HAZARDOUS MATERIALS &
WASTES
Knowledge of the proper
procedures in the special
handling, use, storage, and
disposal of hazardous materials
(hazmats) and wastes.
Reviewed 10/2014
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).
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
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/RightTo-Know Law
• The United Nations system of labeling classification of chemicals
• Implemented to improve worker understanding of labels and safety
data sheets
• The three years from 12/1/2013 to 6/1/2016 will be considered a
transition phase
• 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:
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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)
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Gloves
Goggles
Masks
Respirator
Gowns
Aprons
Footwear
Good hygiene
IN CASE OF SMALL SPILLS
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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
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Take training seriously
Avoid taking shortcuts
Report unsafe conditions
Know emergency procedures