OSHA HAZARD COMMUNICATION OUTLINE
INTRODUCTION
Safety is a lesson we learn from childhood. Some hazards are clearly labeled; others are a matter of common sense. When hazards are not obvious, we must take steps to protect those who may not understand the risks. The warning labels on the products we use around the house are examples of how we identify risks. In the final analysis, however, our safety is our own responsibility. Even the best safety equipment is useless if we fail to take advantage of it. This is as true in the workplace as it is in your home.
The governments at both the federal and state levels have established certain laws for the workplace to ensure our safety. You may have heard of the state “Right to Know” laws or on the federal level the “OSHA Hazard Communication Standard.” The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is the federal agency that enforces the hazard communication standard. In some cases, OSHA has delegated enforcement responsibilities to the states. This law requires companies that make chemical products to evaluate and determine whether there are any hazards associated with using them. It requires companies to establish a written hazard communication program that explains exactly how it is going to inform you and your fellow workers about hazards and how to handle them. You should be able to see that program at any time.
Hazardous products must be labeled appropriately and the company keeps more detailed hazard information called material safety data sheets (MSDS) in a place where you can easily refer to them. Finally, the company wants to train you to identify and deal with hazardous material and make you aware of any new hazards introduced into the work area.
The federal government defines many substances as hazardous materials when they may seem quite safe to you and me. For example, hand soap, which will cause an irritation if you get it in your eyes, is a hazardous material as is paint remover, which can be carcinogenic. So you can see that the term “hazardous material” covers a wide range of products. Every product that falls into the category of hazardous material should be handled carefully according to directions.
The product label is your first clue in how to handle the product. Always look for precautionary statements on the label before you use any product. Products you use around the workplace for cleaning and floor maintenance are safe when used properly. In most cases, if there is a hazard present, you’ll find the words “Caution”, “Warning”, or “Danger” on the product label and an explanation of how to handle the product safely. There will also be a brief description of medical treatments if needed and sometimes instructions on how to store and dispose of the product. Accidents do happen even with safe products--so read the label carefully. If you have any questions, ask your supervisor. Sometimes it is convenient to pour products into portable containers such as spray bottles. If you do, be sure to label the secondary containers. For your convenience, pre-printed secondary containers and labels for these products are provided.
The material safety data sheet, known as the MSDS, gives more detailed information than the product label. Braxton Building Maintenance has an MSDS for every hazardous chemical used in the workplace. You should refer to these sheets for specific information about the chemical, appropriate safety procedures and emergency treatment. MSDS forms should be kept in a convenient place for your reference. Be sure you know where to find them and never remove them from that area. The Operations Manager is prepared to discuss the sheets with you and address any new hazards that are introduced into your area, and make sure everyone knows how to handle them. You should be sure you are familiar with any new product introduced into your area by reading the label and by familiarizing yourself with the MSDS.
Different companies have different formats for their MSDS documents, but they all contain the same kind of information. At the top, you will see the name of the product, what company manufactures it, and how you can reach it in an emergency. Next, you’ll see a list of any known hazardous ingredients and certain technical information about them. The third section describes physical and chemical characteristics, such as the boiling point, melting point, and the product’s appearance and odor under normal conditions. This section is very important. It may give you a clue that something is wrong just by looking at it or smelling the material.
The section called “Reactivity Data” tells you whether the material is stable and what products to avoid mixing with it. In any case, never mix products unless you are given specific instructions for doing so. The “Health Hazard Data” section is similar to the precautionary section on a product label. This section describes signs or symptoms of overexposure to the product. There are several ways a chemical can enter your body. It can be swallowed, it can be inhaled, and it can be absorbed into the skin, or splashed into the eyes. In the event of overexposure, use common sense and follow the instructions in this section of MSDS. The first-aid steps are usually simple and effective. You can handle the situation easily if you remain calm and follow the instructions on the label or MSDS. Many industrial accidents occur because workers fail to wear the required protective equipment. The “Special Precautions” section covers safe handling and storage, and how to clean it up safely if it spills or leaks.
Remember that the MSDS forms must be kept in a convenient place at all times. You should always know where they are. That’s because MSDS forms are not only for your use, they are also intended for use of safety specialists like ambulance workers or the fire department. You’ve been handling hazardous materials all of your life. Therefore, there is nothing scary about it as long as you inform yourself about how to handle the product safely and use a little common sense.
Federal and state “Right to Know” laws are simply a way of helping you get the information you need to do your job safely, the way you like to do it. The law ensures that the company maintains a written hazard communications program that you can see anytime you are interested, that all chemicals containers are clearly and properly labeled, that there are MSDS sheets available in your area for your use, and that you receive prompt and adequate training on hazardous chemicals in your work place The federal OSHA hazard communication standard and state “Right to Know” laws allow you to make informed decisions about your safety at work. Everyone—government, manufacturers, and this company—wants you to have that extra measure of protection. So take advantage of the law, inform yourself, learn how to use chemical products safely, and then exercise the little extra care that’s called for.
DEFINITION OF HAZARDS
The terminology used to discuss hazards is often complex and involved. Hazards are defined specifically by OSHA and are summarized below to help make the terms more useful.
Hazards can be either health hazards or physical hazards. Health hazards can have acute health effects or chronic health effects; some products may have both acute and chronic effects. Physical hazards are chemicals that affect the physical surroundings through explosion or combustion, for example.
HEALTH HAZARD
A health hazard is the result of a chemical that may cause acute or chronic health effects in exposed employees. Chemical manufacturers and employers must base their determination of health hazards on statistically significant evidence from at least one scientific study.
ACUTE HEALTH EFFECTS
Acute health effects usually occur rapidly as a result of short-term exposures. This includes the effects of irritants, corrosives, sensitizers, and lethal dose toxics.
Corrosive: A chemical that burns or causes permanent damage to eye or skin tissue. The chemical may not cause damage immediately after exposure.
Highly Toxic: A chemical that kills when ingested, absorbed, or inhaled at very low standard minimal levels established by OSHA.
Irritant: A chemical that inflames or irritates the skin or eyes and causes a short term, reversible, or temporary effect. May not cause irritation immediately after exposure.
Sensitizer: A chemical that may cause an allergic reaction after repeated exposure.
Toxic: A chemical that kills when swallowed, absorbed through the skin, or inhaled at standard minimal levels established by OSHA.
CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS
Chronic Health effects usually occur as a result of long-term exposure and lasts a long time. This includes the effects of carcinogens, teratogens and mutagens (both of which cause birth defects), and other chemicals that cause damage to specific target organs.
Agents that damage the blood or hematopoietic (blood production) system:
Chemicals that damage the blood or interfere with the blood’s ability to carry oxygen to the body. Symptoms include the loss of consciousness, cyanosis (bluish skin). Chemical examples include carbon monoxide and cyanide. Agents that damage the lungs: Chemicals that irritate or damage lung tissue. Symptoms include cough, shortness of breath, and tightness in chest. Chemical examples include silica and asbestos.
Carcinogen: A chemical that causes or may cause cancer, as determined by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), National Toxicology Program (NTP), or OSHA.
Carcinogen Hazard: A chemical that damages the skin. Symptoms include defatting (drying out) of the skin, rashes, and irritation. Chemical examples include ketones and chlorinated compounds.
Eye Hazard: A chemical that damages the eye or visual capacity. Symptoms include conjunctivitis (inflammation of the eye) and Corneal damage. Chemical examples include acids and organic solvents.
Hepatotoxin: A chemical that damages the liver. Symptoms include jaundice (yellowish skin) and liver enlargement. Chemical examples include carbon tetrachloride and nitrosamines.
Neurotoxin: A chemical that damages the brain and/or nervous system. Symptoms include narcosis (unconsciousness), behavioral changes, and decreases in coordination. Chemical examples include mercury and carbon disulfide.
Reproductive Toxin: A chemical that damages chromosomes (mutagens) or damages the fetus (teratogens). Symptoms include birth defects and sterility. Chemical examples include lead and DBCP.
Target Organ Toxin: A chemical that causes damage to specific organs or tissue groups of the body. Included are hepatotoxins, nephrotoxins, neurotoxins, reproductive toxins, agents that damage the lungs, the blood or hematopoietic system, cutaneous hazards, and eye hazards.
PHYSICAL HAZARDS
A physical hazard is the result of a chemical that is a combustible liquid, compressed gas, explosive, flammable, and organic peroxide, an oxidizer, pyrophoric (capable of spontaneous combustion), unstable (reactive) or water reactive.
Combustible Liquid: A liquid that will “flash” or ignite and burn easily at temperatures between 100°F and 200°F. May be ignited by heat, sparks, and flames.
Compressed Gas: A gas stored under pressure of more than 40 psi at 100°F. Containers may explode in a fire. Chemical examples include liquefied carbon dioxide, helium, and compressed gas in fire extinguishers.
Explosive: A chemical that causes a sudden release of pressure, gas, and heat when subject to sudden shock, pressure, or high temperature. Chemical examples include nitroglycerine and TNT.
Flammable Aerosol: A liquid or gas packaged under pressure which when sprayed will ignite under specific test conditions to project a flame or cause flashback toward the container.
Flammable Gas: A gas that will burn or explode if combined with air. May be ignited by heat, sparks and flames. Chemical examples include ethylene, acetylene, and vinyl chloride.
Flammable Liquid: A liquid that will “flash” or ignite and burn at temperatures below 100°F. Can be easily ignited by heat, sparks and flames. Chemical examples include ethyl chloride, gasoline, and methanol.
Organic Peroxide: A highly reactive organic compound. May be unstable or act as an oxidizer. May be ignited by heat, sparks or flames. May explode from heat. Chemical examples include acetyl benzoyl peroxide and isopropyl percarbonate.
Oxidizer: A chemical that causes or supports combustion in other materials causing fire of itself or through the release of oxygen. Chemical examples include magnesium nitrate and chloric acid.
Pyrophoric: A chemical that ignites (spontaneous combustion) when exposed to air below 130°F. May ignite after fire is put out. May react violently with water. Chemical examples include phosphorus.
Unstable (Reactive): A chemical that will react with itself or violently decompose or change under shock, pressure, or heat. Chemical examples include vinyl acetate.
Water Reactive: A chemical that reacts with water to release a gas that is flammable or presents a health hazard. Chemical examples include calcium carbide.
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