Tacoma Fire Dept - Hazardous Materials Policy

• The document establishes the TFD's (Tacoma Fire Department) policy to comply with regulations regarding hazardous materials in TFD stations and facilities.
• Procedures for posting new MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) information and accessing MSDS information on FireWeb (TFD intranet site) are included
• The document applies to all TFD personnel and replaces TFD Policy 5011, dated November 2001.
• There are no forms associated with the document.

Responsibilities

• The Administrative Battalion Chief for Safety or designee is responsible for:

  • Administering the Chemical Hazard Communication Program
  • Maintaining a master list of all MSDSs used in TFD stations/facilities
  • Ensuring TFD stations/facilities can acquire MSDSs when needed
  • Maintaining this document

• TFD Station Captains and Facility Supervisors are responsible for:

  • Maintaining up-to-date information about hazardous chemicals/materials used in their station/facility
  • Properly labeling hazardous chemicals/materials
  • Ensuring hazardous chemicals/materials are used according to guidelines
  • Ensuring TFD personnel are trained/supervised when new hazardous chemicals/materials are introduced

• All TFD employees are responsible for adhering to the guidelines in this document.

Definitions

• Chemical: Any element, compound, or mixture of elements/compounds.
• Chemical Exposure: Accidental contact with a hazardous chemical via inhalation, ingestion, skin contact, or absorption.
• Chemical Manufacturer: An employer with a workplace where chemicals are produced for use or distribution.
• Hazardous Chemical or Material: Any solid, liquid, or gas usable, storable or produced that could cause illness, injury, health hazard, or environmental damage.
• Health Hazard: A chemical with statistically significant evidence, based on scientific principles, that acute or chronic health effects may occur in exposed employees.
• Includes carcinogens, toxins, reproductive toxins, irritants, corrosives, sensitizers, and agents damaging various body systems
• Label: Any written, printed, or graphic material displayed or affixed to containers of hazardous chemicals.
• Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS): Report describing a hazardous chemical's characteristics, health effects, exposure limits, carcinogenic properties, precautionary measures, emergency procedures, and manufacturer information.
• Physical Hazard: Any liquid or gas chemical that is combustible, flammable, compressed, explosive, pyrophoric, unstable, or water reactive.
• TFD Station or Facility: Any building owned, operated, occupied, or used by TFD routinely, excluding temporary emergency operation locations.

References

• WAC 296-62 Part C
• WAC 296-305-01509 (6)
• WAC 296-800-170
• City of Tacoma Safety Manual, Chemical Hazard Communication (Right to Know) section

General Guidelines

• TFD and the City of Tacoma will provide information and training to protect TFD employees.
• Training covers hazards/identities of chemicals and safety measures when using hazardous chemicals.
• Each TFD station/facility must have an MSDS notebook mounted near the Safety Bulletin Board.
• The notebook must include a current inventory of hazardous chemicals/materials.
• The inventory should be at the front of the MSDS notebook.
• A MSDS for each hazardous chemical/material must be available upon request for employee review.
• TFD employees responsibilities:
• Comply with the City of Tacoma Safety Manual regarding Chemical Hazard Communication policies.
• Be familiar with safety/health requirements in each MSDS.
• Follow instructions for using, storing, handling, and disposing of hazardous chemicals/materials.
• Use required personal protective equipment.
• Report unsafe conditions/practices.
• Access MSDS information on FireWeb.
• Receive training on the Chemical Hazard Communication Program.

Additional Guidelines for TFD Station Captains and Facility Supervisors

• Required to maintain a Chemical Hazard Communication (Right to Know) Material Safety Data Sheet Notebook.
  • The notebook must include a current inventory of hazardous chemicals/materials.
• The notebook must include a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for each chemical.
• Ensuring no hazardous chemical/material is used without an approved MSDS.
• Verifying and maintaining proper labeling of chemicals/materials.
• Reviewing incoming MSDS for new health/safety information.
• Passing on new MSDS information to employees under their supervision.
• Ensuring TFD employees have specific training and close on-the-job supervision when new chemicals/materials are introduced.

Labeling of Hazardous Chemicals and Materials

• Each chemical/material must be labeled with:
  • Contents
  • Hazard warnings
  • Manufacturer's name and address
• When hazardous chemicals/materials are transferred to a new container, the original labeling must be transferred.

Procedure for Posting New MSDS Information

• When Station Captains and Facility Supervisors order a hazardous chemical/material, request two copies of the MSDS.
  • If the MSDS is unavailable, contact the Safety Office.
• Place one copy in the Station/Facility MSDS notebook.
• Update the inventory at the front of the MSDS notebook.
• Forward a copy of the new MSDS to the TFD Safety Office.

Procedure For Accessing MSDS Information On Fireweb

• TFD employees should:
  • Go to the TFD intranet site (FireWeb) at http://cityweb/Departments/Fire/Pages/default.aspx
  • Click "Safety" under the Support Services Bureau.
  • Click "MSDS" under the "MSDS Access" heading.
  • Follow the prompts to search by product, location, or supplier.