
glasses
Gloves
Respirators & dust masks
Head protection
Foot protection
Aprons or full body suits
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 General Work Practices

Use hazardous chemicals only as directed

Prior to using hazardous chemicals
Inspect equipment for damage prior to use
Ensure adequate ventilation
When using
Dont smoke, eat, drink
Never smell, inhale or taste
Keep off of hands, face, clothing and shoes
After use
Wash hands and face thoroughly with soap and water

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Know Safe Handling Procedures

Refer to label & MSDS

for info on:
Flammability
Incompatibility
Stability
Shock sensitivity

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 Hazard Recognition

Know likely emergencies

Refer to labels or MSDS

Emergency incidents:
Spills
Leaks
Fires
Explosions

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 Spill & Leak Response

Remove potential sources of ignition

Evacuate the area

Inform supervisor or emergency

response team
Stay away until given the all clear

MSDS provides specific instructions

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 If Exposure Occurs

If you are exposed:

Inhalation - move to fresh air
Eyes - flush with water for 15 min.
Skin - wash with soap & water
Swallowing - seek immediate medical help

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 Hazard Communication Plan

Location of written HCP

Designated HazCom Coordinator

Location of MSDSs

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 Summary

You have a right to know

Chemicals present both physical and health
hazards
Read the labels and MSDS
Follow PPE and special handling
recommendations
Emergency response
Notify supervisor
Know immediate first-aid response if contact with
a hazardous chemical occurs
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