HM: Hazard Communication

www.safetygoodwe.com

Chapter : Hazard Management 

Hazard Communication

Sound safety programs must also include a HazCom plan. The Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) is based on the simple concept that employees have both a need and a right to know the hazards and identities of the chemicals they’re exposed to when working. They also need to know what protective measures are available to prevent adverse effects from occurring.


It addresses the issues of evaluating and communicating hazards to workers including issues such as chemical labeling, Safety Data Sheets or SDS, a written program and employee training requirements.

OH&S requires all companies to develop a written Hazard Communication Program and train their workers on the aspects the program covers. A copy of this written program must be available at the workplace for review by any interested employee. Make sure you’re familiar with our written hazard communication program, and where the SDS are stored.

Frequently overlooked chemicals that need to be covered by HCS include adhesives, gasoline, paint thinner, grease, cleaners, solvents and sealers. Suppliers and manufacturers are required to provide SDS to their customer’s along with the chemicals.

Containers and Labels: All chemicals on site must be stored in their original container with the manufacturers’ label attached. You can dispense chemicals from the original container into smaller containers for immediate use on a single shift. These secondary containers will be labeled with at least the generic name of the product, such as paint thinner. Any unused amount must be returned to the original container at the end of the shift or given to a supervisor for proper handling and disposal. Supervisors must make sure that all containers are labeled with labels that meet GHS requirements. No unmarked containers, of any size, can be left in the work area unattended.

Hazardous Chemical List & Safety Data Sheets: A master list of all the hazardous chemicals and copies of SDS for all hazardous chemicals that employees may be exposed should be kept at each workplace and available to all employees at the office for review at any time.

Employee Information & Training: Make sure you’re trained on the HCS, how to understand the SDS and GHS labelling. This training must be documented. Before starting work, each new employee must attend a health and safety orientation and should receive information and training on the following:

• An overview of the requirements contained in OH&S Hazard Communication Standard
• Methods to reduce or prevent exposure to hazardous chemicals including safe work practices and use of PPE
• Location and availability of the written hazard communication program and the SDS for any hazardous chemicals at the job site
• The physical hazards and health effects of the hazardous chemicals
• The methods used to monitor the presence or release of hazardous chemicals in the work area
• The steps the company has taken to reduce or prevent exposure to these chemicals
• The emergency procedures to follow in the event of exposure to chemicals
• How to read container labels and interpret SDS to obtain appropriate hazard information

Make sure you’re informed of the workplace of chemical hazards. In order for the HCS to be effective, a commitment must be made by everyone to prevent incidents that result in injury and/or illness, and to comply with all safety rules.