Hazard Communication and Health Hazards

Hazard Communication

• Employees have the right to know about workplace health and physical hazards, and the precautions to take.
• OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1200 is the standard for hazard communication.
• Requirements include:
  • A written program
  • A list of hazardous chemicals
  • Labeling (manufacturer's label and workplace labeling)
  • Safety Data Sheets (SDSs)
  • Employee training

Health Hazard Definition

• "Health hazard" means a chemical posing:
  • Acute toxicity (any exposure route)
  • Skin corrosion or irritation
  • Serious eye damage or eye irritation
  • Respiratory or skin sensitization
  • Germ cell mutagenicity
  • Carcinogenicity
  • Reproductive toxicity
  • Specific target organ toxicity (hepatotoxins, nephrotoxins, neurotoxins)
  • Agents affecting the hematopoietic system
  • Agents damaging lungs, skin, eyes, or mucous membranes

Physical Hazard Definition

• "Physical hazard" means a chemical posing:
  • Explosiveness
  • Flammability (gases, aerosols, liquids, or solids)
  • Oxidizing agents (liquid, solid, or gas)
  • Self-reactive/pyrophoric (liquid or solid)
  • Self-heating
  • Organic peroxides
  • Corrosiveness to metals
  • Gases under pressure
  • Substance that emits flammable gas when in contact with water

Hazard Classification

• Each chemical must be evaluated by manufacturers/distributors to determine if it's hazardous.
• Classification is based on scientific evidence and comparing data with published criteria for health and physical hazards.
• The hazard classification determines the signal word and hazard statements in the label and safety data sheet.
• Mixtures are classified as a whole, not individual components.

Labeling Requirements

• Based on the classification, the chemical manufacturer must include the following on containers:
  • Product identifier
  • Signal word ("Danger" or "Warning")
  • Hazard statement(s)
  • Precautionary statement(s)
  • Pictogram(s)
  • Manufacturer's name, address, and phone number

Product Identifier

• A unique name or number for a hazardous chemical on labels and SDSs, allowing for cross-referencing.

Signal Word

• "Danger" indicates more severe hazards.
• "Warning" indicates less severe hazards.
• Signal word is chosen according to the hazard classification in Appendix C.

Hazard Statement

• Hazard statements describe the specific hazards of a chemical.
• Examples include descriptions of flammability levels.
• Appendix C dictates the correct statement(s) to use based on the classification level.

Precautionary Statements

• Selected from tables in Appendix C based on classification.
• Four types are required:
  • Prevention
  • Response
  • Storage
  • Disposal

GHS Pictograms

• Standardized graphic symbols used on labels to indicate specific hazards.

Corrosion Pictogram

• Indicates corrosiveness to metals, skin corrosion/irritation, and serious eye damage/irritation.

Flame Pictogram

• Indicates flammability of various substances (gases, aerosols, liquids, solids, self-reactive, pyrophoric, self-heating, substances that release flammable gases when in contact with water, organic peroxides).

Skull and Crossbones Pictogram

• Indicates acute toxicity (oral, inhalation, or dermal routes).

Exclamation Mark Pictogram

• Indicates acute toxicity, skin irritation/corrosion, serious eye damage/irritation, and skin sensitization.

Health Hazard Pictogram

• Indicates respiratory sensitization, germ cell mutagenicity, carcinogenicity, toxicity to reproduction, and aspiration hazard

Flame Over Circle Pictogram

• Indicates oxidizing agents (gases, liquids, solids).

Gas Cylinder Pictogram

• Indicates compressed, liquefied, refrigerated liquefied, or dissolved gases.

Workplace Labels

• Employers must label containers with hazard information.
• This includes product identifiers, words, pictures, symbols, and information regarding hazards

Safety Data Sheets (SDSs)

• Employers must have an SDS for each hazardous chemical.
• SDSs must be readily accessible to employees in work areas.
• SDSs must be in English, but other languages are permitted.

Training

• Employers must provide employees with information and training on hazardous chemicals:
  • At the time of initial assignment
  • Whenever a new chemical hazard is introduced.

Summary

• The key elements of a hazard communication program include a written program, list, workplace labeling, SDSs, and employee training.

This quiz covers the essentials of hazard communication standards set by OSHA, focusing on the rights of employees regarding workplace health and physical hazards. Participants will learn about key components such as written programs, chemical lists, labeling, Safety Data Sheets, and training requirements. Test your knowledge on health and physical hazards defined in the context of workplace safety.