Hazardous Materials 1 PURPOSE The entry of all substances onto site is controlled, Banned substances are not admitted, Potential health effects and hazards are identified and controlled, All products are stored, used and disposed of in the correct manner, All the above information is communicated to all users of the product 2 SCOPE This procedure applies to all new substances being introduced to the project by IOC employee or Contractor. It also applies to substances replacing an exiting one on site, for example, a similar product with a new supplier or manufacturer Page 1 of 5
3 DEFINITIONS Hazardous Substance is any substance that is naturally occurring or of synthetic origin, which can affect or have the potential to adversely affect the health of an employee handling them in industrial processes if the employee is exposed to the substance, and Is listed in the List of Designated Hazardous Substances, or Meets the classification criteria in the Approved Criteria for Classifying Hazardous Substances. Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is a document that contains all the chemical details, safety and relevant information specific to a substance, presented in a standard format which the user can easily read to seek desired information to satisfy a specific need. 4 PROCESS Identification of Hazardous Substances Where employees are required to use a chemical substance to perform their work, it is the responsibility of the employee to be aware of safety information related to the use of a substance. The employee shall contact a supervisor for additional information if there are questions related to safe use, prior to using substance. The supervisor can contact Occupational Hygiene for clarification, if required. MSDS stations located throughout the Project (Labrador City) provides access to the entire MSDS database of products used on site. Currently four (4) stations are in operation 24/7 (Mine, Concentrator, Pellet Plant and Shops). New Product or Testing of Hazardous Substances When a new product is required on site or needs to be tested, it is the requestors responsibility to initiate a new product approval request and obtain the MSDS. The form must be sent to HSE for approval. Once approval is granted, the signed form along with any specific requirements is forwarded to the requestor. Labelling of Hazardous Substances Employees shall be responsible for ensuring that all containers containing a substance shall be labelled in such a manner that correctly indicates the contents and any relevant safety information. The minimum standard acceptable for a label shall clearly show the name and the nature of the substance (i.e. corrosive, toxic, flammable). Employees shall ensure that labels attached to containers are in good condition and legible. Employees shall be trained in the interpretation and understanding of information provided and able to carry out actions as described on the label. Storage of Hazardous Substances All employees shall be responsible for ensuring that hazardous substances are stored in a correct and safe manner in their work areas. The minimum standard to follow is storage information indicated on the label. If additional storage information is required, the employee shall contact his/her supervisor or the HSE. Employees are responsible for reporting any missing or faulty signage or safety equipment used in the hazardous substance storage area. Page 2 of 5
HSE performs a chemical inventory annually to update the storage cabinet contents. If new products are added it is the employee s responsibility to contact HSE to ensure the database is updated. Handling of Hazardous Substances Where employees are required to use hazardous substances, they shall be responsible for ensuring that they are familiar with the correct use of the hazardous substances and any associated safety information. If the employee has any questions: o Refer to the MSDS stations. o Check with a supervisor. o Consult with HSE for advice in the handling of the hazardous substances and where training can be obtained. Transport of Hazardous Substances Employees who are required to transport hazardous substances shall be trained in transport of dangerous goods (TDG) and familiar with the spill and safety information pertaining to transportation of hazardous substances. Correct carrying facilities should be used and appropriate labelling of the hazardous substance in place when employees transport hazardous substances. Disposal of Hazardous Substances Employees who are required to dispose of hazardous substances shall follow the MSDS or the requirement of other relevant guidelines. If the employee is still uncertain how to dispose of a hazardous substance, they shall contact HSE. If the hazardous substance is to be disposed of by an external contractor, HSE shall check that the contractor is licensed to dispose of the specific hazardous wastes and ensure all appropriate documentation is completed for safe transport and disposal. Training For the Use of Hazardous Substances All employees shall be trained in the recognition of hazardous substances and the procedures relating to the use of them. The employee will receive Workplace Hazardous Material Information System (WHMIS) training upon hiring. For new products that are approved, training/awareness sessions will be provided by HSE when needed. The Training Department will organize training that is required for employees. Employees will also be trained on how to deal with any emergencies that may arise in the event of an accident (Safety or Environmental) with a hazardous substance. Information on Hazardous Substances Employees shall seek available information to ensure when using hazardous substances, they are aware of all safety and substance information. The information is available on the MSDS stations (Pellet Plant, Concentrator, Shops, MMF), on the MSDS backup disks (Security Gate, H&S Technicians Office, Clinic, HSE advisors). Inspections of Hazardous Substances in Work Areas Inspections of work areas will include hazardous substances (i.e. use, labeling, storage, disposal) and shall be done as part of routine safety inspections. Problems shall be reported to the Superintendent responsible for the area where issues are identified and a Work Request entered into the Work Management System. All employees are responsible for reporting incidents related to hazardous substances, if identified. Page 3 of 5
Inventory of Hazardous Substances in Work Areas HSE shall review the inventory for hazardous substances used on site each year. HSE shall minimize the number of hazardous substances on the project by finding suitable alternatives. Use of Hazardous Substances for Contractors All contractors engaged to do work at IOC installations shall follow the requirements of this Hazardous Materials Procedure. The contractor shall notify their Contract rep if hazardous substances are to be used on the premises of IOC installations. The request must be sent to IOC HSE using the new product approval form before any product is permitted on site. Any product brought on site by a contractor must be removed (empty containers, half full container ) at the end of the job to ensure that no IOC employee can use the product. Manifest of Hazardous Substances A manifest shall be available on the WHMIS database for all work place hazardous substances. HSE shall review the manifest yearly to ensure it is up to date. A hard copy manifest of major hazardous substances shall be kept at Security, Main Gate, HSE advisors, clinic and in each of the H&S Technicians office. HSE shall review and update the information yearly. 5 ACCOUNTABILITIES 5.1 Accountability Senior Advisor, Hygiene and Risk is accountable to ensure that the hazardous material procedure is adhered to. 5.2 Responsibility Role Responsibility Hygiene Senior Ensure the management of hazardous substances at IOC Advisor Ensure workers are properly trained Hygiene Advisor Maintaining the inventory system, Chemtrak. Providing advice and information to employees on hazardous materials. Providing information and care services for employees using hazardous substances. Organising biological monitoring for employees exposed to hazardous substances when required. Ensure proper labelling of hazardous substances Area Supervisor Ensure employees are properly trained Training Ensuring all materials and service necessary for the training of employee in matters relating to hazardous substances, is available and current. Managers Ensuring the training and procedures are in adherence to the requirements in the Occupational Health and Safety Act related to the use of hazardous substances in the workplace, are established and maintained. Employees Ensure the correct procedures regarding the safe use of Page 4 of 5
Role Responsibility hazardous substances in the work place. Contractors Must ensure they receive approval from Occupational Hygiene for any hazardous substances which may be used during the contract. This is identified during the Risk Assessment phase. 6 REFERENCES (2006) Occupational Health and Safety Act. (2004) Approved Criteria for Classifying Hazardous Substances (3 rd Ed.). NOHSC: 1008. (1999) List of Designated Hazardous Substances. NOHSC: 10005. (1996) Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) Regulations, Occupational Health and Safety Act. 7 SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION Page 5 of 5