Chemical Hazard Communication - PowerPoint Presentation

Chemical Hazard Communication CONN-OSHA Breakfast Roundtable July 16, 2019

Man dies after accidental worksite poisoning A metalworker died two days after accidentally ingesting a highly toxic liquid he thought was an energy drink at a work site.OSHA is investigating the job-site safety practices of Pitkin Iron, the Glenwood Springs company where the employee worked.The worker was 53. On Friday, Aug. 4, he and a colleague went to a home to work on a metal staircase. Around noon, the worker walked back to their truck and picked up a Gatorade bottle containing Antique Black. The bottle still had the drink label on it, and it was not marked as containing the agent, used to age metal. The substance, which is bright blue, contains selenous acid, which is highly corrosive and for which there is no antidot e .

The worker apparently swallowed half a mouthful before spitting out the other half.He immediately knew what had happened and told his co-worker, who drove him to a local hospital.He was then airlifted to another hospital where he died.A spokesperson said the worker’s death is considered an accident, and no criminal charges are planned. The men put the liquid into the smaller bottle for convenience; it is usually stored in five-gallon drums on the grounds of the company. Selenous acid, which is also common in “gun bluing” agents found in many homes, devastates the human body at the cellular level. Cells can’t perform normal functions related to energy production and expelling waste, leading to organ failure.

Introduction

Employer ResponsibilitiesEmployer responsibilities under the HCS:Ensure labels are on incoming labels and not defaced Maintain SDSs from shipmentsObtain SDSs if not receivedEnsure SDSs are readily accessibleEnsure chemicals in workplace are properly labeled, tagged, or markedProvide information and training to employeesProvide information/access for employees in multi-employer workplacesDevelop, implement, and maintain a written hazard communication program

Employer ResponsibilitiesHow hazard communication works: Source: OSHA

Hazard Communication ProgramRequirements for a written program:Develop, implement, and maintain a written hazard communication program Main intent is to ensure compliance with standard in a systematic way that coordinates all elements

Hazard Communication ProgramComponents of written program:Lists of hazardous chemicals present at worksite Availability of SDSs to employees and downstream employers Labeling of chemical containersTraining programs regarding hazards of chemicals and protective measures

Hazard Communication ProgramList of hazardous chemicals:Use product identifier Product name, common name or chemical nameSame as name used on SDS and labelInventory of chemicals – employer must have available an SDS for eachCovers all chemicals in all forms, whether contained or not Include chemicals in containers, pipes, and those generated by work operations

Hazard Communication ProgramSafety data sheet (SDS):Available and accessible to workersRequired for all hazardous chemical used Do not use hazardous chemicals if there is no SDS available16-section format Source: OSHA

SDS 16-section format:Section 1: IdentificationSection 2: Hazard(s) identificationSection 3: Composition/information on ingredients Section 4: First-aid measuresSection 5: Fire-fighting measuresSection 6: Accidental release measuresSection 7: Handling and storageSection 8: Exposure control/personal protection Hazard Communication Program Source: OSHA

Section 9: Physical and chemical propertiesSection 10: Stability and reactivitySection 11: Toxicological informationSection 12: Ecological information Section 13: Disposal considerationsSection 14: Transport informationSection 15: Regulatory informationSection 16: Other information Not regulated by OSHA Hazard Communication Program

Hazard Communication ProgramLabeling:All containers of hazardous materials must be labeled Immediate warningSnapshot of hazards and protective information

Hazard Communication ProgramRequired elements for shipping labels:Name, address, telephone numberProduct identifierSignal wordHazard statement(s)Precautionary statement(s)PictogramThis sample illustrates the required elements for shipping labels. Source : OSHA

Hazard Communication ProgramRequirements for workplace labels:Employers can create own labeling system that works for their workplace/employeesCan choose same label required for shipped containers or alternative labels as long as they provide general information about hazardsTrain employees to understand Source: OSHA

Hazard Communication Labels How the hazardous chemical is identified Contact information of Responsible Party Source: OSHA

Hazard Communication Labels Indicates the relative level of severity of hazard; “Danger” is used for more severe hazards and “Warning” for less severe hazards Pictograms convey specific information about the hazards of a chemical in symbols and other graphic elements Source: OSHA

Hazard Communication LabelsSource: OSHA Health Hazard Flame Exclamation Mark

Gas Cylinder Hazard Communication Labels Source: OSHA Corrosion Exploding Bomb

Hazard Communication LabelsSource: OSHA Not regulated by OSHA Flame Over Circle Environmental (Non-Mandatory) Skull and Crossbones

Hazard Communication Labels Statement assigned to hazard class and category that describes the nature of the hazard(s), of a chemical, including, where appropriate, the degree of hazard. Source: OSHA 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.

Alternative workplace labels:Permitted for workplace labelsMust provide at least general information regarding hazards of chemicalsHazard warnings or pictograms that conflict with HCS label elements cannot be usedExamples: NFPA 704 and HMIS Hazard Communication Labels Source: OSHA Source: TEEX

Training requirements:Train employees on hazardous chemicals in their work areaBefore initial assignment When new hazards are introducedNonroutine tasksInclude in trainingMethods/observations to determine presence/release of chemical in work areaHazards of chemicalsAppropriate protective measuresWhere and how to obtain additional information Source: OSHA Hazard Communication Program

SummaryOSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard is based on a simple concept - that employees have both a need and a right to know the hazards and identities of the chemicals they are exposed to when workingEmployees also need to know what protective measures are available to prevent adverse effects from occurring