Hazard Communication Requirements

Hazard Communication has gained attention recently with the
changes taking place in the labeling and MSDS uniformity requirements.? Labels must be consistent across
manufacturers so an employee working with the same chemical from two
manufactures receives the same warning messages.? The MSDS format and layout has been
universally established, so the order and way information is the same.? This allows employees working with the hazard
to quickly reference the area they need.

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The Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) must be received at
the time of first shipment received and available to employees that will work
with the hazard.? An employee working
directly with the chemical and the person transporting the chemical equally
need to know how to interact with the chemical to safely perform their
role.? The knowledge of the chemical
further promotes an understanding of then how to interact safely.?

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Training must be taken by each employee by the time they are
assigned to work with the hazard.? OSHA
does not consider simply handing an employee an MSDS to be properly training
and educating employees about the hazard.?
The employer?s training program is to be a form to explain the hazards
and how to properly use the information.?
Training can be taken through audiovisuals, interactive video, and
classroom instruction; but most importantly should include the opportunity for
the employee to ask questions to ensure they understand the information
presented.? That is not to say that each
individual chemical must individually be trained, but by category.? The categories might include acutely toxic
agents, sensitizers, and carcinogens.?

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Household products present in the workplace such as ?White
Out? or ?Windex? do not need to have MSDS on file if the usage is at levels
that a consumer would use and in the manner as directed.? If an employee uses more than a typical
consumer then they have a right to better understand the product they are
working with.? Concurrently, if the
product is the same, but needs to be used not as directed, the employee would
have the right to better understand the implications with an MSDS sheet.

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Hazard Communication revolves around promoting a greater
understanding by employees of what the potential dangers are of working with
the substance.? OSHA regulations continue
to evolve and update to implement new techniques and create safer work
environments.? Click here to contact a
Certified Industrial Hygienist in your area to assist you with keeping up with
the new regulations regarding Hazard Communication.


I just moved from Chicago to Tulsa, Oklahoma. ?I have two dogs and am a car enthusiast. Safety in today’s work environment is a passion of mine. ?