1. For Persons Who Routinely Work With Chemicals
HAZARD COMMUNICATION
For Persons Who Routinely Work With Chemicals

2. HAZARD COMMUNICATION
The Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom) was adopted by Cal-OSHA to provide individuals with information about the chemical hazards on the job, and how to protect themselves against those hazards.

3. Hazard Communication Chemicals are hazardous if they:
Cause acute health problems
Such as corrosives that can burn eyes or skin
Cause chronic health problems
Such as toxic chemicals that can cause long-term illnesses, such as cancer

4. Hazard Communication Chemicals are hazardous if they:
Suddenly release pressure
These explosive chemicals includes gases that could expand violently
Are flammable/combustible
Chemicals that catch fire easily

5. Hazard Communication Chemicals are hazardous if they: Are reactive
These chemicals are not stable, and thus can burn, explode, or release dangerous vapors if exposed to heat, air, water, or certain other chemicals.

6. Hazard Communication
The HazCom Standard details three-pronged compliance:
1) Chemical manufacturers are required to:
determine the physical and health hazards of each product they make.
provide detailed container labels and supply Safety Data Sheets* (SDS)
*previously known as material safety data sheets

7. Hazard Communication 2) Employers are required to:
Make SDS’s available to employees
Provide employees with training about the Hazard Communication Standard
Explain how it’s being put into effect in their workplace, including:
How to recognize, understand and use labels and SDSs
Using safe procedures when working with hazardous substances

8. Hazard Communication
3) Individuals working with chemicals are required to:
Read labels and SDS’s
Follow label and SDS instructions and warnings.
Know about the hazards of the chemical BEFORE using them.

9. Hazard Communication Manufacturer Labels
A label will contain the following basic information:
Product Identifier
Manufacturer contact info
Signal Words*
Hazard Statements*
Precautionary Statements*
Pictograms*
*Further defined in the next 4 slides

10. Hazard Communication Signal Words
Labels and SDS’s are now required to have signal words when applicable. There are only one of two options when a signal word is required:
Danger – is used for the more severe hazards, or
Warning – is used for the less severe hazards

11. Hazard Communication Hazard Statements
These statements detail the hazards associated with the chemical.
Examples:
Causes skin irritation.
Harmful if swallowed.
Heating may cause fire.

12. Hazard Communication Precautionary Statements
These statements detail the precautions that should be taken when using, storing, or transporting the chemical.
Examples:
Do not spray on open flame or other ignition source.
Keep cool. Protect from sunlight.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling.

13. Hazard Communication Pictograms Labels and SDS’s are
now required to have
pictograms, when specific hazards are present. These visual cues are intended to aid with hazard recognition and compliment the hazard statements.

14. Hazard Communication Additional requirement
If materials are transferred to a secondary container, this container must be labeled if either:
Container will leave the control of the initial user, or
Container will be stored
Note: The use of old beverage containers must be avoided.

15. Hazard Communication
Below are two examples of secondary container labels.
Minimum information required on labels:
Product Identifier (for example “Windex”)
Signal Word (If on manufacturers label)
All Hazard Statements
For clarification when labels are specifically not required contact EHS.

16. Hazard Communication Manufacturer Label Example:
Secondary Label Example:
All of the information that needs to be placed on
the secondary label can be found on the
compliant manufacturer label.

17. Safety Data Sheets (SDSs)
Hazard Communication
Safety Data Sheets (SDSs)
Safety Data Sheets contain comprehensive detailed information about a chemical product
They should be referred to when additional information beyond what is carried on the label is needed

18. Hazard Communication Safety Data Sheets (SDSs)
Information contained on SDS’s is organized into the following sixteen sections:
Identification
Includes product identifier; manufacturer or distributer name, address, phone number; emergency phone number; recommended use; restrictions on use
Hazard(s) Identification
Includes all hazards regarding the chemical; required label elements

19. Hazard Communication Safety Data Sheets (SDSs)
Composition/Information on Ingredients
Includes information on chemical ingredients; trade secret claims
First-Aid Measures
Includes important symptoms/effects, acute, delayed; required treatment
Fire-Fighting Measures
Lists suitable extinguishing techniques, equipment; chemical hazards from fire

20. Hazard Communication Safety Data Sheets (SDSs)
Accidental Release Measures
Lists emergency procedures; protective equipment; proper methods of containment and cleanup
Handling and Storage
Lists precautions for safe handling and storage, including incompatables
Exposure Controls/Personal Protection
Lists OSHA’s Permissible Exposure Limits (PEL’s); Threshold Limit Values (TLV’s); appropriate engineering controls; personal protective equipment (PPE)

21. Hazard Communication Safety Data Sheets (SDSs)
Physical and Chemical Properties
Lists the chemical’s characteristics
Stability and Reactivity
Lists chemical stability and possibility of hazardous reactions
Toxicological Information
Includes routes of exposure; related symptoms, acute and chronic effects; numerical measures of toxicity

22. Hazard Communication Safety Data Sheets (SDSs)
Ecological Information (non-mandatory)
Disposal Considerations (non-mandatory)
Transport Information (non-mandatory)
Regulatory Information (non-mandatory)
Other Information
Includes the date of preparation or last revision

23. Hazard Communication How do I find SDS’s?
A printed paper file of SDS’s of commonly used chemicals should be maintained in a close-by always accessible location
Go to the EH&S web site:
Click on the “MSDSonline” button and log on with your Fresno State ID and password
“Google” your chemical/product or distributor
Call EH&S for assistance.

24. Hazard Communication Next steps…
SDS’s must be available to individuals working with chemicals.
Ensure that you an individual working with chemicals receive appropriate training.