Hazard Communication - GHS

1. Hazard
Communication
GENERAL
Revised to include the Global
Harmonization Standard (GHS)
1
Revised December 2016

2. Introduction
The purpose of this training is to familiarize you
with the Occupational Safety and Health
Administration’s (OSHA) Hazard Communication
standard 29 CFR 1910.1200
&
The Alaska Occupational Safety and Health
Program (AKOSH) standard
8 AAC 61.1110
(adds the requirement to include physical agents)
2

3. Overview
• What is Hazard Communication?
• What are the program requirements?
• Hazards of non-routine work
• Training requirements
• Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
• Physical Agent Data Sheets (PADS)
• Labeling
• What are the hazards?
• Health & Physical
• Other
• Routes of exposure/entry
• Protective measures
• Inventory requirements
• What now?
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4. Hazard Communication
• OSHA Hazard Communication Standard 29 CFR
1910.1200 – “Right to Know” went into effect in
November 1985. Often referred to as “Hazcom.”
• OSHA updated the Hazard Communication Standard
(HCS) in 2012 to be more in line with global systems.
This update provides a common and coherent approach
to classifying chemicals and communicating hazard
information on labels and safety data sheets.
• The purpose of Hazcom is to ensure that information
concerning hazards associated with the workplace is
communicated to employees.
• You, as an employee, have the right to understand the
hazards in your work area and the potential effects of
these hazards upon your health and safety.
4

5. Hazard Communication
It may seem easy enough to expect chemicals
and physical hazards to be in labs, shops, and
maintenance areas; however, hazards can also
be found in offices, classrooms, and other work
areas.
These may include:
Copier/printer toners
Dry erase cleaners
Cleaning chemicals, sprays
Vibration
Extreme temperatures
Noise
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6. Hazard Communication
• Hazardous materials (chemical products) and
physical agents (radiation, lasers, vibration, etc.)
can be found anywhere. It has been estimated
that over a half million chemical products are
used by business and industry every year. Some
of these hazards pose little danger to you, while
others may be deadly.
• Modern manufacturing would not be possible
without chemicals and processes. However, like
machinery or electrical equipment, you must
know how to use chemicals safely.
• The first step in working safely is to recognize
those materials and processes that may be
hazardous to your health or physical safety.
6

7. Program Requirements
The OSHA Hazcom Standard contains several key
areas of compliance to include:
•Written Program - A written program must be developed
which ties together all of the elements below.
•Safety Data Sheets – Written or printed material
containing detailed information of each hazardous
material listed on the Materials Inventory.
•Labeling – Information that is affixed to, printed on,
or attached to the immediate container of a
hazardous chemical, or to the outside packaging.
•Training - All employees must be trained to identify and
work safely with hazardous materials.
•Materials Inventory - A list of the hazardous materials
and other physical hazards present in your work area.
7

8. Written Hazcom Program
UAF’s Written Hazard Communication Program is
titled: UAF Policy and Procedure #503, Hazard
Communication Procedure
This document can be accessed at:
http://www.uaf.edu/safety/occupational-
safety/hazard-communication/
The written policy addresses the following
information (also included in this training):
• Information regarding non-routine hazards
• Employee training information
• Safety Data Sheets
• Labels and other forms of warning
• Hazard communication in multi-employer work areas 8

9. Workplace-Specific
Hazard Communication Plan
To facilitate compliance with UAF Policy
503, departments shall also complete and
maintain a “Workplace-Specific Hazard
Communication Plan”
The plan template can be found on the
Environmental, Health, Safety, and Risk
Management (EHSRM) website at:
http://www.uaf.edu/safety/occupational-
safety/hazard-communication/
9

10. Hazards of
Non-Routine Tasks
Periodically, employees may be required to perform
hazardous tasks that are non-routine.
Prior to starting work on such projects
•Affected employees must be given information by their
supervisor on the hazards to which they may be exposed while
performing such tasks.
This information will include:
• Specific hazard information
• Measures the department has taken to reduce the risk of
these hazards, such as providing ventilation, ensuring the
presence of another employee, providing a respiratory
protection program, and establishing emergency procedures
• Required personal protective equipment
DO NOT PROCEED until you have been provided this information! 10

11. Employee Training Requirements
• Employee training is an integral part of the Hazcom
program and must be provided:
• At the time of initial assignment (within 10 days of hire)
• Whenever a new hazard is introduced into the workplace, and
• When employees may be exposed to workplace hazards
created by another employer at the worksite (a contractor)
• Hazcom GHS training
• Provides a general overview of the OSHA HCS and UAF Hazard
Communication Procedure
• Hazcom– Site specific training
• In addition to this general overview training you are to
receive site-specific training from your supervisor.
• This training will include specific hazards in your work area,
contents of unlabeled pipes, and methods to reduce hazards
(engineering controls, administrative controls, product
substitution, and personal protective equipment, etc.).
11

12. • The SDS replaces the Material
Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
• Required since June 1, 2015
12
Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

13. Safety Data Sheets
• Written or printed material
concerning a hazardous chemical
that references and identifies
specific characteristics, hazards,
and other requirements related
to the use of the product
• Safety Data Sheets are available for ALL of the
hazardous materials present in your work areas
• Each department, lab or shop MUST maintain a
Safety Data Sheet for each hazardous chemical
product listed on their inventory
• May be maintained in any form (hard copy, e-copy,
etc.) but must be readily accessible to all
employees, during each shift, whenever they are in
their work area
13

14. SDS Information
The Hazard Communication Standard (HCS)
requires chemical manufacturers, distributors, or
importers to provide Safety Data Sheets (SDSs)
(formerly known as Material Safety Data Sheets or
MSDSs) to communicate the hazards of hazardous
chemical products.
Unlike the previous Material Safety Data Sheet
format, the new HCS requires SDSs to be in a
standard 16 section format, and include the section
numbers, the headings, and associated information
under the headings.
The following slides list those sections and the
general content contained in each section…..
14

15. SDS Section Information
Section 1 - Identification includes product identifier; manufacturer
or distributor name, address, phone number; emergency phone number;
recommended use; and any restrictions on use.
Section 2 - Hazard(s) Identification includes all hazards
regarding the chemical; and lists required label elements.
Section 3 - Composition/Information on Ingredients includes
information on chemical ingredients, including trade secret claims.
Section 4 - First-Aid Measures includes important symptoms, acute
effects, delayed affects, and required treatment.
Section 5 - Fire-Fighting Measures lists suitable extinguishing
techniques and equipment; and hazardous chemical hazards that may be
produced during a fire.
Section 6 - Accidental Release Measures lists emergency
procedures, protective equipment, and proper methods of containment
and cleanup.
15

16. SDS Section Information
Section 7 - Handling and Storage lists precautions for safe handling
and storage, including incompatibilities.
Section 8 - Exposure Controls/Personal Protection lists OSHA’s
Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs), Threshold Limit Values (TLVs),
appropriate engineering controls, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
Section 9 - Physical and Chemical Properties lists the
chemical’s characteristics.
Section 10 - Stability and Reactivity lists chemical stability
and possibility of hazardous reactions.
Section 11 - Toxicological Information includes routes of
exposure, related symptoms, acute and chronic effects, and numerical
measures of toxicity.
16

17. SDS Section Information
Section 12 - Ecological Information include effects of chemical
if released into the environment, and describes the chemical’s
environmental fate.
Section 13 - Disposal Considerations list proper procedures for
disposal.
Section 14 - Transport Information provides shipping
information
Section 15 - Regulatory Information provides information on
regulations affecting the chemical.
Section 16 - Other information includes the date of preparation or
last revision.
17

18. How to obtain a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for
products listed on your Materials Inventory
• EHSRM recommends using the SDS management
system “MSDS Online®
” for obtaining the most up-
to date Safety Data Sheets available
• The MSDS Online®
program is accessed through the
same web-based “Environmental Health and
Safety Assistant (EHS Assist) program you’ll use
to manage your chemical inventory
• Information on how to access to these programs,
along with tutorials on their use, can be found on
the EHSRM website at:
http://www.uaf.edu/safety/industrial-
hygiene/laboratory-safety/chem-gas/chemical-
inventory/
18

19. What you need to know about your
Safety Data Sheets (SDSs)
• Ask your supervisor or manager where the SDSs
are located in your work area or contact EHSRM
for assistance. SDSs must always be available!
• Take time to read the SDSs which contain
important information about the hazardous
materials present in your workplace.
• Understand the safe use and handling, storage,
transport, and disposal requirements
• Know the exposure and spill provisions of your
materials
• Remember, knowing where your SDS are located
and how to use them is your responsibility. It is
part of your job. 19

20. Physical Agents
20
Alaska Administrative Code 8 AAC 61.110
Additional Hazard Communication Standards
•Requires employers to also maintain a Physical Agent
Data Sheet (PADS) for each physical agent in the
workplace that exceeds established thresholds
•Physical agents may include the following:
 Heat and Cold Stress
 Ionizing Radiation
 Lasers
 Radio Frequency
 Microwave and Ultraviolet Radiation
 Noise
 Hand-Arm (segmental) Vibration

21. Physical Agents
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•EHSRM can help you determine if these agents
exist in your workplace and whether occupational
thresholds have been, or may be, exceeded
•If these hazards exist in your workplace,
employees must be trained on the applicable PADS
•Departments can access PADS on the EHSRM
website at:
http://www.uaf.edu/safety/occupational-
safety/hazard-communication/
……or directly from the AKOSH website at:
http://labor.alaska.gov/lss/pads/pads.htm

22. Labeling
• Container labels provide employees with immediate
information regarding the physical and health hazards of the
specific hazardous material within the container
• Chemical manufacturers, importers, and distributors must
ensure that hazardous material containers leaving their
workplaces are properly labeled
• Labels MUST contain the following information:
• The Product Identifier
• Signal Word
• Hazard Statement(s)
• Pictogram(s)
• Precautionary Statement(s)
• Name, Address, and Telephone Number of Chemical
Manufacturer, Importer, or other Responsible Party
22

23. Key Label Terms
• The Product Identifier: A name or number used for a
hazardous chemical on a label or SDS. It provides a unique
means by which the user can identify the chemical.
• Signal Word: indicates the relative level of severity of
hazard and alert the reader to a potential hazard on the
label. Example: "Danger" is used for the more severe
hazards, and “Warning" is used for the less severe hazards.
• Hazard Statement(s): a statement assigned to a hazard
class and category that describes the nature of the
hazard(s) of a chemical, including, where appropriate, the
degree of hazard
• Pictogram: are symbols and other graphic elements which
convey specific information about the hazards of a chemical.
Eight pictograms are designated under this standard for
application to a hazard category
• Precautionary Statement: describes recommended
measures that should be taken to minimize or prevent
adverse effects resulting from exposure to a hazardous
chemical, or improper storage or handling
23

24. Labeling = Immediate Awareness
An important part of the hazard communication labeling
process is helping employees better understand the risks of
using hazardous materials….BEFORE someone gets hurt!
•First, the label SIGNAL WORD gives an immediate indication on
the severity of chemical hazard
•Second, the label Hazard Statement provides an immediate
indication of the actual hazards
•Third, the Precautionary Statement provides timely
recommendations to help prevent adverse exposure or improper
use.
The Signal Word "DANGER" could mean life-threatening:
•Highly flammable vapor…… (Hazard Statement)
•Use of explosion-proof equipment required and do not
breathe vapors…… (Precautionary Statement)
Would that influence you on how to use that product?
24

25. Labeling
GHS Pictograms
25

26. Required Labeling Information
26

27. Labeling Reminders
• UAF employees must ensure that workplace
labels are legible and prominently displayed on
the container, or readily available in the work
area throughout each work shift
• Labels serve only as an immediate warning. See
the Safety Data Sheet for detailed information.
• Do not remove or deface existing labels on
incoming containers of hazardous chemicals,
unless the container is immediately marked with
the required information
• NOTE: Laboratory workers who ship hazardous
chemicals are required to affix HCS-compliant
labels to the containers as well as supply a SDS
to the receiving party, and must be trained to
ship these materials. Contact EHSRM at 474-
6771 for assistance. 27

28. Labeling Exception
Labeling is not required on portable containers into
which hazardous chemicals are transferred from
labeled containers, and which are intended only
for the immediate use of the employee who
performs the transfer
Best Practice: Label transfer containers in the event
they are misplaced or not immediately used
28

29. Workplace Labeling
Options
While shipped containers require certain information
previously discussed, there are other options for
labeling in the workplace
•Chemical containers in the workplace may contain
the original manufacturer, importer or distributor
label, or….
•Other labeling systems can be used that convey a
product identifier and words, pictures, symbols, etc.,
that provide general information regarding the
chemical hazards*
* When alternate labels are used, other written
information, such as SDSs, must also be present in the
workplace which provide “specific” physical and
health hazard information on that product 29

30. Special Labeling
Options for Laboratory Chemicals
• Some containers at UAF pre-date the GHS-
Hazcom standard, and do not have pictograms
or hazard statements on the label
• You can re-label the container with a GHS-
compliant label, available through MSDS
Online, your Chemical Hygiene Officer, or
EHSRM
• Some containers are too small to
accommodate a label with all of the required
information
• If you use such chemicals, it is YOUR
responsibility to read the GHS-compliant SDS
for that chemical to obtain hazard information
prior to using the chemical
30

31. Workplace Labeling
Options
Acceptable forms of labeling include:
• Primary labels provided by the manufacturers,
distributors, or suppliers*
• Hazardous Material Information System (HMIS)
• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
• Department of Transportation (DOT)
• Mallinckrodt Baker
• Fisher
Example Label:
Ask EHSRM for assistance with procuring new, or replacing
worn labels for your department’s chemical containers
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32. Materials Inventory
• Your Department Supervisor will
prepare and keep current an
inventory list of all known hazardous
chemicals present in your workplace
• Departments are required to use the
Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS)
Assistant Program to create and maintain their
hazardous materials inventory
• Guidance and tutorials on how to create an
inventory, as well as access to the EHS Assist
Program, can be found on the EHSRM website:
http://www.uaf.edu/safety/industrial-
hygiene/laboratory-safety/chem-gas/chemical-
inventory/
32

33. Health Hazards
You must understand how to detect the presence or
release of hazardous chemicals in their work area
Additionally, you must understand how to protect
yourself from hazardous chemical exposures
•Your supervisor must instruct you on the health
and physical hazards of chemicals used in your
work area
•Health hazard information can be found in Sections
2 and 11 on the product’s Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
33

34. Health Hazards
A chemical that can have acute or chronic
health effects is a health hazard
•The following is a brief description of types of
chemicals with major health hazards and their
appropriate pictogram. These hazards include:
• Sensitizers
• Toxic substances
• Irritants
• Carcinogens
• Corrosive agents which damage lungs, skin, eyes, or
mucus membranes
34

35. Health Hazard Effects
Sensitizers - cause an allergic skin or
lung reaction
Acutely Toxic Materials - cause an adverse
effect, even at a very low dose
Primary Irritants - cause intense redness or
swelling of the skin or eyes on contact, but with
no permanent tissue damage
Organ-Specific Hazards - may cause damage to
specific organ systems, such as the blood, liver,
lungs, or reproductive system
35

36. Health Hazard Effects
Corrosives - cause tissue damage and burns
on contact with the skin and eyes
Carcinogens and Teratogens - may cause
cancer or birth defects, respectively
REMEMBER – These and other specific health
hazards are listed on the Safety Data Sheet!
The pictogram on the product label is your
first warning as to the hazardous nature of the
chemical!
36

37. Physical Hazards
Any chemical that is classified as having one of the
following hazardous effects:
Combustible
liquid
Compressed gas
Explosive
Flammable
Organic
peroxide
Oxidizer
Unstable (reactive)
Pyrophoric
Water reactive
37

38. Other Types of Hazards
• “Simple Asphyxiant” Hazards – a substance or
mixture that displaces oxygen in the ambient
atmosphere, and can thus cause oxygen deprivation in
those who are exposed, leading to unconsciousness and
death.
• “Combustible Dust” Hazards - dusts that may cause
a deflagration, other fires, or an explosion. These dusts
include, but are not limited to: metal, wood, coal,
plastic, adhesives, biosolids, sugar, flour, paper, etc.
• “Pyrophoric Gas” Hazards - a chemical in a gaseous
state that will ignite spontaneously in air at a
temperature of 130 degrees F (54.4 degrees C) or less.
• Hazards not Otherwise Classified - an adverse
physical or health effect that does not meet the
specified criteria for the physical and health hazard
classes already defined.
38

39. Routes of Exposure
There are four ways a hazardous
chemical can contact or enter your
body and cause you harm
• Skin/Eye Contact and Absorption:
Many chemicals can cause direct averse effects at the point of contact
with the skin or eyes. Additionally, some can be absorbed into the
body through the skin or eyes, causing harmful effects elsewhere in
the body. Exposures can occur from dusts, gases, mists, and liquids.
• Ingestion: Chemicals can be ingested through the mouth as a result
of hand-to-mouth contact, consuming contaminated food or drink, or
smoking cigarettes that have come into contact with a chemical or
unclean hands. Workplace chemicals can also be accidentally
swallowed.
• Inhalation (Breathing): Airborne chemicals, in the forms of gases,
mists, smoke, dust, and vapor, can be inhaled into the body through
the mouth and/or nose
• Injection: Biological or chemical substances can be injected into the
body by accidentally puncturing the skin with a contaminated needle,
tool, or other sharp object
39

40. Protective Measures
• Methods and Observations
You must understand the methods and observations that may
be used to detect the presence or release of a hazardous
chemical in the work area (such as personal monitoring
conducted by EHSRM, continuous monitoring devices, visual
appearance or odor of hazardous chemicals when being
released, etc.)
• Physical and Health Hazards
You must understand the physical, health, simple asphyxiation,
combustible dust and pyrophoric gas hazards, as well as
hazards not otherwise classified, of the chemicals in the work
area
40
Your department-specific Hazcom plan MUST
include specific protective measures implemented
to protect employees from hazards in the
workplace. These include:

41. Protective Measures
• Engineering Controls
Well designed work areas minimize exposure to materials
which are hazardous. Examples of engineering controls include
exhaust systems and wetting systems to control dust.
Understand which controls are used with chemical processes
• Work Practices
Safe work practices will insure that chemicals are used
correctly and safely. Review you chemical Job Hazard Analysis
• Product Substitution
Because many chemicals do similar jobs, it is important to
select chemicals that do a good job, while being less toxic.
• Personal Protective Equipment
Respirators, eye protection, gloves, aprons, and other
protective equipment and clothing are designed to protect you
while you work - USE THEM!
• Emergency Procedures
Specific emergency procedures established to protect
employees. Review your Department Hazcom Plan for details
41

42. What Now?
Knowing how to work safely with chemicals and
other physical agents is an important activity.
•Know the location of, and review your department-
specific Hazcom Plan with your supervisor
•Review the UAF Written Hazard Communication Program
(Policy #503)
•Know the location of your chemical and physical
hazards/agents inventory and SDS files
•Understand what personal protective equipment (PPE)
you will need when dealing with hazards
•Speak with your supervisor about additional training
required for non-routine chemical tasks
42

43. Use The EHSRM
Hazard Communication Help Page
Use the many tools on our website to assist you with
program compliance:
•The EHSRM “Steps to Hazard Communication
Compliance” checklist
•Create Chemical inventories online
•Safety Data Sheet (SDS) training and SDS look-ups
•Written Hazcom Plan template
•And more……
•Bookmark this link now!
http://www.uaf.edu/safety/occupational-
safety/hazard-communication/ 43

44. Need Assistance?
• Safety Officers (Develop Work-Specific Plan)
Kim Knudsen, 474-5476
Thadd Williamson, 474-2762
• Hazmat Lead (Inventories and Safety Data Sheets)
Richard Deck, 474-5617
• Industrial Hygienist (Protective Measures)
Tracey Martinson, 474-6771
Main Office Line: 474-5413
Fax: 474-5489
Email: UAF-EHSRM@alaska.edu
Website: www.uaf.edu/safety
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