AmeriBest Home Care, Inc.
HAZARD COMMUNICATION PROGRAM
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued a new rule, The
Hazard Communication Standard. It states you have a “RIGHT TO KNOW” what
hazards you face on the job and how to protect yourself against them.
The Hazard Communication Standard affects everyone using chemicals in the
workplace.
Employers must:
1. Inform employees of the HAZARD COMMUNICATIONS STANDARD.
2. Explain how it is being put into effect in the workplace.
3. Provide information and training on hazardous chemicals including: how to
recognize, understand and use labels and Material Safety Date Sheets (MSDS)
and; how to use safe procedures when working with hazardous substances.
Employees must:
1. Learn how to protect themselves by reading labels and MSDS(s).
2. Follow all instructions and warnings.
What is a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)?
A MSDS is information provided by chemical manufacturer or distributors to inform
users about the physical and health hazards of each product produced.
Examples of Every Day Chemicals:
oven cleaners
copier toner (used in offices)
corrosive cleaners toxic or flammable solvents
pesticides
chlorine (in swimming pools)
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HAZARD COMMUNICATION TRAINING PROGRAM
OBJECTIVES:
1. The employee will develop and maintain a safety attitude within the workplace
2. The employee will be aware of and be able to identity hazardous chemicals
within their working environment.
3. The employee will utilize information to protect themselves by preventing
exposure to hazardous chemicals
4. The employee will understand how to read labels and MSDS(s)
PROCEDURE FOR TRAINING
Each employee who works with or may come in contact with hazardous chemicals in
the work place will receive training under this program.
Additional information and/or training will be provided whenever a new hazardous
chemical is introduced into the workplace.
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MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS (MSDS)
PURPOSE
The Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is a detailed information bulletin, prepared by
the manufacturer or importer, that describes the physical and chemical properties of a
chemical. Information contained in the MSDS aid in the selection of safer products and
helps prepare employers and employees to respond effectively to daily exposure
situations and emergencies when they occur
HOW DO YOU KNOW IF SOMETHING IS HAZARDOUS?
The first place to look is on the container of the substance. If the chemical is hazardous,
the label will inform you. Read all labels, follow instructions and refer to the MSDS. Ask
your supervisor if you have any questions.
The agency does not allow transfer of chemicals to a secondary container. All
hazardous chemicals must remain in the original labeled container.
MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET LABELS
OSHA specifies the information to be included on an MSDS, but does not prescribe the
precise format. The MSDS must be written or typed in English and must include at least
the following information.
1. The identity common name of the chemical or product as used on the label.
2. Manufacturer, Importer, Distributor, Supplier, etc.
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Address
Telephone number for information
Emergency telephone number
Date prepared
Signature name of preparer (optional)
3. Hazardous ingredients and identity information (CAS number)
4. Fire and explosion hazard data
5. Reactivity data
6. Health hazard data. Tells how the chemical could enter the body, for instance:
Inhaling, through the skin and swallowing. This section also covers signs and
symptoms of exposure, such as:
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Eye irritation
Skin rashes
Nausea
Headache
Dizziness
Existing medical conditions which could be aggravated by exposure
7. Precautions for safe handling and use:
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What to do if the substance spills or leaks
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How to dispose of the substance
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Equipment and procedures needed for cleaning up spills and leaks
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How to handle the substance properly
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How to store the substance
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Any other precautions
8. OSHA permissible exposure limits
9. Emergency first aid procedures
10. Waste disposal methods
11. Control measures:
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Ventilation
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Eye protection
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Protective gloves
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Other protective clothing or equipment
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Recommended work/hygienic practices
12. Hazardous Decomposition or byproducts
13. Physical and Chemical characteristics
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Boiling point
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Evaporation rate
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Vapor pressure
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Water solubility
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Vapor density
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Appearance and odor under normal conditions
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RESPONSIBILITY
Each manager shall be responsible for ensuring that MSDS(s) are received for all
chemicals or products composed of hazardous or extremely hazardous chemicals, as
required under OSHA regulation. The MSDS(s) should be kept in a binder that can be
found along with other policy and procedure manuals. All employees have access to
the manual and may receive their own copy upon request.
POINTS TO REMEMBER
The law means that you have a right to know about chemical hazards in the workplace.
However, hazard communication can protect only if you:
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read labels and MSDS(s)
know where to find information about chemicals
follow instructions and warnings
use correct protective clothing and equipment when handling hazardous
substances
learn emergency procedures
practice sensible, safe work habits
PHYSICAL HAZARDS
It is important for all persons coming in contact with a chemical to know the physical
hazards of a product. Will the product ignite or explode? How is it safely stored? The
MSDS(s) and labels will contain that information.
Most chemicals can be stored safely in their original containers and should not be
exposed to heat greater than 120F. Chemicals should be treated as if they are
flammable and should not be used near fire, sparks or flames.
The MSDS will inform you of particularly dangerous or unusual circumstances that
exist so that proper protection can be instituted.
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USE YOUR INFECTION CONTROL KIT TO PROTECT AGAINST INFECTIONS AND
HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS
The agency has made available to its employees an infection control kit. Items which
may be found in the kit may include:
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small clear bags
resuscitation device
medacide
biohazard labels
no rinse hand solution
goggles
paper towels
gowns
gloves
masks
Gloves, gowns and safety goggles should be utilized as necessary when coming in
contact with any chemicals encountered in the patient’s home. Refer to MSDS sheets
for specific instructions. Remember that the Medacide or other germicidal solution in
your kit is a hazardous chemical. Utilize eye protection, gloves and protective clothing
as necessary when cleaning blood and body fluid spills for infectious and chemical
protection.
LOCATION OF SPECIFIC HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS
The following is a list of common hazardous chemicals utilized in this location:
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Citricide Germicidal Deodorizer
Isopropyl Alcohol
MT Toner
Allied Spray Disinfectant
Bleach
Medacide Disinfectant
The following is a list of common hazardous chemicals that may be encountered by
contract personnel in patient’s homes:
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lsopropyl Alcohol
Bleach
Medacide Disinfectant
Control Ill
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All employees are responsible for reading MSDS(s) for chemicals that they encounter in
the workplace. The MSDS notebook is listed below and is available to all employees.
Employees may receive copies of individual MSDS(s) sheets upon request.
Citricide-Germicidal Deodorizer
A. Health Hazard Data
essentially non-irritating to eyes or skin. Single dose toxicity with ingestion
B. First Aid
1) Eyes- irrigate immediately with water for five minutes
2) Skin-- wash off with flowing water
3) Ingestion- induce vomiting with large amounts of liquid
4) Inhalation- remove to fresh air and consult physician
C. Special Handling
1) Requires good room ventilation
2) Protective clothing and safety glasses
D. Spill Procedures
1) Isolate damaged goods, wash exposed area with water
Isopropyl Alcohol
A. Health Hazards
1) Irritating and injurious to eyes and skin, danger if inhaled or ingested
B. First Aid
1) Eyes-flush for 15 minutes with large amounts of water and seek medical
attention
2) Skin- flush with large amounts of water and use soap if available
3) Inhalation-use respiratory protection, remove victim from exposure, get prompt
medical attention
4 Ingestion- DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. Get medical attention.
C. Special Handling
1) Good room ventilation, protective clothing and safety glasses when contact
may occur.
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MT Toner
A. Health Hazards
1) Minimal respiratory tract irritation when inhaled
B. First Aid
1) Eyes- flush with water for 15 minutes
2) Skin-wash well with soap and water
3) Inhalation- wash nostrils, rinse mouth
4) Ingestion-dilute stomach contents with several glasses of water
C. Special Handling
1) Sweep up or vacuum if spilled. No special personal protection required
Allied Spray Disinfectant
A. Health Hazards
1) Prolonged exposure may cause eye/skin irritation
2) Side effects with prolonged inhalation
B. First Aid
1) Eyes- flush with large amounts of water
2) Skin- flush with large amounts of water
3) Inhalation- remove victim to fresh air
4) Ingestion-drink plenty of water and seek medical attention
C. Special Handling
1) Soak spills with absorbent materials. Provide adequate ventilation to area
being treated. Gloves and eye glasses if contact anticipated.
Bleach
A. Health Hazards
1) Skin and eye irritant, may cause burns
B. First Aid
1) Eyes-flush with water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention.
2) Skin- remove contaminated clothing and wash with large amounts of water
3) Ingestion-give two to three glasses of water or milk. DO NOT INDUCE
VOMITING
C. Special Handling
1) Eye protection, gloves if sensitive. Wipe with plain water.
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Control Ill
A. Health Hazards
1) Eye irritant
B. First Aid
1) Eye-flush with water for 15 minutes
2) Ingestion-drink large amounts of milk, egg white, gelatin or water. Call
physician.
C. Special Handling
1) Protective goggles and gloves, rinse spills with water.
Liquid Paper
A. Health Hazards
1) None anticipated from normal use. Skin irritation may occur if contact is
prolonged/repeated. If splashed into eye, irritation can occur
B. First Aid
1) Skin-none under normal use conditions. Solvent can be absorbed through skin
(prolonged contact), but not likely in acutely toxic amounts. Wash with water.
2) Eyes-none under normal use conditions. Flush with water if eye exposure
3) Ingestion-no adverse effect anticipated from normal use. Drink water
4) Inhalation-aspiration may result in chemical pneumonitis. Seek medical
advice.
C. Special Handling
1) Product is flammable. No unusual handling or storage when used as directed.
When stored in large quantities (as in a warehouse), it should be in a wellventilated cool area, away from ignition sources.
2) Pick up spills with towels, tissues, etc.
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The Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
The MSDS is your guide to workplace safety. This hazard communication tool gives
details on chemical and physical dangers, safety procedures, and emergency response
techniques. Everything that’s known about the chemical is here. Your employer must
have one for every chemical and hazardous product in your workplace. It provides
additional information which cannot easily be put on the label. The MSDS covers:
1. Identity
Who makes it, their address, emergency phone number and date prepared.
2. Hazardous ingredients
You’ll find the substance’s hazardous components, chemical ID, and common
names. Worker exposure limits to the chemical, such as the OSHA PEL, TLV,
and other recommended limits are also included.
The only time you won’t find the identity of a chemical is when it is a trade secret.
But the MSDS will still tell you about its hazards and the safety measures they
require.
3. Physical and chemical characteristics
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Boiling point
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Vapor pressure
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Vapor density
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Melting point
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Evaporation rate
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Water solubility
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Appearance and odor under normal conditions
4. Physical hazards
such as fire and explosion – and ways to handle those hazards, such as
firefighting
5. Reactivity
tells you whether the substance is stable. You’ll learn which substances and
situations to keep it away from so it won’t react.
6. Health hazards
This section will tell you how the chemical could enter the body for instance:
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Inhaling
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Through the skin
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Swallowing
You’ll also learn about all the possible health hazards that could occur if the
chemical is believed to be a carcinogen.
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Health hazards also cover signs and symptoms of exposure, such as:
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Eye irritation
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Nausea
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Dizziness
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Skin rashes
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Headaches
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Existing medical conditions that could be aggravated by exposure
Plus emergency and first aid procedures if an accident happens.
7. Precautions for safe handling and use
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What to do if the substance spills or leaks
How to dispose of the substance
Equipment and procedures needed for cleaning up spills and leaks
Plus:
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How to handle the substance properly
How to store it
Any other precautions
8. Control Measures
To reduce harmful exposure risks listed in this section, you’ll find out what type of
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Respirator
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Gloves
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Eye protection
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Protective clothing
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Ventilation
to use when handling that particular chemical. Special work or hygiene practices
that should be followed will also be included here.
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IN HOME PROGRAM/PREFERRED
HOME CARE, INC.
HAZARD COMMUNICATION PROGRAM POST TEST
1. The Hazard Communication Program:
A. Gives employees information about the Hazard Communication standard and
how it is being implemented in their workplace
B. Provides information and training on hazardous chemicals
C. Gives information about the best products to use for a particular situation
1.
2.
3.
4.
A
A&B
C
All of the above
2. Employees should:
A. use chemicals without any protection, since dangerous chemicals would never
be used in a patient’s home
B. learn how to protect themselves by reading labels and MSDS(s) prior to using
chemicals
C. follow all instructions and warnings
1.
2.
3.
4.
A
B
B&C
All of the above
3. Nurse A and Nurse B both need to obtain a new bottle of germicidal cleanser for
their infection control kits. There is only one bottle left on the supply shelf. The nurses
would:
A. split the contents by pouring half of the solution into another bottle and labeling it
with the solution’s name
B. Nurse A takes the bottle and Nurse B sees patients without the cleanser until a
new shipment arrives from corporate
C. Nurse A takes the bottle and notifies supervisor of outage and makes other
provisions, as directed, prior to seeing patients
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1. A
2. B
3. C
4. The Hazardous Communication Program is:
A. confidential and can only be given out under special circumstances with the
Director’s approval
B. is accessible to all staff and is available for review at the office
C. able to be copied for each employee upon request
1. A
2. B
3. B & C
5. A MSDS:
A. is a Material Safety Data Sheet that chemical manufacturers use to let us know
about physical and health hazards of their products
B. is obtained by the nurse only by contacting the manufacturer of the product
C. gives information about how the product is superior to other products
D. should be read only if there is a problem regarding the products use
1.
2.
3.
4.
A
B
C
A&D
6. The immediate response to eye contact with a hazardous chemical is:
A. don’t do anything until you find the MSDS
B. call the doctor for instructions
C. flush the eyes with water immediately for 15 minutes and consult a physician
1. A
2. B
3. C
7. The immediate response to ingestion of a hazardous chemical is:
A. induce vomiting immediately
B. consult the label, MSDS or Poison Control Center immediately and follow
instructions
C. give large amounts of liquids, milk or water
D. call an ambulance in all cases
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1.
2.
3.
4.
A
B
C
D
8. The immediate response to inhalation of a hazardous chemical is:
A. remove victim from source and expose to fresh air, Seek medical attention
B. apply mask before using since this will prevent inhalation exposure
C. no action is usually required. There are no side effects associated with
chemical inhalation
1. A
2. B
3. C
TRUE OR FALSE
9. Chemical spills in the home should be cleaned up with the germicidal solution
in your infection control packet.
10. Your infection control packet can be used to protect you against infections
and hazardous chemicals.
11. Protective goggles are rarely used since eye contact with chemicals is
improbable.
12. Employees are responsible for reading labels and MSDS(s) prior’ to using a
new product.
13. Knowing the physical hazardous (will it explode or catch fire?) is not important
to health care workers, only plant workers.
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IN HOME PROGRAM/PREFERRED
HOME CARE, INC.
HAZARDOUS COMMUNICATION INSERVCE ANSWER SHEET
1. ________
2. ________
3. ________
4. ________
5. ________
6. ________
7. ________
8. ________
9. ________
10. ________
11. ________
12. ________
13. ________
I, the undersigned, have read the hazard communication inservice and answered the
above questions.
Name (print please)
Date
Signature
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