HAZARD COMMUNICATION: - THE RIGHT-TO-KNOW Please read, take the test at the end, and then SUBMIT

HAZARD COMMUNICATION: - THE RIGHT-TO-KNOWPlease read, take the test at the end, and then SUBMIT

It is estimated that one in four workers come in contact with hazardous chemicals or substances at work. Often, the chemicals are no more dangerous than those typically used at home. Butworkplace exposure, thus the danger, may be greater, due to higher concentrations or moreprolonged time of exposure. An OSHA standard, known as Hazard Communication, exists to help control chemical exposureon the job and is also called "Hazcom" or "Right-to-Know." It is found in OSHA 29CFR 1910.1200. It is very important that you understand this standard, which says that you have the right to knowabout chemicals and the hazards associated with them and is intended to make your job safer. It requires evaluation of chemicals used for possible physical or health hazards and passing of this information to you. Very few businesses can say that none of their employees come in contact with any hazardoussubstances. The standard involves anyone coming into contact with hazardous materials andspells out the need to know what chemicals they are and how to protect yourself from potentiallynegative effects from them. Training in the use and handling of substances will be both verbaland written. You will have access to information on MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS anda written Hazcom program and should ask your supervisor, if there is anything you don"tunderstand. The specific areas covered by this standard are: Determining the hazards of chemicals used Providing Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) Labels and labeling of containers A written Hazard Communication Program Information and training for employees This Hazard Communication Standard covers all employees who may be exposed to hazardouschemicals on the job or where chemical emergencies could occur and includes either physical or health hazards.

PHYSICAL HAZARDS are those due to physical properties of the chemical, such as flammability or reactivity. Most chemicals of this type fall into the following classes: Flammable liquids or solidsCombustible liquidsCompressed gasesExplosivesOrganic peroxideOxidizersUnstable materialsWater-reactive materialsPyrophoric materials (may ignite spontaneously in temperatures of130 degrees F. or below) HEALTH HAZARDS are chemicals that may cause acute or chronic health effects. These effects can be obvious, such as immediate death from inhaling cyanide. But some health hazards do not cause immediate, obvious harm and sometimes the danger cannot be seen, felt, or smelled. Acute health hazards usually occur rapidly, following brief exposure. Chronic health effects are long and continuous, following repeated long-term exposure. Here are some examples of chemicals which exhibit health hazards: Carcinogens (cancer causers) - Formaldehyde or benzeneToxic Agents - Lawn and garden insecticides, arsenic compounds Reproductive Toxins - Thalidomide or nitrous oxide Irritants - Bleaches or ammonia Corrosives - Battery acid or caustic sodasSensitizers - Creosote or epoxy resinsOrgan-specific Agents which act on specific organs or parts of the body - Sulfuric acid (affects skin) Asbestos (affects lungs)

The Hazard Communication Standard does not apply to hazardous waste regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency, tobacco products, some wood or wood products, or food, cosmetics, or certain drugs. A MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET must be provided by the employer for each chemical used which poses a physical or health hazard. They must be kept in a consistent, conspicuous place, be in English, and contain at least the following: Identity of the chemical (as used on the label) Physical hazards and health hazards Primary routes of entry Whether it is a carcinogen Precautions for safe handling and use Emergency and first aid procedures Date of preparation or latest revision Name, address, and phone number of manufacturer, importer, or other party If relevant information in the above categories was not available when the MSDS was prepared, this must be explained. There can be no blank spaces on the forms. If they exist, it could indicate a printing or copying problem and you should contact your supervisor to point out the flaw. This standard also covers the area of container labeling. Labels must be present on items containing hazardous materials, must be printed in English, must be legible, and must contain the following information: Identity of the hazardous chemical Appropriate hazard warnings Name and address of the chemical manufacturer, importer, or other responsible party On individual stationary containers, signs, placards, batch tickets, or printed operating procedures may replace labels.

If a chemical is for the use of an employee making a transfer which will be completed during his or her work shift, labeling of the transfer vessel is not needed. However, if the transfer carries over into another shift, the container must carry a label. Employers are required by this standard to develop and implement a written Hazard Communication Program. The program must detail how the company will meet requirements for labels, MSDS"s, employee information, and training. The written program must include the following: Inventory of the hazardous materials known to be present How the MSDS requirements are to be met The type of labeling system to be used Detailed information on training compliance Methods the company will use to inform workers of any hazards of non-routine tasks or such things as unlabeled piping Methods the company will use to inform employees or workers on the site who are not employees, such as service representatives, repairmen, or subcontractors This standard also spells out requirements for training of employees, relative to hazardous chemicals or materials. Training is required prior to contact with or exposure to a hazardous material, at the time of initial employment, possibly at the time of a reassignment, and whenever a new hazard or substance is introduced into the workplace. You must be informed of the requirements of the standard and any operations in the workplace where hazardous chemicals are present or used. You need to know where you can find a copy of the company"s Hazard Communication Program, as well as the location and availability of the MSDS file. All of the following must be included in your training: Methods or observations to be used to detect the presence or release of hazardous chemicals in a work area Physical or health hazards of chemicals in the workplace Measures employees can take to protect themselves from the hazards, including work practices and personal protective equipment Details of the Hazard Communication Program, including information on labeling and MSDS"s

In summary, the key to your safety and success, as an employee dealing with potentially hazardous chemicals or substances at work, is training. Take it seriously and get as much from it as possible. Learn about the Material Safety Data Sheets, labeling, the written Hazard Communication Program, protecting yourself, and the chemicals and hazards at work. Your health could very well depend on training from this program.

HAZARD COMMUNICATION / RIGHT-TO-KNOW REVIEW QUIZ

1. What type of hazard is associated with chemicals?

a. Physicalb. Healthc. Both a. and b.d. None of the above

2. The Hazcom Standard provides for the following:

a. Trainingb. Labelingc. Provisions of Material Safety Data Sheetsd. All of the above

3. Carcinogens are chemicals that cause:

a. Wartsb. Cancerc. Blindnessd. Skin rashes

4. Which of the following is not a physical hazard?

a. Flammable liquids or solidsb. Explosivesc. Corrosivesd. Combustible Liquids

5. Who is covered by the Hazcom Standard?

a. Employees who use hazardous chemicalsb. Only people who use chemicals on a daily basisc. All employees who may be exposed to hazardous chemicals under normal working conditionsd. Work environments in which chemicals pose a health hazard to employees

6. What is the difference between acute and chronic health hazards?

a. Acute occurs rapidly and chronic occurs over timeb. Chronic follows a brief exposurec. Chronic has an obvious effect, such as deathd. Acute has very obvious warning signs

7. MSDS/s must have all of the following pieces of information except:

a. Whether the chemical is a carcinogenb. The date of preparation or latest revisionc. Identity of the chemical as used on its labeld. Date the chemical was manufactured

8. Warning labels on chemicals must have all but:

a. First aid precautionsb. Appropriate hazard warningc. Name and address of the chemical manufacturer or importerd. Identity of the hazardous chemical (must match MSDS)

9. Your company"s written program needs to include all but:

a. A list of the hazardous chemicals known to be present in the workplaceb. The training schedulec. What type of labeling system is usedd. Processes used regarding uncontrolled hazardous energy

10. When must you be trained about any given chemical?

a. Before you start working with itb. After your probationary period is upc. Within 20 days of beginning work with itd. Only if you request training

Employee

Date

Instructor: Glen Goebel or Steve Roll

Company: Bear Paw Management, Inc.

HAZARD COMMUNICATION I RIGHT-TO-KNOW ANSWER KEY 1. c 2. d 3. b 4. c 5. c 6. a 7. d 8. a 9. d 10. a