Hazard Communication
19 Pages
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Hazard Communication
Welcome to the Greater Baltimore Medical
Center Hazard Communication CBL
Contents:
This computer-based learning course
describes the hazard communication program.
Topics include material safety data sheets,
chemical inventories, labeling, and the National
Fire Protection Association placard system.
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Hazard Communication
Click the links below to jump to selected topics in this program.
Introduction
MSDS and Chemical Inventories
Labels
Employee Information and Training
Hazardous Material Placard System
Summary
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Hazard Communication
Use this program to familiarize yourself with hazardous material
issues including:
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The Hazard Communication Program
Material safety data sheets
Chemical inventories
Labeling
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The National Fire Protection Association placard system
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Hazard Communication
Guidelines
There are several guidelines for the
Hazard Communication Program.
Each department maintains:

a current chemical inventory
A copy of this facility's Hazard
Communication Program is found in
Policy #865 - Hazard Communication Program Policy.
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Hazard Communication
Guidelines
GBMC maintains a current chemical inventory and keeps
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) in the Safety Office. In
addition, MSDS's are also accessible on the Intranet / Infoweb.
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Department-specific inventories are maintained on the
Intranet/Infoweb.
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Hazard Communication
List of Hazardous Chemicals
You can find a collection of Material Safety Data Sheets for
each chemical used or stored in your facility. It is located in the
following locations:
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Safety Office
Intranet / Infoweb (MSDS Pro Software)
Pathology Lab (dept. specific)
Pharmacy (dept. specific)
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Hazard Communication
Labels
All containers within a department must
have:
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a label naming the chemical
an adequate hazard warning
When a chemical product is transferred
to a second container and the chemical in the second container
is not used IMMEDIATELY, attach a label to the second
container.
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Hazard Communication
Labels
The chemical must have the following information on the label:
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chemical identity (name)
ingredients
hazard statement (tells the physical and health hazards
of the chemical)
precautions to be taken when working with the chemical,
required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), etc.
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Hazard Communication
Guidelines
Employees receive training about any new hazards introduced
into the work area.
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Supervisory Personnel are responsible for seeing that all
department employees are trained as required.
Managers plan and organize training, provide notice to
employees, and document training in the employee's file.
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Hazard Communication
Mercury spills typically occur when thermometers or mercurycontaining blood-pressure cuffs break. Only appropriately
trained personnel may clean up mercury spills with a mercury
spill kit. A Mercury spill kit is maintained in Housekeeping and
response is available by calling the Resource Center at x6600.
Housekeeping will deposit all recovered mercury into a holding
container in Plant Operations. Plant Operations will arrange for
final disposal of mercury.
All mercury exposures should be immediately reported to
Employee Health.
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Hazard Communication
Informing Contractors
To ensure a safe working
environment, the project manager
should work with all contractors to
ensure the following:
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Information on which chemical
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hazards may be associated with the Job project.
Any measures that may be needed to reduce the risk of
exposure.
Copies of all MSDSs relevant to the project are
maintained on site.
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Hazard Communication
Overview
The National Fire Protection Association's
(NFPA) placard system provides a simple
system of hazard identification.
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The placard is diamond in shape.
It is color coded for type of hazard and number coded for
severity of the hazard.
Areas containing hazardous chemicals should be
properly identified.
This is also known as the Hazardous Material Identification
System (HMIS). The HMIS label is typically square in shape
and may not be substituted for a product label.
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Hazard Communication
Health Hazards
Health Hazards are signified with a blue
diamond.
4: Very short exposure could cause death or a
recurring illness, even though prompt medical
treatment is received.
3: Short exposure could cause serious temporary or recurring
illness, even though prompt medical treatment is received.
2: Intense or continued exposure could cause incapacitation or
possible recurring illness unless prompt medical attention is
given.
1: Exposure could cause irritation, but only minor illness, even if
no medical treatment is given.
0: Exposure presents no particular danger.
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Hazard Communication
Fire Hazards
Fire Hazards are rated in the red diamond.
4: Material that burns rapidly or completely
vaporizes at normal temperature.
3: Material that ignites at normal temperature and can ignite
spontaneously.
2: Material must be moderately heated or exposed to a
relatively high temperature before burning.
1: Material must be preheated before burning can occur.
0: Material that will not burn.
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Hazard Communication
Reactivity
Reactivity Hazards appear in the yellow
diamond.
4: Material that can detonate easily at normal
temperature.
3: Material that can detonate, but must have an ignition source
or will react explosively with water.
2: Material normally unstable. Will react violently with water.
1: Material normally stable, but can become unstable at high
temperatures, and may react with water.
0: Material normally stable, even under fire conditions, and will
not react with water.
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Hazard Communication
Special Hazards
The white diamond in the placard is used for
information purposes and can include a
number of symbols.
W: Do not use water with the material.
OX: The material has oxidizing properties.
Radioactive: The material is radioactive.
P: The material requires the use of protective equipment.
HazMat: There are hazardous materials in the area.
Laser: During use of the equipment, eye protection must be
worn in the immediate area.
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Hazard Communication
Be familiar with the Hazard Communication Program.
Recognize the importance of:
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material safety data sheets
chemical inventories
labels
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employee information and training
Be familiar with the NFPA placard system.
For more information about the Hazard Communication
Program, see the Safety Officer.
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Hazard Communication
Whenever you are handling hazardous materials, it is
imperative to wear the appropriate Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE).
The product label or material safety data sheet (MSDS) will
instruct you as to what PPE is required.
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Hazard Communication
We hope this Computer Based Learning course has been both
informative and helpful.
Feel free to review this course until you are confident about
your knowledge of the material presented.
Click the Take Test button on the left side when you are ready
to complete the requirements for this course.
Click on the My Records button to return to your CBL Courses
to Complete list.
Click the Exit button on the left to close the Student Interface.
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