Chemical Hazard Communication

Hazard Communication (HazCom):

• Purpose:

  • HazCom, as mandated by OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) in the United States, aims to ensure that employers and employees are informed about the chemical hazards they may encounter in the workplace.  

  • It's about the "Right to know" and the "right to understand" the dangers of chemicals.  

• Key Components:

  • Written Hazard Communication Program: Employers must develop and implement a written program that outlines how they will comply with the HazCom standard.  

  • Safety Data Sheets (SDSs): Manufacturers and importers must provide SDSs for hazardous chemicals. SDSs contain detailed information about the chemical's properties, hazards, and safe handling procedures.  

  • Labels: Chemical containers must be labeled with hazard warnings and other important information.  

  • Employee Training: Employers must provide training to employees on the hazards of chemicals, how to read and understand SDSs and labels, and how to protect themselves.  

Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS):

• Purpose:

  • GHS is an internationally agreed-upon system for classifying and labeling chemicals.  

  • It aims to standardize hazard communication worldwide, making it easier for workers and consumers to understand chemical hazards.  

• Key Elements:

  • Standardized Classification: Chemicals are classified based on their health, physical, and environmental hazards.  

  • Standardized Labels: Labels include:

    • Pictograms: Standardized symbols that visually represent hazards.  

    • Signal Words: "Danger" or "Warning" to indicate the severity of the hazard.  

    • Hazard Statements: Standardized phrases that describe the nature of the hazard.  

    • Precautionary Statements: Recommendations for preventing or minimizing exposure.  

  • Standardized Safety Data Sheets (SDSs): SDSs follow a standardized 16-section format.

How HazCom and GHS Work Together:

• OSHA has aligned its HazCom standard with GHS, ensuring that U.S. workplaces use the standardized GHS approach to chemical hazard communication.  

• This means that SDSs and labels in the U.S. now use the GHS format and elements.

Relevance to Chemical Handling:

• Improved Safety:

  • HazCom and GHS help to prevent chemical-related injuries and illnesses by providing clear and consistent hazard information.  

• Enhanced Understanding:

  • Standardized labels and SDSs make it easier for workers to understand chemical hazards and take appropriate precautions.  

• Reduced Confusion:

  • GHS helps to eliminate confusion caused by different hazard communication systems used in different countries.  

• Compliance:

  • Employers must comply with OSHA's HazCom standard, which now incorporates GHS requirements.  

Key Safety Practices:

• Read and Understand SDSs: Always review the SDS before handling any chemical.

• Use Proper PPE: Wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves, eye protection, and respirators.  

• Follow Label Instructions: Adhere to the instructions and warnings on chemical labels.

• Store Chemicals Safely: Store chemicals in properly labeled containers and in designated storage areas.  

• Ventilation: Work in well-ventilated areas to minimize exposure to chemical vapors.  

• Emergency Procedures: Know the emergency procedures for chemical spills or exposures.

1. Understanding Chemical Hazards:

• Review Safety Data Sheets (SDS): The SDS for each chemical is your primary source of information. It outlines the specific hazards, reactivity, flammability, toxicity, and proper handling and storage procedures.  

• Know the Hazard Classes: Chemicals are classified based on their primary hazards (e.g., flammable liquids, corrosives, oxidizers, toxics, reactives). Understanding these classes helps determine compatible storage.

• Identify Incompatibilities: Some chemicals react dangerously when mixed. It's vital to know which chemicals should never be stored together.  

2. Segregation and Separation:

• Separate by Hazard Class: Store incompatible chemical classes in different areas or use physical barriers (e.g., non-reactive walls, secondary containment).  

• Maintain Adequate Spacing: Allow sufficient space between stored containers to prevent contact in case of spills or leaks and to facilitate inspection and access.

• Vertical Segregation: Avoid storing liquids above solids, especially if the liquid could leak or spill and react with the solid. Store heavier containers on lower shelves.

3. Storage Conditions:

• Temperature Control: Some chemicals require specific temperature ranges for stability and safety. Store them in temperature-controlled environments as specified in the SDS. Avoid extremes of heat and cold unless indicated.  

• Ventilation: Adequate ventilation is essential to prevent the buildup of flammable vapors, toxic fumes, or corrosive atmospheres. Flammable liquids often require spark-proof ventilation.  

• Humidity Control: Some chemicals are sensitive to moisture and can react, degrade, or become more hazardous in humid conditions. Store them in dry environments.

• Light Sensitivity: Certain chemicals degrade or become unstable when exposed to light. Store them in opaque containers or dark areas.  

4. Containers and Labeling:

• Use Appropriate Containers: Store chemicals in containers that are compatible with the chemical and designed for storage. Ensure containers are in good condition, tightly sealed, and regularly inspected for leaks or damage.  

• Proper Labeling: All chemical containers must be clearly and legibly labeled with the chemical name, concentration (if applicable), hazard warnings, and date of receipt. Follow GHS (Globally Harmonized System) labeling standards.

• Secondary Containment: Provide secondary containment (e.g., trays, tubs, berms) for liquid chemicals to contain spills and prevent them from spreading. The secondary containment should have the capacity to hold the largest container or 110% of the volume of the largest container, whichever is greater.  

5. Storage Area Design and Management:

• Secure Storage: Storage areas should be secured to prevent unauthorized access.  

• Fire Safety: Equip storage areas with appropriate fire suppression systems (e.g., fire extinguishers, sprinkler systems) and ensure easy access to safety equipment like eyewash stations and safety showers.  

• Spill Control: Have spill response kits readily available and train personnel on spill cleanup procedures.  

• Regular Inspections: Conduct regular inspections of storage areas to check for leaks, spills, damaged containers, and proper labeling. Maintain an inventory of stored chemicals.  

• Inventory Management: Maintain an accurate inventory of all stored chemicals, including quantities and locations. This is crucial for safety and regulatory compliance.  

• First Aid and Emergency Procedures: Ensure that personnel are trained on first aid procedures relevant to the chemicals stored and know the emergency procedures in case of accidents.  

• Waste Disposal: Have a clear and compliant procedure for the disposal of chemical waste. Never pour chemicals down the drain or dispose of them improperly.  

6. Specific Chemical Types:

• Flammable Liquids: Store away from ignition sources, in well-ventilated areas, and often in flammable liquid storage cabinets. Ground and bond containers during transfer.  

• Corrosives (Acids and Bases): Store separately. Acids should not be stored near bases or metals. Provide secondary containment made of compatible materials.  

• Oxidizers: Store away from flammable and combustible materials.  

• Toxics: Store in secure areas with restricted access.  

• Reactive Chemicals: Store according to their specific reactivity hazards, often requiring temperature control, inert atmospheres, or separation from incompatible materials.

7. Regulatory Compliance:

• Be aware of and comply with local, state, and federal regulations regarding chemical storage (e.g., OSHA, EPA)

The primary purpose of HazCom labels is to clearly and consistently communicate the potential hazards of a chemical product to anyone who may handle, use, or be exposed to it. This allows individuals to take necessary precautions to protect themselves and prevent accidents, injuries, and environmental harm.  

A complete HazCom label, as mandated by OSHA, must include six key elements:

1. Product Identifier: This is the name or code used to identify the hazardous chemical. It should be the same as the identifier used on the Safety Data Sheet (SDS).  

2. Signal Word: This is a single word used to indicate the relative severity of the hazard(s). There are only two signal words:

   • "Danger" indicates more severe hazard categories.  

   • "Warning" indicates less severe hazard categories.  

3. Hazard Statement(s): These are standardized phrases that describe the specific nature of the hazard(s) of a chemical, including the degree of hazard. For example, "Highly flammable liquid and vapor," or "Causes serious eye damage."  

4. Precautionary Statement(s): These are phrases that describe recommended measures to be taken to minimize or prevent adverse effects resulting from exposure to the hazardous chemical or improper handling or storage. These can include:

   • Prevention: Measures to take to avoid exposure (e.g., "Wear protective gloves").

   • Response: What to do in case of accidental spillage or exposure (e.g., "If on skin, wash with plenty of water"). This often includes first-aid instructions.  

   • Storage: How to store the chemical safely (e.g., "Keep container tightly closed").

   • Disposal: How to properly dispose of the chemical (e.g., "Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local regulations").

5.  Pictogram(s): These are standardized graphic symbols that visually communicate specific hazard information. There are nine pictograms under the GHS, each representing a different hazard category:

   • Health Hazard: Carcinogen, mutagenicity, reproductive toxicity, respiratory sensitizer, target organ toxicity, aspiration toxicity.  

   • Flame: Flammables, pyrophorics, self-heating, emits flammable gas, self-reactives, organic peroxides.  

   • Exclamation Mark: Irritant (skin and eye), skin sensitizer, acute toxicity (harmful), narcotic effects, respiratory tract irritant, hazardous to ozone layer (non-mandatory).  

   • Gas Cylinder: Gases under pressure.  

   • Corrosion: Skin corrosion/burns, eye damage, corrosive to metals.

   • Exploding Bomb: Explosives, self-reactives, organic peroxides.  

   • Flame Over Circle: Oxidizers.

   • Skull and Crossbones: Acute toxicity (fatal or toxic).  

   • Environment (non-mandatory): Aquatic toxicity.  

6. Supplier Identification: This includes the name, address, and telephone number of the chemical manufacturer, importer, or other responsible party.