Hazard Communication Training
For
CWU Personnel
The Hazard Communication Standard is also known as the “Employee Right to Know”
Act. This law requires that employers advise employees of any hazardous chemicals or
products that are used in their work environment.
What is hazardous? A hazardous chemical is one that can cause physical harm
or health problems. A hazardous chemical can be flammable, toxic, corrosive, or
react with other chemicals.
What is required if there are hazardous chemicals or products in my work
area?
1. A list must be made of all chemicals or products that are hazardous and
kept or used in the work area.
2. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for every listed chemical or product
must be kept in a file or binder that is accessible to all employees at all
times.
3. Employees must be told what information can be found on the Material
Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).
4. All chemicals or products must be labeled as to the name of the product or
chemical and the hazard that it poses. Original labels should always be
left in place. If a product is put into a different container it must be
labeled properly.
5. Training must be provided to employees about the hazardous chemicals or
products and where they can find information about these hazards.
6. Supervisors will provide Hazard Communication training at initial job
assignments and whenever a new chemical product with hazardous
characteristics is introduced into employees’ work area.
Are there hazardous chemicals or products used in an office setting? Most
products used within an office-setting fall under the retail products or
manufactured items that remain intact exemption to the Hazard Communication
Standard. The exemption states:
Retail products used in offices in the same manner and frequency used by
consumers, can be termed “consumer products”, and include things such
as correction fluid, glass cleaner, and dishwashing liquid.
This exemption also covers manufactured items that remain intact such as
enclosed toner cartridges, ink cartridges, etc.
If most office products fall under these exemptions, why do I have to know
about the Hazard Communication Standard? It is important that employees
know that CWU has a written Hazard Communication Program and that Material
Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for hazardous chemicals or products are made
available to employees. It is also important that employees realize that products
should be kept in their original container with original labels. If a product must
be transferred to another container it must be labeled with the product’s name and
hazard.
What is a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)? An MSDS is a document that
is prepared by the manufacturer of a chemical or product that gives specific
information about that product. Information that can be found on an MSDS
includes: Name of the product, name and address of manufacturer, hazardous
chemicals in the product, physical/chemical characteristics, fire hazard data,
reactivity data, health hazard data, safe handling and use information, and control
measures.
Our department has a binder full of Material Data Sheets for office products
such as correction fluid and Magic markers, should we throw our binder in
the garbage? No. It is helpful to have this information in case of an emergency
and to make sure that workers know that this information is available.
How can I get a copy of the CWU written Hazard Communication Program?
Contact the Environmental Health and Safety Department at x2338 and they will
provide you with a copy.
What do I do if I have a question about the hazards of a product used in my
work area? Contact the Environmental Health & Safety Department at 2338 for
assistance.