Hazard Communication-”Right to
Know”
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1200
Hazard Communication “Goals”

Right to Know chemical hazards

PPE

First aid

Labels

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
Close Encounters With Chemicals


We encounter chemicals almost
every day.
–
Filling your vehicle with
gasoline.
–
Cleaning the bathroom
–
Applying pesticides or
insecticides
–
Using solvents or acids at work
Many chemicals can cause injury
or illness if not handled properly.
Right to Know


OSHA created the Hazard
Communication Standard to help
ensure your safety when working with
hazardous chemicals.
You have a RIGHT TO KNOW about
the hazardous chemicals you use on
the job and how to work safely with
those chemicals.
Hazard Communication Standard


Chemical Manufacturers must:
–
Determine a chemical’s hazards
–
Provide labels and MSDSs
Employers must:
–
Provide a Hazard Communication Program
–
Maintain MSDSs
–
Train on hazardous materials
HazCom Standard (cont.)

Employees must:
–
Read labels and MSDSs
–
Follow employer instructions and warnings
–
Identify hazards before starting a job
–
Participate in training
Chemical Hazards-2 Categories

Health
Hazards

Physical
Hazards
Health Hazards

Health hazards fall into
5 main categories:
–
Toxic
–
Corrosive or irritating
–
Carcinogenic
–
Reproductive
–
Sensitizing
Toxic-Toxic Chemicals

Have an effect on one or more
body organ or system.

This effect may be varied.

It may damage the lungs,
stimulate or depress the nervous
system, or damage other
systems, such as the kidneys or
liver.
Toxic-Toxic Chemicals (cont.)

Often the effect of a toxic
chemical occurs at a site in the
body that is different from
where it entered the body.

It may have been inhaled into
the lungs but affect the liver.

It may be absorbed through the
skin and affect the brain.
Toxic-Toxic Chemicals (cont.)

Workplace solvents
(paints, thinners and
solvent degreasers) are
a common kind of
chemical that may be
either inhaled or
absorbed through the
skin and generally
affects the central
nervous system, liver
and kidneys.
Toxic-Toxic Chemicals (cont.)



The effect of a toxic chemical
may develop immediately or may
take months to years to develop.
Toxic effects are dependent on
the dose – how much exposure
you have over what period of
time.
Often you can safely be exposed
to low levels over a long time
period.
Toxic-Toxic Chemicals Route of Entry


Toxic exposures also
depend on the route of
entry.
This is the way the
chemical gets into the
body and some ways are
more efficient than
others.
Toxic-Toxic Chemicals Route of Entry
In comparing the different routes of entry:



INHALATION of a chemical via the lungs, can
take a chemical directly to the blood stream,
as can an open cut or rash.
ABSORPTION & INGESTION through the
skin and gastrointestinal system are generally
slower and less effective routes of entry.
The eyes aren’t a very effective route of
entry, but are very sensitive to many
chemicals. PROTECT YOUR EYES!
Irritating or Corrosive

Irritating or corrosive chemicals are
very different than toxic chemicals.

And in many ways much simpler.

They have essentially one effect,
which is to irritate body tissues that
they come into contact with.
Irritating or Corrosive (cont.)


Irritating or corrosive chemicals
affect the tissues at the site
they contact and are not
transported through the body to
cause effects at other sites.
And the effect is generally
immediate, or very nearly.
Irritating or Corrosive (cont.)


Acids and
caustics are
examples of
irritant
chemicals.
It is important
to keep them
off your skin and
out of your eyes.
Carcinogens


Carcinogens are chemicals that
cause cancer.
In many ways they act like toxic
chemicals, exerting their effect
on various body organs and
systems and having an effect
that is often long-term
(occurring over a period of
years).
Carcinogens (cont.)

Carcinogens are different than toxic
chemicals in that their effect is less
dependent on dose.

Even a one-time exposure to some
carcinogens can cause cancer years later.

So preventing contact and exposure is
especially important.

Asbestos and lead are examples of
carcinogens found in many workplaces and
homes.
Reproductive


Reproductive hazards affect the
reproductive system directly
(both male and female),
depending on the chemical and
its effect.
They also, in some cases, affect
the unborn child, particularly
during the first 3 months of
pregnancy.
Reproductive (cont.)


Reproductive hazards act in
some ways like carcinogens,
requiring a relatively limited
exposure for the effect to
occur.
Again, preventing exposure,
especially during pregnancy, is
the key.
Sensitizing



Sensitizers cause an allergictype reaction.
Often this reaction takes the
form of a skin reaction, such as
hives, or a respiratory reaction
similar to asthma.
The reaction can be severe and
tends to get worse over time.
Sensitizing (cont.)


With sensitizers, the reaction
won’t be initially present. It
requires initial exposure to
trigger it, after which a very
small exposure may trigger the
reaction.
Again, controlling exposure
initially is key.
Controlling Chemical Health Hazards
So how do we control
exposures?



Primarily by remembering
the routes of entry.
You avoid inhaling
chemicals by using a
respirator if excessive
airborne exposure will be
present.
And by testing the air to
assess the exposure level.
Controlling Chemical Health Hazards


You avoid swallowing
chemicals by wearing the
correct gloves and
washing your hands
before eating, drinking
or smoking.
You avoid skin absorption
by again wearing the
correct gloves
(especially if you have a
cut or rash) and washing
up frequently.
Controlling Chemical Health Hazards



If you get an irritating
chemical on the skin or in
your eyes, immediate first
aid is critical.
Flush your eyes in an
eyewash for at least 15
minutes, keeping the
eyelids open.
Wash your skin thoroughly
with water immediately.
Physical Hazards of Workplace
Chemicals
Physical hazards of chemicals
include:

Combustibles and
flammables

Explosive and reactive
chemicals

Compressed gases
Combustibles and Flammables

Combustibles and flammables catch
fire and burn, sometimes explosively.

They can be handled safely by
remembering a few simple principles.
Combustibles and Flammables (cont.)
To work safely with flammables
and combustibles:


Control fuel by using safety
cans, keeping containers
covered, and using only the
amount you need.
Control ignition sources by
grounding and bonding
containers and keeping flames
away.
Combustibles and Flammables (cont.)

Remember the fire pyramid:
Oxygen
Ignition Source
Fuel
Explosives and Reactives

Explosives and reactives present very
specialized hazards.

Explosive: Compressed gas cylinders;
aerosol cans

Reactive: Mixture of bleach and
ammonia; mixture of acid and solvents.

The key with any chemical is to read
the Material Safety Data Sheet (more
in a minute) and know its safe handling.
Combustible Gases

Combustible gases are
a physical hazard
because of the
pressurized container.

Keep them secured and
capped when not in use.

Transport them on an
appropriate dolly.

Use the correct
regulator.
Container Labeling
Label secondary containers with the following
information (at a minimum):

Name of
product
AMMONIUM FLUORIDE
DANGER!

Precautions to
take
(summarized
from the MSDS
or the
manufacturer’s
original label)
(CAS 12125-01-8)
POISON
CORROSIVE
Acute: CAUSES SEVERE BURNS OF EYES AND SKIN WHICH MAY NOT BE IMMEDIATELY
PAINFUL OR VISIBLE. MAY BE FATAL IF SWALLOWED.MAY CAUSE PNEUMONITIS
IF INHALED.
Chronic:REPEATED OR PROLONGED EXPOSURE MAY CAUSE LIGAMENT AND TENDON
CALCIFICATION.CAUSES BONE DISORDERS.
Avoid breathing dust or vapor.Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing.When handling, wear goggles
Or face shield.Store in tightly closed container.Use only with adequate ventilation.Wash thoroughly after
Handling.
FIRST AID:
IF CONTACTED:Immediately flush eyes and skin with plenty of water for at least 30 minutes,and skin
For at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes.IMMEDIATE MEDICAL
ATTENTION.Wash clothing before reusing.
IF INHALED.Remove to fresh air.If cough or difficulty in breathing develops GET MEDICAL
ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY.If not breathing,give artificial resuscitation.
IF SWALLOWED:Give water or milk to dilute.Do not induce vomiting.CONSULT POISON CONROL
CENTER OR HOSPITAL EMERGENCY ROOM.Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious
Or convulsive person.
NFPA Labeling
NFPA-The National Fire Protection Association
Blue - Health
Red - Flammability
Yellow - Reactivity
White – Other hazards or special handling
SCALE: 0 (No Hazard) to 4 (Extreme Hazard)
MSDS Book

The Material Safety
Data Sheet (MSDS) is
a document that is
provided by the
manufacturer of a
chemical to describe
the hazards of that
chemical and the
precautions to take in
order to work with it
safely.
MSDS Book (cont.)

Each Community that
uses chemicals has their
own MSDS Book for all
chemicals utilized. If
you are not familiar with
the location of your
MSDS Book or the
chemical used in your
Community, ask your
Supervisor.
PPE Summary


Remember, when working with
hazardous chemicals, make sure you are
wearing the required PPE.
PPE may include:
 Glasses
or goggles and face shield
 Gloves
 Chemical
Apron
 Respirator
 Foot
Protection
First Aid Summary

Eyes: Flush with water for at least 15-20
minutes.

Skin:
 Flush
with water for at least 15-20 minutes
(corrosive or solvent contact)
 wash
with soap and water (lead or inorganic
arsenic contact).

Inhalation: Move to fresh air

Ingestion: Get emergency medical assistance.