Hazard Communication Flashcards
Why was hazcom created?
- 32 million workers exposed to chemicals per day
- 575,000 existing chemical products, and hundreds of new chemicals
introduced per year - Bhopal, India tragedy in December 1984
- states enacted own “right to know law”, but chemical MFG. wanted uniform
law versus various state laws. - 1985– 1910.1200 ordered by Congress
- 2012– global harmonization (GHS) standard added
How frequently is hazard communication cited?
Top 3 most cited standard
What is the purpose of hazcom?
- All chemicals, produced, or imported are evaluated, and information concerning their hazards are transmitted to employers and employees
How can employees accomplish hazard communication?
Hazard communication program, labeling, safety data sheet, training
Who does OSHA’s hazard communication standard apply to?
-general industry
-Shipyard
-Marine terminals
-Long shoring
-Construction, employment
Who does OSHA’s hazard communication standard cover?
- chemical manufacturers,
- importers
-employers
-employees exposed to chemical hazards
What are the written program requirements for hazcom?
- written program
- Describes how the standard will be implemented in that facility
- Lists all of hazardous chemicals
- addresses non-routine tasks
- Discusses contractors responsibilities
- Program available to all employees during each work shift and available
upon request to contractor - Review the program annually
What are the required elements for hazcom labels?
- product identifier
- Signal words (danger, warning)
- Hazard statements
- pictograms
- Precautionary statements
- Name, address, and telephone number of the chemical manufacturer, importer, or other responsible party
What are signal statement words?
- Danger for the more severe hazards
- Warning for the less severe hazards
What are hazcom precautionary statements?
-prevention (protective gloves)
-disposal (disposed in accordance..)
-response (if inhaled…)
-storage (ventilated area)
What are safety data sheets? (SDS)
- in the workplace for each hazardous chemical which is used
- OSHA requires these forms for each hazardous chemical
- Readily assessable during each work shift to employees when they are in their work areas
When is employee training for Hazcom required?
Training is required for each employee who is exposed to hazardous chemicals in their work area:
-initially, and when new chemicals are introduced
-Non-routine tasks
-Refresher training
What are contractor safety requirements for hazcom?
outside contractors must:
-inform representatives about chemicals
-Provide SDSs upon request
Facility or employer representative must:
-inform the contractor about chemicals
-provide SDSs upon request
What is the global harmonize system (GHS)? (hazcom)
- barrier to international trade in chemicals
- labor requirements differ (requiring multiple labels for the same product),
- Hazard definitions are not consistent
- toxicity, flammability
- Regulatory compliance is complex and costly
- to align with United Nations globally harmonize system implemented: classification and labeling of chemicals
What are some chemicals that are considered hazardous now?
-combustible dust
-simple asphyxiants
-phyrophoric gase
