Hazard Communications Your Right to Know
Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) 29 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations) 1910.1200 Hazard Communication The purpose of this is to ensure that the hazards of all chemicals produced or imported are evaluated, and that information concerning their hazards is transmitted to employers and employees. This transmittal of information is to be accomplished by means of comprehensive hazard Communication programs, which are to include container labeling and other forms of warning, safety data sheets (SDS) and employee training.
Right to Know The Right-to-Know (RTK) laws gives you access to the information needed to ensure safe use of the material with which you are working. The laws provide employees with five types of information: A RTK poster/sign/display that summarizes employee rights - Located at main facilities and 24 hours sites Proper labels on containers of hazardous materials - Contact the site supervisor Access to SDS for each hazardous material in the work place - Contact the site supervisor Proper training about the health and safety hazards of the materials - Contact the site supervisor Access to the employer's written plan - Contact the site supervisor
The Four Stages of the Program Safety Data Sheets (SDS) Labeling and Marking Globally Harmonized System (GHS) Team Member Training Written Plan
Safety Data Sheets A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is a document that contains information on the potential health effects of exposure and how to work safely with the chemical product. It contains hazard evaluations on the use, storage, handling and emergency procedures all related to that material. The SDS contains much more information about the material than the label and it is prepared by the supplier. It is intended to tell what the hazards of the product are, how to use the product safely, what to expect if the recommendations are not followed, what to do if accidents occur, how to recognize symptoms of overexposure, and what to do if such incidents occur. Always be familiar with the hazards of a product BEFORE you start using it. You should look at a SDS, match the name of the chemical on your container to the one on the SDS, know the hazards, safe handling, storage and what to do in an emergency. Most materials packaged for consumer use (such as sold by retail stores, Wal-Mart, Target, etc.) are exempt from the requirements of the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS). If PRIDE requires a SDS for a product obtained from these sites, contact the manufacturer of the product.
The format of the 16-section SDS include the following sections: Section 1. Identification Section 2. Hazard(s) identification Section 3. Composition/information on ingredients Section 4. First-Aid measures Section 5. Fire-fighting measures Section 6. Accidental release measures Section 7. Handling and storage Section 8. Exposure controls/personal protection Section 9. Physical and chemical properties Section 10. Stability and reactivity Section 11. Toxicological information Section 12. Ecological information Section 13. Disposal considerations Section 14. Transport information Section 15. Regulatory information Section 16. Other information, including date of preparation or last revision Your employer must have an SDS for every hazardous chemical you use as part of your job. These SDS s must be available to you the entire time you are in the workplace.
GLOBALLY HARMONIZED SYSTEM (GHS) The Globally Harmonized System (GHS) is an international approach to hazard communication, providing agreed criteria for classification of chemical hazards, and a standardized approach to label elements and safety data sheets. It is based on major existing systems around the world, including OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard and the chemical classification and labeling systems of other US agencies. This document provides harmonized classification criteria for health, physical, and environmental hazards of chemicals. It also includes standardized label elements that are assigned to these hazard classes and categories, and provide the appropriate signal words, pictograms, and hazard and precautionary statements to convey the hazards to users. A standardized order of information for safety data sheets is also provided.
Labeling and Marking Systems Under the current Hazard Communication Standard (HCS), the label preparer must provide the identity of the chemical, and the appropriate hazard warnings. This may be done in a variety of ways, and the method to convey the information is left to the preparer. Under the revised HCS, once the hazard classification is completed, the standard specifies what information is to be provided for each hazard class and category. Labels will require the following elements: Pictogram: a symbol plus other graphic elements, such as a border, background pattern, or color that is intended to convey specific information about the hazards of a chemical. Each pictogram consists of a different symbol on a white background within a red square frame set on a point (i.e. a red diamond). There are nine pictograms under the GHS. However, only eight pictograms are required under the HCS. Signal words: a single word used to indicate the relative level of severity of hazard and alert the reader to a potential hazard on the label. The signal words used are "danger" and "warning." "Danger" is used for the more severe hazards, while "warning" is used for less severe hazards. Hazard Statement: a statement assigned to a hazard class and category that describes the nature of the hazard(s) of a chemical, including, where appropriate, the degree of hazard. Precautionary Statement: a phrase that describes recommended measures to be taken to minimize or prevent adverse effects resulting from exposure to a hazardous chemical, or improper storage or handling of a hazardous chemical.
New Label Definition Appropriate group of written, printed or graphic information elements concerning hazardous product, selected as relevant to target sector (s), that is affixed to, printed on, or attached to immediate container of hazardous product, or to outside packaging of hazardous product
HazCom label Elements Product Identifier Signal word Pictograms Hazard Statements Precautionary Statements Supplier Identification Supplemental Information
HazCom label Elements Product Identifier Signal word Pictograms Hazard Statements Precautionary Statements Supplier Identification Supplemental Information
Pictograms and Hazards
SIGNAL WORDS Signal words: a single word used to indicate the relative level of severity of hazard and alert the reader to a potential hazard on the label. The signal words used are "danger" and "warning." "Danger" is used for the more severe hazards. Warning" is used for less severe hazards.
HazCom Pictogram Hazard Classes may have Categories
HAZARD STATEMENT Hazard statement(s): describe the nature of the hazard(s) of a chemical, including, where appropriate, the degree of hazard. For example: Causes damage to kidneys through prolonged or repeated exposure when absorbed through the skin. All of the applicable hazard statements must appear on the label. Hazard statements may be combined where appropriate to reduce redundancies and improve readability. The hazard statements are specific to the hazard classification categories, and chemical users should always see the same statement for the same hazards, no matter what the chemical is or who produces it.
PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENT Precautionary statement(s): means a phrase that describes recommended measures that should be taken to minimize or prevent adverse effects resulting from exposure to a hazardous chemical or improper storage or handling.
Team Member Training Training is required for team members working at sites that utilize hazardous chemicals: Within the first 30 days of employment Whenever new hazardous chemicals are introduced Annually (Training is available on Pride s website www.prideinc.org and with your site supervisor ) The training must cover: Requirements of regulations Location, availability, and requirements of the SDS Hazardous chemicals used in the workplace The Written Plan s details and location (This presentation and in the Emergency Action Plan Manual).
The Written Plan To protect all team members by avoiding significant exposures to hazardous chemicals. Pride will ensure that the hazards of all chemicals are evaluated and that information concerning their hazards is promptly transmitted to team members. PRIDE will train team members in the usage of hazardous materials and understanding safety data sheets (SDS). When working in their respective departments, the supervisor will familiarize team members if they will be working with any hazardous chemicals.
The Written Plan The team member responsible for ordering chemicals for their sites to utilize will ensure: The container is properly labeled with the identity of the hazardous chemical. The container has appropriate hazard warnings. The name and address of the chemical manufacturer are visible. The SDS accompanies the chemical. The new chemical is explained to team members and that they have access to the SDS. A copy of the SDS is forwarded to the Safety Coordinator for updating the master file for hazardous materials inventory, which is located at the administrative office. When a chemical is transferred from its original container to another container, it must be appropriately labeled. The only exception is when the chemical will be used exclusively by the team member making the transfer and within that specific team members shift.
The Written Plan The Occupational Safety Health Administration (OSHA) standards for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) require: Informing team members of the hazards and the type of PPE that will be used to protect them, ensure the PPE properly fits the team member, defective or damaged PPE shall not be used. Eye protection: Eye protection must be worn when the potential for eye injuries exists. Safety glasses are for impact protection only and do not provide adequate chemical splash protection, use chemical splash goggles in these situations. Contact lenses should not be worn in areas where liquid splash may occur. Foot protection: Appropriate foot protection is required for team members whose feet may be injured by hot or corrosive substances, falling objects, crushing or penetrating actions and for abnormally wet locations. Head protection: A protective helmet is required for team members working in areas where there is possible danger of head injury from impact, or from falling or flying objects. Hearing protection: Ear protection devices shall be used, wherever it is not feasible to reduce the noise levels or duration of exposures to sound levels that may exceed 85 decibels. Team members who work in these conditions, shall have audiometric testing completed following the OSHA guideline requirements. Respiratory protection: Approved respirator protective equipment will be provided and used, when feasible engineering or administrative controls are not effective in controlling toxic substances.
In Event of Emergency Seek first aid, if able take the injured team member to the nearest emergency care facility or dial 911. Immediately report the injury/illness to your supervisor. The supervisor will provide the necessary forms (located in the red packet) for the injured team member to complete.
Compressed Gases Usage shall follow manufacturer s recommendations, instructions or operating manual. Refer to the supplier s Safety Data Sheet to determine the proper Personal Protective Equipment and any other special requirements for the gas being used. A precautionary sign stating the name(s) of the gas present, readable from a distance of 5 feet shall be conspicuously displayed at usage locations. OSHA 1910.101 - Each employer shall determine that compressed gas cylinders under his control are in a safe condition to the extent that this can be determined by visual inspections. OSHA 1910.253 (b)(2)(ii) - Inside of buildings, cylinders shall be stored in a wellprotected, well ventilated, dry location, at least 20 feet from highly combustible materials (to include smoking, open flames, electric heating elements, and other sources of ignition). Cylinders should be stored in definitely assigned places away from elevators, stairs or walkways. Assigned storage spaces shall be located where cylinders will not be knocked over or damaged by passing or falling objects, or subject to tampering by unauthorized persons. Cylinders shall not be kept in unventilated enclosures such as lockers or cupboards.
Compressed Gases Identification Always read the label The contents of any compressed gas cylinder must be clearly identified. Gas identification should be stenciled or stamped on the cylinder or a label. DO NOT accept gas cylinders that do not legibly identify its contents by name, return them to the supplier. DO NOT rely on the color of the cylinder for identification. Color coding is not reliable because cylinder colors may vary with supplier. DO NOT rely on labels on caps because they are interchangeable. External Inspection The cylinder surface should be clean and free of defects such as cuts, gouges, burns and obvious dents. Make sure the cylinder stands steady on its base and does not wobble. Check the cylinder valve to be sure it is not bent or damaged. Make sure the valve is free of dirt and oil, which could contaminate the gas. Dirt particles propelled in a high velocity gas stream could cause a spark, igniting a flammable gas. Oil and grease can react with oxygen and other oxidizers, causing an explosion.
Compressed Gases Cylinder Storage Cylinders must be secured at all times to prevent tipping. Use appropriate material, such as chain, plastic coated wire cable, commercial straps, etc. to secure cylinders. Cylinders can not be stored in hallways, unprotected areas, near elevators, stairs, walkways or in locations where heavy moving objects may strike or fall on them. Cylinders must be segregated in hazard classes while in storage. Oxidizers (oxygen) must be separated from flammable gases, and empty cylinders must be isolated from filled cylinders. The proper storage for oxygen cylinders requires that a minimum of 20 feet is maintained between flammable gas cylinders and oxygen cylinders or the storage area be separated at a minimum by a firewall 5 feet high with a fire rating of 30 minutes. Store out of direct sunlight and away from sources of heat and ignition; temperatures must not exceed 125 F. Acetylene cylinders must never be stored on their sides. Cylinders must be stored where they are protected from the ground to prevent rusting. Cylinders should be protected against tampering by unauthorized individuals. Storage areas must be well ventilated, cool, dry and free from corrosive materials. Protective caps where provided shall remain in place and be hand tightened, except when cylinders are in use or connected for use. Always place valve protectors on gas cylinders when the cylinders are not connected for use.
Compressed Gases Moving Cylinders Never drag, slide or roll a cylinder; use a cylinder cart or basket. Always have the protective cap covering the valve when transporting the cylinder. Never transport the cylinder with the regulator in place. Make sure the cylinder is secured to the cart before moving it. Do not drop cylinders or strike them against each other or against other surfaces violently. Do not place cylinders in a car trunk. Do not use the valve cover to lift cylinders; they could be damaged and become unattached. If the cylinder is dropped on a hard surface it can cause an explosion.
Compressed Gases Usage procedures The following general safety precautions should be taken to avoid explosions, tank ruptures and fires from oxygen regulators. Only properly trained personal should handle compressed gas cylinders. The supplier or Supervisor for the site will provide the training. If your hands, gloves or clothing are oily, do not handle oxygen cylinders. Always be certain the valve, regulator and gasket are free from oil or grease. Oil or grease contamination is widely known to contribute to ignition in oxygen systems. Never use grease or oil to lubricate regulators or cylinder valves because they can cause an explosion. Make sure the cylinder is equipped with the correct regulator. The cylinder should be placed so that the valve handle at the top is easily accessible. Only use tools that are provided by the cylinder supplier to open or close a valve, never use pliers or other objects. Always crack cylinder valves (open the valve just enough to allow gas to escape for a very short time) before attaching regulators in order to expel foreign matter from the outlet port of the valve. Always follow the regulator manufacturer s instructions for attaching the regulator to an oxygen cylinder.
Compressed Gases Usage procedures FDA and NIOSH recommend that plastic crush gaskets never be reused, as they may require additional torque to obtain the necessary seal with each subsequent use. This can deform the gasket, increasing the likelihood that oxygen will leak around the seal and ignite. Always use the sealing gasket specified by the regulator manufacturer. Always inspect the regulator and CGA 870 seal before attaching it to the valve to ensure that the regulator is equipped with only one clean, sealing- type washer (reusable metal-bound rubber seal) or a new crush-type gasket (single use, not reusable, typically Nylon ) that is in good condition. Tighten the T-handle firmly by hand, but do not use wrenches or other hand tools that may overtorque the handle. Open the post valve slowly. If gas escapes at the juncture of the regulator and valve, quickly close the valve. Verify the regulator is properly attached and the gasket is properly placed and in good condition.
Examples of crush gaskets available for CGA 870 type medical post valves Examples of some sealing washers available for CGA 870 Style medical post valves.
If you have any questions/concerns please contact your supplier or supervisor.