Hazard Communication Program Your "RIGHT TO KNOW"
Hazard Communication Program OSHA Standard 1910.1200 Your "RIGHT TO KNOW" This standard requires that our hospital maintain a written safety plan describing the hazards associated with the use of chemicals used in departments. The purpose of this plan is to instruct employees on how to deal with hazardous chemicals safely. You have the right to know: 1. what hazardous chemicals you may be exposed to while performing your job and 2. what precautions you need to take to stay safe
Hazardous Materials Require Special Precautions If mishandled, a hazardous chemical can cause: 1. Fires which can endanger everyone in the facility 2. Injuries: chemical burns, eye injuries, lasting disabilities 3. Poisonings: inhalation or swallowing certain substances can be deadly 4. Other health problems: long term exposure to certain substances may increase risk of cancer.
Be Cautious and Read Labels Take Precautions Read all warning signs in your work area Know the hazards of a chemical before you handle it Use Personal Protective Equipment recommended * eye protection * respirators * face mask or shield * gloves * aprons * gowns * protective footwear * booties
Be Cautious and Take Precautions Follow proper handling procedures that have been established by your department for example, adequate ventilation (lab hood) never mix chemicals unless trained use approved equipment for dispensing wear the recommended PPE Ensure chemicals are properly stored Know your spill clean up procedures Know where your eye wash station is and how to use it Wash your hands as required WHEN IN DOUBT - ASK YOUR SUPERVISOR
Routes of Entry Know How You can be Exposed Hazardous materials can get into your body by the following three routes of entry. Inhalation Ingestion Absorption through skin (includes splashes into the eyes) All staff-- in every department-- need to take precautions!
All hazards are categorized by Health, Flammability, and Reactivity; each colored bar or diamond represents a different class Blue = Health, Red = Flammability, and Yellow = Reactivity Hazard Class
Rating Scale of Hazards Number Degree of Hazard 4 EXTREME 3 SERIOUS 2 MODERATE 1 SLIGHT 0 MINIMAL
Labeling Hazardous Chemicals Always check labels before starting any task involving a chemical. Labels placed on containers are basic and typically do not include pertinent, detailed information so in some instances, you may want to refer to the Safety Data Sheet or SDS. Manufacturers are responsible for evaluating their chemical products, and creating the Material Safety Data Sheet, which is the most comprehensive written information about that chemical. MCMH requires any chemical transferred from its original container to a secondary container be labeled with at least the basic information from the original container. Chemical labels can be created using the MSDS Online Program. Please contact Judy Brown to make labels.
A Change in OSHA Standards Introducing GHS.. Globally Harmonized System of Classification & Labeling of Chemicals
Globally Harmonized System What is it? The Globally Harmonized System is a standardized approach to communi- cating the hazards of chemicals to the end user, be it on the label or on the Safety Data Sheet (SDS).
Globally Harmonized System Why did OSHA adopt it? The Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and labelson chemicals will have a standardized format making it easier for the end user to comprehend the hazards, thus helping to ensure appropriate handling and safer use of workplace chemicals.
Globally Harmonized System What are the major changes that will occur? Hazard Classification: Hazard definitions have changed to provide specific criteria for classification of health and physical hazards, and mixtures to ensure evaluations of hazardous effects process is consistent with all manufacturers. Labels: Chemical manufacturers and importers will be required to provide a label that includes a harmonized signal word, pictogram, and hazard statement for each hazard class and category. Safety Data Sheets (SDS): The word Material will be dropped, and Safety Data Sheets will now have a specified 16-section format.
Globally Harmonized System What is the phase-in period for these revisions? The table below summarizes the phase-in dates set by OSHA. Completion Date Requirement(s) Responsible 12/1/ 2013 Train employees on the new label elements and Employers Safety Data Sheet (SDS) format. 6/1/2015 Compliance with all modified provisions of this Chemical manufacturers, final rule, except: importers, distributors 12/1/2015 The Distributor shall not ship containers labeled by the and employers chemical manufacturer or importer unless it is a GHS label. 6/1/2016 Update alternative workplace labeling and hazard communi- Employers cation program as necessary, and provide additional employee training for newly identified or health hazards. Transition Period to May comply with either 29 CFR 1010.1200 Chemical manufacturers, the effective comple- (the final standard), or the current standard, importers, distributors tion dates noted above or both. and employers
Globally Harmonized System Pictograms and Signal Words used to identify chemical hazards.
Globally Harmonized System Sections of the Safety Data Sheet (SDS).
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) / Safety Data Sheet (SDS) Online Program Each department submits its' lists of chemicals they use in their department to Materials Management. All lists are put into a database which collectively makes up our 'e-binder' in the MSDS Online Program. This program is available for everyone's use. Judy Brown in Materials Management is the Administer of the Program. When new or updated MSD Sheets are received via email, the database (or e-binder) is updated by Judy immediately. This ensures our database is always current.
MSDS/SDS Online Backup Measures If a system failure occurs, or an MSDS/SDS cannot be located in the program, our backup systems are: First option in an emergency, call Poison Controlthe number is stickered on every phone. Hard copies of all MSDS/SDS can be found in Judy Brown's office in Materials Management. Hard copies of MSDS/SDS for all drugs are kept in the Pharmacy. Please notify Judy Brown if an MSDS cannot be located in our database.
MSDS/SDS Online Program Your MSDS/SDS Program can be accessed through any hospital computer with Internet access. Each monitor has a desktop icon labeled Intranet represented by a yellow star. 1. Click the Intranet icon 2. Click MSDS Online You're at the Home Page and ready to search. Search by typing in the chemical or manufacturer's name and click search. Click the PDF icon to view or print.
CONCLUSION If you have any questions regarding the Hazardous Communication Program at MCMH, please contact the Safety Department