This document provides an overview of hazard communication standards for employees. It discusses an employer's responsibilities to identify hazardous chemicals, inform and train employees, and maintain a written hazard communication program. Key aspects of the program include developing and maintaining labels on containers and material safety data sheets, and providing initial and ongoing training to employees on hazards, protective measures, and how to access hazard information. The goal is to ensure employees have the right to understand hazards they may encounter and know how to work safely.

1. Introduction to
Hazard
Communication
An Employee Orientation
& Training Course
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2. Intro to Hazard
Communication
PREMISE:
Employees have a need and a right to
know the hazards and identities of the
chemicals that they work with, and
employees working with hazardous
chemicals must be provided with the
work procedures and equipment to
prevent injury and illness.

3. Standard Overview
Also known as the “HazCom” or “Employee
Right to Know” regulation
29 CFR 1910.1200, 29 CFR 1926.59
Applies to General Industry and Construction
Covers most chemicals
Concerned with both physical hazards and
health hazards
Requires a written Hazard Communication
program for regulated employers

4. Employer
Responsibilities
Identify & locate hazardous materials
Inform employees of these materials
Train employees to be able to detect the
presence or release of these materials
Train employees to use safe work practices,
emergency procedures and personal
protective equipment
Inform employees of the location of the
facility’s written Hazard Communication
program, MSDSs, labeling system, and
how to use them

5. HazCom Process
Written Program Developed
Determination of Hazards - if any
Information prepared by chemical manufacturers and
importers
Company determination, testing
Labels to be attached to containers
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs)
For employee Right-To-Know
to accompany shipment
Employee Training
Information, MSDS, Program available to employees
How to use or access the information

6. Hazard
Determination
Most chemical products used in the
workplace
Materials with known physical or health
hazards

7. Exemptions
Articles
Food, Drugs, Cosmetics
Consumer Products, office & school supplies
Wood & Lumber
Tobacco Products
Ionizing & non-ionizing radiation if only
radiological
Biological hazards if only biological
Nuisance Particulates if no hazards
Hazardous Waste

8. Health Hazards of
Hazardous Materials
Routes of entry into body
Inhalation
Ingestion
Absorption
Injection
Acute vs. chronic effects
Carcinogenic
Target Organ Affectors

9. Explosive
Flammable
Caustic
Sudden Release of Pressure
Oxidizers
Physical Hazards of
Hazardous Materials

10. Labeling
Requirements
In-plant containers of hazardous materials
must be labeled, tagged, or marked with
material identity and appropriate warning
Containers of transferred material, such as
in-process containers, must also be labeled,
unless they are used immediately
Labels are to contain an identifying name, a
hazard warning, and frequently, precautionary
measures
Never remove labels
Don’t mix chemicals that do not have labels

11. Labeling

14. Material Safety Data
Sheets (MSDS)
Available at all times to employees
Available on worksites
4 BASIC CATEGORIES
Product Information
Exposure Situations
Hazard Prevention and Protection
Other Specific Information

15. (MSDS)
Company Information
Chemical name
Manufacturer’s name, address, phone
number
Preparation or revision date of the
MSDS

17. (MSDS)
Product Information
Ingredients of the material (unless it is
a trade secret)
Exposure limits
Physical and health hazards
Emergency phone numbers

21. Exposure Situations
First aid information
Spill / leak control information
Firefighting information
- Flammable limits
- Flashpoint temperature
- Auto-ignition temperature

24. Hazard Prevention
& Protection
Safe handling and storage precautions
Engineering controls
Physical and chemical properties
Stability and hazardous release from
decomposition of materials
Reactions with other chemicals
Recommended use of personal
protective equipment

26. Other Specific
Information
Toxicological information
Environmental information
Disposal information
Regulatory information
Transportation information

31. Continuous Program
Maintenance
New employee orientation
Changes in substances handled
Updates in MSDS information
Changes in the operational processes

32. HAZARD
COMMUNICATION
Final Discussion
Question and Answer Period