Chemical Hazards

Chemicals have become an important part of the industrial environment and our every day lives. Many of these chemicals contain ingredients, or are by themselves, harmful to humans. The U. S. Department of Labor - Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has recognized the problems associated with chemicals, and has issued a standard which will help employees become aware of the chemical hazards in their workplace. This standard requires the labeling of chemicals both by the manufacturer or importer, and by the employer; the standard requires that employees receive information and training regarding the chemicals used in the workplace; and a written program regarding chemical hazards. The total requirements can be found in the OSHA Standards For General Industry (29 CFR 1910.1200) and Construction Standard (1926.59). Procedure SP-0 II in Appendix A provides the written program and guidelines for compliance.

Applicability

This standard is applicable to any hazardous chemical which is present in the workplace in such a manner that employees may be exposed under normal conditions or foreseeable emergencies.

Manufacturers and/or importers are required to provide industrial users with information regarding the chemicals they provide. This information is generally provided by way of the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). These Material Safety Data Sheets will contain information on toxicity, treatments and antidotes, flammability, method of fighting fires, personal protective equipment which is normally used and that required in an emergency, and the basic contents of the chemical. In some cases, an employer may have to develop his own MSDS'S.

Hazard Communication Program

It is required that a written Hazard Communication Program which covers the chemicals used in the operation be developed. This program must contain, at least, the following:

1. A listing of hazardous chemicals used. This list must be updated whenever new chemicals are brought into the workplace, including the same type of chemical made by a different manufacturer.

2. Method of informing employees and contracted employees regarding routine and non-routine hazards associated with each chemical.

3. A labeling method and an explanation of the method.

Labeling

Labeling is an important part of the Hazardous Communication Program. All hazardous chemicals must be labeled, however, the type of labeling depends on certain conditions. Shipping containers must be labeled according to Department of Transportation standards. Once the chemical gets to its intermediate or final user, a label must be affixed which contains the following information.

a. Identification of the chemical.

b. Warnings appropriate for the hazards associated with the chemical.

c. Name and address of the manufacturer or importer.

All containers must be so marked, other than small containers used at the work station.

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