HAZARDOUS MATERIALS & WASTES Knowledge of the proper procedures in the special handling, use, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials (hazmats) and wastes. This is the requirement….it is difficult to avoid hazardous waste in our everyday lives…. Reviewed 10/2016

JOINT COMMISSION REGULATIONS Hazardous materials and waste: Handling, use, and storage are guided or defined by local, state, or federal regulation Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) Regulations for Bloodborne Pathogens regarding the disposal of blood and blood-soaked items; Nuclear Regulatory Commission's regulations for the handling and disposal of radioactive waste Other, hazardous vapors (e.g., gluteraldehyde, ethylene oxide, nitrous oxide), and hazardous energy sources (for example, ionizing or non-ionizing radiation, lasers, microwave, ultrasound). Big long JCAHO definition of Hazardous materials and waste….

JOINT COMMISSION REGULATIONS Hazardous Energy Sources Ionizing or non-ionizing radiation, lasers, microwave, ultrasound The Joint Commission considers infectious wastes falling into this category of materials (Hazardous Waste) Federal regulations do not define infectious or medical waste as hazardous waste

TYPES OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INFECTIOUS SUBSTANCES Some infectious substances (such as some viruses) can be transmitted by blood and other body fluids, equipment, containers, paper goods, glassware, linens and by people. RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS These require special handling techniques to prevent exposure to personnel and visitors. FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS AND GASES For example, chemicals, such as ether or alcohol, can burn or explode. TOXIC CHEMICALS A person may be exposed over a long period of time before effects are noticed.

ROUTES OF ENTRY Absorption- soaks through skin Inhalation- you breath it; most common Ingestion- you eat it Injection- puncture wound Preventing exposures

REMEMBER…… Many hazmats are odorless, colorless and tasteless You may be exposed before you know it Approach safely

OSHA Hazard Communication Update OSHA has adopted Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS)

Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS); What is it…or is Not? This is not a new Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard It’s a revision to the existing OSHA Hazard Communications Standard/Right-To-Know Law The United Nations system of labeling classification of chemicals Implemented to improve worker understanding of labels and safety data sheets By December 1, 2015 all chemical manufacturers had to comply with the new 16 label elements. Manufacturers, employers and end users work to meet the new requirements of the revised standard

GHS – Major Changes Container Labeling Classification and hazard identification of chemicals Safety Data Sheet (SDS), formerly known as Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), format and content

GHS – What will Not Change We still have to keep chemical inventories We still have to maintain safety data sheets We still have to train new people on the potential hazards of what they will be working with We still have to maintain our records for 30 years, per OSHA

Labels Are Required to have: Pictograms Signal Words Hazard Statement Precautionary Statements Product Identifier Supplier Identification Supplemental Information (as required)

GHS Pictograms Nine pictograms will be utilized in identifying hazards of ALL chemicals Each chemical will have AT LEAST one pictogram, often multiple pictograms – to visually convey the hazards associated with it We need to be familiar with the meaning(s) of each pictogram Labels and safety data sheets will not always include that information, understanding these is critical Radiological & Environmental Management (REM) will provide pictogram reference cards to post in work areas for future reference

GHS Pictograms

Labels – Signal Words Describe the Severity of a Hazard Danger This is reserved for the more severe hazards Warning This is used on less severe hazards If there is no significant hazard, a signal word won’t be used

Labels – Hazard Statements Phrases that describe the nature of the hazard: Examples: Highly flammable liquid and vapor May cause liver and kidney damage Fatal if swallowed

Labels – Examples of PPE Pictograms

Safety Data Sheets (SDS) These are chemical fact sheets that contain all the information an employee would need to know about a hazardous chemical Keep current MSDS available until new SDS are received. Archive old MSDS as new SDS are collected. Each SDS is broken down into 16 universal sections Sections 1 - 11 will be of most concern

GHS Action Plan Chemical containers, bottles, etc. will begin to arrive with the newly-formatted labels. These new labels will include more information than ever before. Read them thoroughly to get used to the new format and content, even if it’s not the first time you’ve used the product. Be sure you understand the meanings of the pictograms that will appear on the labels. REM will have laminated cards available, or an online resource such as the OSHA website, to check if you are unsure of what something means.

GHS Action Plan You must keep any MSDS you already have Watch for new GHS-compliant (16-section) SDS to arrive They may come from the manufacturer or distributor with a shipment of the products you order You may go online or contact the manufacturer yourself to get it Replace old MSDS with new SDS in the active binder along with your current chemical inventory. Archive old MSDS for 30 years. SDS may not be available right away from all manufacturers.

YOUR ATTITUDE --- AND ACTIONS --- COUNT! You must want to do your job safely and you must understand and use safe practices and methods. That’s what being part of an effective safety team is all about!

KNOW THE POTENTIAL HAZARDS In each area of the facility where you work: Observe signs Take precautions when entering an area identified as hazardous Know what’s inside a container before you handle it!

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) Gloves Goggles Masks Respirator Gowns Aprons Footwear Good hygiene Bottom line….PPE keeps you safe…..use it appropriately…..violation may be grounds for disciplinary action

IN CASE OF SMALL SPILLS Act Quickly Contain the spill Wear PPE Notify proper personnel

BE SURE TO WASH YOUR HANDS Before entering or leaving the work area Before and after contact with a patient After handling items such as bedpans, dressings, etc. After removing gloves After using the toilet, blowing your nose or covering a sneeze Before eating, drinking or handling food or smoking

PREVENT INJURIES FROM SHARPS Let falling objects fall Practice safe handling techniques Don’t reach into containers Dispose of sharps carefully

IMPORTANT TIPS Take training seriously Avoid taking shortcuts Report unsafe conditions Know emergency procedures