I. Chemicals in workplace
A. The Hazard Communication Standard was developed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to reduce the incidence of chemical related injuries and illnesses in the workplace.
B. Chemical exposures may cause or contribute to many serious health effects and may target specific organs such as the liver, kidney, lungs, skin, reproductive organs or nervous system.
C. Chemicals can also produce physical hazards if they are flammable or combustible, exposure, compressed gas, organic peroxides, oxidizers, pyrophoric, unstable (reactive) or water reactive.
II. Hazard Evaluation
A. The program is designed to ensure that all chemicals produced or imported to the United States are evaluated for hazards and that information concerning these hazards is transmitted to affected employers and employees.
III. Written Hazard Communication Program
A. The transmittal of hazard information is accomplished through the Hazard Communication Program which includes container labeling and other forms of warnings, material safety data sheets, and employee training. (Copies of the University Hazard Communication Program are available at the University Safety Office.)
B. The program applies to laboratories as follows:
1. The labels on incoming containers must not be removed or defaced (Warnings must be legible).
2. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) must be maintained and be accessible to employees.
3. Employees must receive information and training concerning the hazards of the chemicals in their workplace upon initial assignment and when new chemicals are introduced.
IV. Container Labels
A. Chemicals containers leaving manufacturers, importers or distributors, must be labeled, tagged or marked with the identity, appropriate hazard warnings, and the name and address of the manufacturer or other responsible party.
B. In the workplace each container must be labeled with the identity of the chemical and the hazard warning.
V. Material Safety Data Sheets
A. MSDS are maintained in the University Safety Office and in Stockroom for employee use.
B. MSDS contain
Manufacturer name, address, and telephone number
Hazardous ingredients
Exposure limits
Physical and chemical characteristics
Fire and explosion hazard data
Acute and chronic health hazard data
Emergency and first aid procedures
Reactivity data
Spill, leak and disposal procedures
Personal protective equipment requirements
Storage and handling procedures
VI. Employee Information and Training
A. Hazardous chemicals are present in the stockroom and in all teaching and research laboratories.
B. Methods and observations to detect the presence or release of hazardous chemicals.
Visual appearance and odor are listed on MSDS
Monitoring or air sampling is available should exposure problems be suspected (contact the University Safety Office).
C. MSDS list all physical and health hazard data.
1.
Effects of exposure can be:
a. Acute-immediate
b. Chronic-long term
2.
Routes of exposure include:
a. Inhalation
b. Ingestion
c. Absorption
D. Employees may protect themselves from hazards by:
Utilizing proper laboratory and chemical hygiene procedures
Using proper personal protective equipment
Following emergency procedures
E. Contact University Safety Office for additional information.