Hazard Communication and Chemical Safety

The Hazard Communication Standard

What Is HazCom?

• OSHA's standard ensuring workers have information about chemical hazards
• Often called the "Right-to-Know" standard
• Requires information about all hazardous chemicals in your workplace
• Applies to all workplaces where hazardous chemicals are used

Key Elements of the Standard

• Written hazard communication program
• Chemical inventory list
• Safety Data Sheets (SDSs)
• Container labeling
• Worker training
• Information on non-routine tasks

Chemical Hazards in Construction

Common Hazardous Materials

• Paints, coatings, and solvents
• Adhesives and glues
• Concrete and masonry products
• Cleaning products
• Fuels and oils
• Welding gases and fumes
• Wood preservatives
• Acids and caustics

Types of Chemical Hazards

• Physical Hazards: Fire, explosion, reactivity
• Health Hazards: Acute (immediate) or chronic (long-term) health effects
• Simple Asphyxiants: Displace oxygen in the air
• Corrosives: Destroy living tissue on contact
• Sensitizers: Cause allergic reactions with repeated exposure

Routes of Exposure

• Inhalation (breathing in)
• Skin or eye contact
• Ingestion (swallowing)
• Injection (puncture wounds)

Understanding Container Labels

GHS Labeling Requirements

• Product identifier (chemical name)
• Signal word ("Danger" or "Warning")
• Hazard statements
• Precautionary statements
• Pictograms
• Supplier information

GHS Pictograms and Meanings

• Health Hazard: Carcinogen, reproductive toxicity, respiratory sensitizer
• Flame: Flammable, self-heating, pyrophoric
• Exclamation Mark: Irritant, skin sensitizer, acute toxicity (harmful)
• Gas Cylinder: Gases under pressure
• Corrosion: Corrosives, severe skin burns, eye damage
• Exploding Bomb: Explosives, self-reactives
• Flame Over Circle: Oxidizers
• Skull and Crossbones: Acute toxicity (fatal or toxic)
• Environment: Aquatic toxicity

Secondary Container Labeling

• Required when transferring chemicals to smaller containers
• Must identify the chemical
• Must provide hazard warning information
• Can use simplified workplace labels if for immediate use
• Never use food containers for chemicals

Safety Data Sheets (SDSs)

What Is an SDS?

• Detailed information sheet about a hazardous chemical
• Required for each hazardous chemical in the workplace
• Must be readily accessible to all workers
• Available in print or electronic format
• Written in English (and other languages as needed)

The 16 SDS Sections

1. Identification: Product name, recommended use, supplier info
2. Hazard Identification: Classification, warning elements, hazards
3. Composition/Ingredients: Chemical ingredients and concentrations
4. First-Aid Measures: Treatment for different exposures
5. Fire-Fighting Measures: How to fight fires involving the chemical
6. Accidental Release Measures: Spill cleanup procedures
7. Handling and Storage: Safe practices for use and storage
8. Exposure Controls/PPE: Exposure limits and required protection
9. Physical/Chemical Properties: Appearance, odor, pH, flash point, etc.
10. Stability and Reactivity: Stability and dangerous reactions
11. Toxicological Information: Routes of exposure and health effects
12. Ecological Information: Environmental impact
13. Disposal Considerations: Proper disposal methods
14. Transport Information: Shipping requirements
15. Regulatory Information: Safety and environmental regulations
16. Other Information: Preparation date, revisions, etc.

Most Important Sections for Workers

• Section 2: Hazard Identification
• Section 4: First-Aid Measures
• Section 7: Handling and Storage
• Section 8: Exposure Controls/Personal Protection
• Section 11: Toxicological Information

Your Employer's Responsibilities

Written Program

• Must have a written hazard communication program
• Describes how HazCom is implemented at your worksite
• Lists hazardous chemicals present
• Explains labeling system
• Describes SDS management
• Outlines training procedures

Chemical Inventory

• List of all hazardous chemicals on site
• Updated when new chemicals are introduced
• Corresponds to available SDSs
• Accessible to all employees

Training Requirements

• Initial training before working with chemicals
• Additional training when new hazards are introduced
• Must be understandable to all workers
• Should include site-specific information

Worker Protection Measures

Engineering Controls

• Local exhaust ventilation
• Process enclosure
• Automation to reduce contact
• Substitution with safer alternatives
• Most effective way to reduce exposure

Administrative Controls

• Job rotation to limit exposure time
• Proper work procedures
• Restricted access to hazardous areas
• Scheduling work when fewer people are present
• Good housekeeping practices

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Chemical-resistant gloves
• Safety goggles or face shields
• Respiratory protection
• Chemical-resistant clothing
• Foot protection
• Must be properly selected based on specific chemicals

Safe Chemical Handling Practices

Storage Guidelines

• Store chemicals according to compatibility
• Keep flammables away from ignition sources
• Store in proper containers with labels intact
• Secure containers to prevent tipping
• Maintain good ventilation in storage areas
• Follow temperature requirements

Spill Response

• Know procedures before a spill happens
• Report all spills immediately
• Use appropriate PPE for cleanup
• Contain spills with absorbent materials
• Dispose of waste properly
• Prevent spills from entering drains or soil

Proper Disposal

• Follow local regulations and SDS recommendations
• Never pour chemicals down drains
• Use designated containers for chemical waste
• Label waste containers properly
• Use authorized disposal services

Multi-Employer Worksites

Sharing HazCom Information

• General contractors must ensure information is shared
• Subcontractors must communicate about their chemicals
• Information about chemical locations must be accessible
• Consider language barriers in communication
• All employers responsible for their employees' training

Contractor Responsibilities

• Provide SDSs for chemicals brought on site
• Follow site-specific chemical procedures
• Train their workers on specific hazards
• Communicate with other employers about shared risks
• Participate in site safety coordination

Your Rights Under HazCom

Right to Know

• Access to SDSs for all chemicals in your work area
• Information about chemical hazards before exposure
• Training on protective measures
• Understanding of warning signs and labels

Right to Protection

• Appropriate controls to minimize exposure
• Proper PPE at no cost to you
• Medical attention if exposed
• Time to review SDSs during work hours

Reporting Concerns

• Report missing labels or SDSs to your supervisor
• Request additional information if needed
• File a complaint with OSHA if concerns aren't addressed
• Protected from retaliation for raising safety concerns