The Hazard Communication Standard (regulated by OSHA)
The Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910-1200), also known as the “Right to Know Law,” provides
to staff members the right to know about chemical hazards in their workplace. As part of this standard, new
staff members from affected departments receive training immediately upon hire. Training includes
information on:
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Staff members’rights under the standard;
Physical and health hazards of the materials and methods of detection;
Where to locate and how to read the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) covering toxic or
hazardous substances used, handled, or stored in their workplace;
Applicable protective equipment, clothing for personal protection; and
Labeling of substances that are hazardous.
Affected departments include Administrative Staff, Facilities & Services, Faculty and research staff, and
students. Each staff member is given a copy of the written Hazard Communication Program upon hire. All
staff have the right to access any MSDS during their normal work shift.
MSDS can also be obtained by from the Physical Plant Office, the Environmental Health & Safety Manager or
by going on-line. Many manufacturers have complete listings of MSDSs available on their websites.
WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CHEMICALS?
A chemical is considered hazardous if that chemical is likely to cause harm. There are two types of hazards
associated with chemicals:
Physical Hazards: the way a chemical interacts with other substances or the environment
Examples: explosion, ignition (fire), reacting violently with other substances
Health Hazards: the way that a chemical interacts with your body
Examples: short-term (dizzy, headaches, nausea); long-term (cancer, damage to internal organs)
Not all chemicals can be detected by odor. There are other ways to detect a release or presence of chemicals.
Other ways to detect are by appearance, odor, or immediate effects.
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WHAT WILL THE LABELS LOOK LIKE?
Various manufacturers have different labeling systems. Many companies use the universal hazard symbols
on the labels, as shown below.
(Highly) Toxic
Very hazardous to health when breathed,
swallowed, or in contact with the skin and may
even lead to death
Avoid contact with the body and immediately
consult a doctor if exposure occurs.
(Highly) Flammable
 Spontaneously flammable substances, avoid
contact with the air.
 Highly flammable gases, avoid formation of
flammable gas-air mixtures and keep away
from sources of ignition
 Substances sensitive to moisture, which
become readily flammable on contact with
water – avoid contact with moisture or water
 Flammable liquids with flash points below
21°C, keep away from open fires, sources of
heat and sparks.
Corrosive
Tissue as well as equipment are destroyed on
contact
Do not breathe vapors and avoid contact with
skin, eyes and clothing
Explosive
Substance may explode under definite conditions
Avoid shock, friction, sparks and heat.
Harmful to the Environment (do not dispose
of these materials into the drain)
Harmful (Xn) or Irritant (Xi)
May also have an “Xn” or “i” written above the X
Xn: When taken in by the body, can cause slight
damage
Avoid contact with the body, including inhalation
of vapors.
Xi: May have irritating effect on skin, eyes, and
respiratory organs
Do not breathe vapors and avoid contact with skins
and eyes.
Oxidizer
Can ignite combustible material or worsen existing
fires and thus make fire-fighting more difficult
Keep away from combustible material
Carcinogen (cancer hazard)
Chronic exposure may lead to the development of
cancer
Do not breathe vapors and avoid contact with skin
and eyes.
WHAT OTHER HAZARD SYMBOLS MIGHT I ENCOUNTER?
The symbols below may be found on doors in CAMP, Rowley, and the Science Center and are there to warn
you of the potential hazards inside the room.
Lasers (Class 3b and 4)
Can cause harm to skin and eyes if
not properly protected
Consult with Faculty prior to
entering the area.
Biohazardous Material
Materials may be blood, body
fluids, or tissue from humans or
human-like primate
Avoid exposure to skin and
mucous membranes (skin, eyes,
nose, or mouth)
Caution: Radiation Area
Radiation device or with exposure at
or exceeding 5 mR/hr (millirem per
hour)
Consult with Faculty or Radiation
Safety Officer prior to entering.
Caution: Radioactive Materials
Room contains low-level radioactive
materials.
Must be locked and secured when
not in use. All equipment will be
posted with this symbol.
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CLARKSON UNIVERSITY HAZARD SIGNS
The sign to the right is posted on every laboratory door.
Hazards present in the laboratory will be indicated on the
door. Chemical hazards will be indicated in the “Health”,
“Flammability”, and “Physical Hazard” section.
Details on understanding the information on this sign can be
found on page 7 of this guide.
OTHER LABELING INFORMATION
Some labels may have the following National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) labeling system present.
Fire Hazard (Red)
0- Will not burn
1- Ignites after preheating
2- Ignites if moderately Heated
3- Can be ignited under almost all
normal temperature conditions
4- Very flammable gases or very
volatile flammable liquids
Health Hazard (Blue)
0- No unusual hazard
1- Can cause irritation
2- May be harmful if inhaled or
absorbed.
3- Corrosive or toxic. Avoid skin
contact or inhalation.
4- Can cause death or major
injury on short exposure.
4
(RED)
2
3
(BLUE)
(YELLOW)
W
(WHITE)
Reactivity (Yellow)
0- Normally stable. Not reactive
with water.
1- Normally stable. Unstable at
high temperatures and
pressure. May react with
water.
2- Normally unstable but will not
detonate.
3- Can detonate or explode but
requires strong initiating force
or heating under confinement.
4- Readily detonates or explodes.
Specific Hazard (White)
POL- Polymerizes under normal
conditions
OXY- Oxidizing agent
COR- Strong Corrosive
W- Water Reactive
EXP- Explosive-heat or shock
sensitive
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USER'S GUIDE TO MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS
Material Safety Data Sheets (abbreviated MSDS) are prepared by manufacturers to summarize the health
and safety information about their products.
TO OBTAIN AN MSDS
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Search for MSDS documents on the chemical manufacturer website.
Search the MSDS files in the Physical Plant.
Call the Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) Manager (x 6640).
Call the manufacturer.
COMPONENTS OF AN MSDS
SECTION ONE: IDENTITY
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Trade name used on the label and inventory list
Manufacturer's name, address, and emergency telephone number
Preparation and revision dates
SECTION TWO: HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS
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Chemical and Common Names of all the hazardous components
Exposure Limits
 ACGIH TLV: 8-hour time-weighted average
 OSHA PEL: 8-hour time-weighted average
These are not necessarily proven safe levels of exposure. If the exposure limit is not
listed, don't assume that a chemical is safe. Contact the EH&S Manager for further
information.
 Percentage of the Mixture (optional). The percentages do not usually add up
to 100% since only the hazardous ingredients have to be listed.
SECTION THREE: PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS
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Vapor Pressure--a measure of a liquid's tendency to evaporate.
Vapor Density--reflects whether a vapor or gas is lighter or heavier than air
Appearance and Odor--These are warning properties that allow you to detect
when you are being exposed to a material.
SECTION FOUR: FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARD DATA
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Flash Point--the lowest temperature at which a liquid gives off enough vapors,
which when mixed with air, can be easily ignited by a spark. The lower the
flash point, the greater the risk of fire or explosion. Remember, it's the vapors
that burn, not the liquid.
SECTION FIVE: REACTIVITY DATA
Reactivity, in this context, is the tendency for a material to chemically change or breakdown and to
become more dangerous. Precautions include:
 Conditions to Avoid--such as light or heat
 Materials to Avoid--for example: sodium and water will react vigorously to generate
hydrogen, creating a fire hazard.
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SECTION SIX: HEALTH HAZARD DATA
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Routes of entry-- How a hazardous material can enter your body: Inhalation,
Skin Absorption, and Ingestion.
Short-Term Health Effects (ACUTE)-- symptoms which may be felt immediately after
the first brief contact, like: burns, watery eyes, sore throat
Long-Term Health Effects (CHRONIC)-- symptoms which may be felt after repeated
contact with the same hazardous material over a long period of time.
References that list a chemical as a carcinogen or potential carcinogen.
Signs and Symptoms of Exposure
Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure
Emergency and First-Aid Procedures
If you need health hazard information that is not listed on the MSDS, contact the EH&S
Manager (x 6640).
SECTION SEVEN: PRECAUTIONS FOR SAFE HANDLING AND USE
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Spill and Leak Procedures—The EH&S Manager or Institute Safety Officer can
advise you on specific procedures and provide protective equipment. The person
or laboratory who creates a spill is responsible for assisting in the clean-up if he/she is
not injured.
Waste Disposal—Contact Phil Dennicort in the Chemical Stock Room (x 2338) or the
EH&S Manager (x 6640) for further information.
SECTION EIGHT: CONTROL MEASURES
The EH&S Manager can answer specific questions regarding ventilation and personal protective
equipment for normal working conditions and emergencies. Suitable control measures are based on how
a material is used.
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PROTECTIVE MEASURES
There are many ways to protect yourself against exposure to hazardous materials. Below are some examples
of ways to reduce your risk of exposure. For further information, contact the Environmental Health & Safety
Manager.
SUBSTITUTION
Substitution is used when alternative materials are available. A less hazardous material should be substituted
for the more hazardous material being used. Factors that should be taken into consideration include cost
effectiveness of the substitute and potential hazards of the new substance.
ENGINEERING CONTROLS
Using other means to control or reduce exposure is another way to protect workers. The use of ventilation is
one example of an engineering control. By installing additional ventilation, inhalation hazards can be reduced.
Another engineering control would be the installation of a barrier, such as a glove box or screens. The use of a
barrier places additional protection between the worker and the hazard.
SAFE WORK PRACTICES
The implementation of proper procedures and other policies can inform staff on what protective measures
should be taken when handling the material. Staff who know and follow the procedures will reduce their risk
of exposure.
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
Clarkson University is responsible for selecting and providing appropriate personal protective equipment for
their employees and for providing training. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) are not equally effective for
every hazardous material. Therefore, selection is to be based on the specific material to be handled. Your
supervisor or the EH&S Office can provide information on the appropriate PPE used in your work area.
Respirators: If worn improperly or under the wrong conditions, respirators can be more hazardous
than protective. If you think there is a need for respirator use in your area, please contact the EH&S
Manager prior to wearing the respirator. The EH&S Manager will determine whether engineering
controls can be put into place or if a respirator is required.
Staff must be medically cleared and fit-tested before wearing any respirator. Please contact the EH&S
Manager at x 6640 with questions regarding respirator use at Clarkson University.
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Hazard Door Sign Guide
Health Definitions
4 Severe
3 Serious
Death or major injury
Extreme danger
2
Moderate
Hazardous
Slight
Minimum
Chronic
Slightly hazardous
No unusual hazard
Effects may be seen after long-term exposure
1
0
*
Flammability Definitions
4 Severe
Burns readily
3 Serious
Will ignite at most ambient conditions
2 Moderate
Will ignite if moderately heated
1 Slight
Will ignite if preheated
0 Minimum
Will not Burn
Physical Hazards
4 Severe
3 Serious
Biohazard
Contact
Hazard
Cryogenic
Safety Glasses
Gloves
Goggles
Lab Coat
Physical Hazard Definitions
May emit ionizing radiation
May cause damage to health or environment
Level 1 No harm to humans, minimal hazard potential
Level 2
Moderate
Slight
Minimum
Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)
Physical Hazard Definitions
Radioactive
Materials
2
1
0
Human biological material or pathogens;
Concern with direct contact; no inhalation
hazard
Dangerous when exposed to skin, eyes,
mucous membranes
Water
Reactive
W
High energy light
May cause eye injury or sun burn
Ultraviolet
Light
Laser
Material with severely low temperatures
Asphyxiation, frostbite, pressure build up and
explosion hazards
Unusual reactivity with water
Compressed gas under pressure
Gas
Cylinder
Intense beam of light; hazard to eyes and skin
Exempt Lasers
Class 1
Class 2
Low Power Visible Lasers
Class 3
Medium Power Lasers and Laser Systems
Class 4
High Power Lasers and Laser Systems
Explosive or extremely rapid release of
gas and heat
Can increase the rate of combustion or fire
Oxidizer
Explosive or reactive
May form explosive mixtures or react with source
Materials unstable and may undergo violent chemical
change
Normally stable, but can become unstable
Normally stable; will not react
Explosive
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