week5 Flashcards
OSHA hazard communication standard
- took effect on May 23, 1988 on idea that all employees have both a need and right to know the hazards and identities of the chemicals to which they are exposed in the workplace
- OSHA developed HCS to ensure employees that they are given the information they need to know
- information contained in the written hazard communication program helps to establish good work practice controls and how to prevent accidents and injuries
- HCS is a broad standard which covers not only manufacturers of chemicals, but also employers who use hazardous chemicals in the workplace. Employers need only to focus on those aspects of the standard which establish a workplace program and communication of information to employees.
- HCS is rather flexible; concerned about performance
- employers can adapt the rule to fit specific needs rather than strict adherence to strict requirements
Primary focus for HCS
- acquisition and maintenance of safety data sheet
- proper labeling and associated warning on containers containing hazardous chemicals
- communication by the employer to the employee of hazard in the workplace through information and training
- the documentation of the development and implementation of a written hazard communication program
Safety data sheets info
- identifiying the hazardous chemicals used in the workplace
- includes liquids; but HCS covers all physical forms of chemicals (liquids, solids, gases, vapors, fumes, and mists)
- concerned about hazardous nature of the chemical and the potential for exposure that determines whether a chemical is covered under the HCS.
- if the chemical is not hazardous, it isn’t covered. no risk of exposure, not covered.
- *Nearly all the chemicals used in the workplace should be included
Hazardous chemical inventory list requirements
- requires a list of the hazardous chemicals known to be present using an identity that is referenced on the appropriate SDS.
- HCS allows different listings and associated SDS for different work areas. - HCS requires that the chemicals be listed in ABC order by manufactures identity (Aron alpha, not glue, permaglo not dodge)
- at the end of each year, a copy of inventory list must be placed in file labeled, HCIL (specify year) and retained for a period of 30 years.
Health and physical hazards
a substance, which is scientifically proven to be combustible liquid, compressed gas, explosive, flammable, an organic peroxide, an oxidizer, pyrophoric, unstable, or water reactive
means any liquid having a flashpoint at or above 100 degrees F
combustible liquid
a gas or mixture of gases having in a container, an absolute pressure exceeding 40 psi at 70 degrees F
compressed gas
means an aerosol that, when tested yields a flame projection exceeding 18 inches at full valve opening
flammable aerosol
means a gas that, at ambient temp and pressure forms a flammable mixture
flammable gas
means any liquid having a flashpoint below 100 degrees F
flammable liquid
means a solid, other than a blasting agent or explosive that is liable to cause fire
flammable solid
means a chemical that causes a sudden almost instantaneous release of pressure, gas, and heat
explosive
an organic compound containing the bivalent O-O structure
organic peroxide
means a substance that initiates or promotes combustion in other materials
oxidizers
means a chemical that will ignite spontaneously in air
pyrophoric
means a chemical which in the pure state, or as produced or transported, will vigorously polymerize, decompose, condense, or will become self reactive under conditions of shock, pressure, or temperature
unstable
means a chemical that reacts with water to release a gas that is either flammable or presents a health hazard
water reactive
a chemical for which there is statistically significant evidence based on at least one study conducted that acute or chronic health effects may occur in exposed employees
health hazards