Safety Tidbit 6.08 - HazCom Starter

Safety Tidbit 6.08 – HazCom Starter

 

Reference:       29CFR1910.1200, OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard, https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910/1910.1200

Almost every workplace uses some chemical, and most likely, that chemical can be harmful. The purpose of OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard is to ensure that the hazards of all chemicals produced or imported are classified. Second, that information concerning the classified hazards is transmitted to employers and employees [1910.1200(a)(1)]. So, you as an employer must take steps to ensure this happens.

OSHA requires all employers to provide information to their employees about the hazardous chemicals to which they are exposed, through a hazard communication program, labels and other forms of warning, safety data sheets, and information and training [1910.1200(b)(1)]. Furthermore, the Hazard Communication Standard applies to any chemical which is known to be present in the workplace in such a manner that employees may be exposed under normal conditions of use or in a foreseeable emergency [1910.1200(b)(2)].

Some workplaces may only handle hazardous materials and not use them, such as in retail or warehousing. OSHA requires employers to ensure that labels on incoming shipments are not removed or defaced [1910.1200(b)(4)(i)]. Also, that the employer maintains all safety data sheets (SDSs) for the materials stocked and that all SDSs are readily available to all employees on all shifts [1910.1200(b)(4)(ii)].

Interestingly, the standard does not require a printed SDS copy so long as the SDS can be accessible to all employees. Furthermore, OSHA interprets readily accessible that an employee can and knows how to obtain the SDS without any impediments. For instance, having to as a supervisor for the SDS or entering into an area usually designated for individual employees.

At job sites, workers move chemicals into another container, such as a spray bottle from a one-gallon container. The best practice is to ensure the spray container has a workplace label on it with the same information required on the parent container as noted in 1910.1200(f)(1).

Lastly, each employer that is subject to the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard must develop, implement, and maintain a written Hazard Communication program [1910.1200(e)(1)]. I recommend you start as this standard is always on OSHA’s Top Ten Cited Standards because many employers miss different program pieces.

 

I hope this was helpful and thank you for reading my Safety Tidbits! Comments and questions are always welcome. ~ Bryan

 

P.S. If you have a new safety or health question, please let me know