SUMMARY OF THE HAZARD COMMUNICATION STANDARD
Basic Purpose
The Federal Hazard Communication Standard was designed to require that employers furnish their employees with information concerning the hazards of chemicals used in the workplace and protective measures employees can take to reduce their exposure to those chemicals.
Requirements of the Standard
Employers are required to provide information to employees about the hazardous chemicals to which they are exposed. For employees exposed to hazardous chemicals, employers are required to take the following steps:
1. Develop an inventory of hazardous chemicals known to be present in the work place, and make this list available to employees. 2. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) are to be obtained from chemical manufacturers and distributors, and maintained in a file which must be accessible to employees. Ask your supervisor for the location of the MSDSs, or call the department of Environmental Health and Safety (extension 466). 3. Employers are required to ensure that the labels on incoming containers list the identity of the contents as well as appropriate hazard warnings. The labels are not to be defaced or removed. When chemicals are transferred from an incoming container to a portable container, the portable container must be labeled with the identity and hazards of that chemical. 4. Employers are required to establish an information and training program for employees. The information and training on hazardous chemicals is to be provided prior to the assignment of an employee to a department, and whenever a new hazard is introduced into the work area. 5. Employers are required to prepare a written hazard communication program. This program must describe how the employer will convey labeling, MSDS, and various other information and training to employees. The written program must also include a list of hazardous chemicals used in the work place, as well as the method employers will use to inform employees of the hazards of non-routine tasks. The written Hazard Communication plan for NYS Agricultural Experiment Station, which is available for employees' review, is located: in department offices; in the department of Environmental Health & Safety, G-18 Food Science & Research Building (extension 466); and in the Station Heating Plant, where it is accessible on a 24-hour basis. |