Hazard Communication

Hazard Communication
Lesson 6 Study Guide

LESSON PURPOSE:
The purpose of this lesson is to identify how hazard com-
munication provides a common approach to ensure that
workers understand the types of chemicals in their work-
place and how to properly handle them.

LESSON OBJECTIVES:
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
Identify the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS)

Describe the classifications and categories of

chemical hazards

List ways that the Hazard Communication Standard

(HCS) protects employees in the workplace

Explain employer responsibilities for providing a

Hazard Communication Program

52

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Hazard Communication

Hazard communication is critical to preventing

serious injuries on the job.

According to OSHA, approximately Hazardous Chemical Classifications

32 million workers work with and are
Health Physical Other chemical
potentially exposed to hazardous
hazards caused by hazards caused by classifications
chemicals in the workplace. These chemical exposure chemical exposure
chemicals can cause health problems, yy Acute Toxicity yy Explosives Simple asphyxiants
ranging from minor skin irritations to yy Skin Corrosion/ yy Flammable chem- displace oxygen in
Irritation icals the ambient atmo-
serious injuries or diseases like cancer. sphere which can
yy Serious Eye yy Oxidizers cause oxygen depri-
The Hazard Communication Standard Damage/Eye yy Gases Under Pres- vation to anyone
Irritation sure exposed.
(HCS) is an OSHA standard that pro-
yy Respiratory or yy Self-Reactive
vides information about hazards and Skin Sensitiza- Combustible dusts
Chemicals are solids that
identities of chemicals in the workplace. tion
yy Pyrophoric Chem- become a fire hazard
yy Germ Cell Muta- icals when suspended in
Various protective measures should genicity air or another oxidiz-
yy Self-Heating ing medium.
be taken to ensure safety for both yy Carcinogenicity Chemicals
employers and employees in the work yy Reproductive yy Chemicals which Pyrophoric gas is a
Toxicity emit flammable gas that will sponta-
environment. Examples include the yy Specific Target gases while in neously ignite in air
following: Organ Toxicity contact with at a temperature at
water or below 130 F.
yy Identifying and listing hazard- yy Aspiration
Hazard yy Organic Peroxides Hazards not otherwise
ous chemicals found in the classified (HNOC)
yy Metal corrosives
workplace These effects can describe negative
range from acute physical or health
yy Obtaining safety data sheets (short-term) to chron- effects based on ev-
(SDS) and labels for each haz- ic (long-term). idence that does not
ardous chemical meet OSHA’s criteria
for an existing phys-
yy Developing a written Hazard ical or health hazard
Communication program class.

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Hazard Communication

Classifying and Categorizing Chemical Hazards

While working on the job, you’ll be exposed to a variety of health, physical, and chemical hazards.

The Globally Harmonized System of Clas- Health hazard Effect details

sification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) classes
is an international approach to Hazard
Acute Toxicity Causes adverse effects when the
Communication that provides a universally chemical is ingested, transferred
agreed upon criteria for classification of through the skin, or inhaled

chemical hazards and a standardized ap- Skin Corrosion Irreversible damage to the skin;
proach to label elements and SDSs. Reactions include ulcers, bleeding,
bloody scabs, discoloration, areas
of alopecia (no body hair), and
The HCS was modified to adopt the GHS to scars

improve worker safety and health through Skin Irritation Reversible damage to the skin,
more effective communication about chem- such as lesions or a rash
Serious Eye Dam- Damage to eye tissue/serious
ical hazards. The GHS allows workers in age physical decay of vision
all countries where the system is used to
Eye Irritation Reversible damage such as burn-
effectively use hazard information on chemi- ing or temporary loss of sight
cals that they may encounter from different
Respiratory Sensiti- Hypersensitivity of airways when
regions. zation inhaled

Skin Sensitization Allergic response from skin

To ensure chemical safety in the workplace, contact
information about the identities and hazards Germ Cell Mutagen- Cause a permanent change in the
of the chemicals must be made available icity amount or structure of the genetic
material in human cells (muta-
and understandable to workers. tions)

Carcinogenicity Cause or increase likelihood of

Chemical manufacturers and importers developing cancer
required to:
Reproductive Cause adverse effects on sexual
yy Evaluate hazards of chemicals to Toxicity function and fertility in adults and
verify proper classification development of offspring
yy Prepare labels and SDSs Specific Target Single exposure class: Cause
Organ Toxicity specific, non-lethal damage to
organ after single exposure; May
Hazard classification incorporates the fol- be reversible or irreversible
lowing three steps:
Repeated/Prolonged Exposure
1. The identification of relevant data Class: Cause specific, non-lethal
regarding the hazards of a chemical damage to organ after single
exposure; May be reversible or
2. A subsequent review of that data to irreversible
ascertain the hazards associated with
the chemical Aspiration Hazard Cause severe effects when ingest-
ed through oral or nasal cavity;
3. A determination of whether the chem- Effects include chemical pneumo-
ical will be classified as hazardous, nia, pulmonary injury, or death
and the degree of that hazard

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Hazard Communication

Classifying and Categorizing Chemical Hazards

While working on the job, you’ll be exposed to a variety of health, physical, and chemical hazards.

Physical/Chemical More information

hazard classes
Explosives Solid or liquid chemicals that are capable, by chemical reaction, of producing gas at such a
temperature and pressure that they rapidly damage the surrounding environment.

Flammable Gases They work with air that is 68°F (20°C), and have a standard pressure of 14.7 psi.

Flammable Aero- Stored non-refillable receptacles that contain a flammable gas compressed, liquefied, or dis-
sols solved under pressure; Fitted with release device allowing contents to be ejected

Oxidizing Gases May cause or contribute to combustion of other material

Gas under Pressure Contained in a receptacle at a pressure of 29 psi or more, or which are liquefied, or liquefied and
refrigerated

Flammable Liquids Liquids having a flash point of not more than 199.4°F (93°C). Flash point refers to the minimum
temperature at which a liquid gives off vapor in sufficient concentration to form an ignitable
mixture with air near the surface of the liquid. There are four categories of flammable liquids,
with Category 1 liquids having a lower flashpoint than Category 4 liquids.

Flammable Solids Solids which are readily combustible, or which may cause or contribute to fire through friction

Self-Reactive Thermally unstable liquid or solid chemicals liable to undergo a strongly exothermic decompo-
Chemicals sition even without participation of oxygen (air)

Pyrophoric Liquids Both liable to ignite within 5 minutes after coming into contact with air
or Solids

Self-Heating Chemi- Solid or liquid chemicals, other than pyrophoric ones, which, by reaction with the air and without
cals energy supply, are likely to self-heat.

Chemicals with Assigned to solid or liquid chemicals that, by interaction with water, are likely to become spon-
Water Contact Emit taneously flammable or to give off flammable gases in dangerous quantities
Flammable Gases

Oxidizing Liquids/ May cause or contribute to combustion of other material when exposed to oxygen
Solids

Organic Peroxides Liquid or solid chemicals that are considered a derivative of hydrogen peroxide, thermally unsta-
ble, may be liable to fire and explosion, and can react dangerously with other substances

Corrosive Metals Chemicals which, by chemical action, will materially damage or destroy metals

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 Hazard Communication

How Hazard Communication Can Protect You

Learn how to protect yourself and others from health hazards.

Hazard communication can protect you Components of labels include the following:
from becoming ill or injured by properly yy Product identifier: Name or number
communicating, through labels and other for a hazardous product
forms of warning, the dangers associated
yy Supplier identifier: Name, address,
with chemicals found in the workplace.
and telephone number of the chem-
ical manufacturer, importer, or other
Labels responsible party
Per OSHA and GHS standards, a label is defined as
yy Precautionary statement(s): A

“ an appropriate group of written,

printed or graphic information
elements concerning a
phrase that describes recommended
measures that should be taken to
minimize or prevent adverse effects
resulting from exposure to a hazard-
hazardous chemical that is ous chemical or improper storage or
affixed to, printed on, or attached handling
to the immediate container of yy Pictogram(s): A composition that
a hazardous chemical, or to the

”
may include a symbol in addition to
outside packaging. other graphic elements, such as a
border, background pattern, or color,
The chemical manufacturer, importer, or that is intended to convey specific
distributor must ensure that the information information about the hazards of a
provided for each hazard class and asso- chemical.
ciated hazard category for the hazardous
yy Signal word: Used to indicate the rel-
chemical is prominently displayed together
ative level of severity of hazard, and
on the label, tag, or marked in English.
alert the reader to a potential hazard
on the label.
yy Hazard statement(s): A statement as-
signed to a hazard class and category
that describes the nature of the haz-
ard(s) of a chemical, including, where
appropriate, the degree of hazard
yy Supplemental information: Any addi-
tional information

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Hazard Communication

Label Elements
Review this sample label to better understand its required elements.

A. Product Identifier D. Pictogram(s)

This is how the hazard is identified. Ex- These graphic symbols communicate specific
amples include the chemical name, batch information about a chemical’s hazard.
number, or code number.
E. Precautionary Statement(s)
B. Signal Word
These describe the measures you should take
This indicates a hazard’s severity. The only to prevent or minimize hazardous effects.
two words used as signal warnings are
“Danger” and “Warning.” F. Supplier Identifier

C. Hazard Statement(s) This is the chemical manufacturer, importer,

or other responsible party’s information.
These describe the nature and degree of the
hazard.

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Hazard Communication

Label Elements
Labels must include pictograms that alert workers to the chemical hazards they
may be exposed to.

Pictograms And Their Associated Hazard Classes

Health Hazards Exclamation Mark Gas Cylinder Flame

yy Carcinogen yy Irritant (Skin and yy Gas Under yy Flammables
yy Mutagenicity Eye) Pressure yy Pyrophoric
yy Reproductive yy Skin Sensitizer yy Self-Heating
Toxicity yy Acute Toxicity yy Emits Flamma-
yy Respiratory yy Narcotic Effects ble Gas
Sensitizer yy Respiratory Tract yy Self-Reactive
yy Target Organ Irritant yy Organic Perox-
Toxicity yy Hazardous to ides
yy Aspiration Ozone Layer
Toxicity (Non-Mandatory Skull & Crossbones
Warning)
yy Acute Toxicity
(Fatal or Toxic)

Corrosion Flame Over Circle Environment Exploding Bomb

yy Skin Corrosion yy Oxidizer yy Aquatic Toxicity yy Explosive
or Burns yy Self-Reactive
yy Eye Damage yy Organic
yy Corrosive to Peroxide
Metals
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Hazard Communication

Safety Data Sheets

Safety data sheets (SDSs) communicate the hazards associated with chemicals.

Safety data sheets must be made readily

NOTICE
available when designated representatives,
the Assistant Secretary, and the Director
request them.

SAFETY DATA
Safety data sheets:
yy May be kept in any form.
yy May be designed to cover groups of SHEETS
hazardous chemicals in a work area.
yy Must be readily accessible during LOCATED HERE
each work shift to employees.
yy Must contain 16 specific sections.* Safety data sheets must be readily available upon
request.

For complex mixtures that have similar

hazards and contents, the chemical manu- If employers, chemical manufacturers, or
facturer, importer, or employer may prepare importers have significant new informa-
one safety data sheet to apply to similar tion about a chemical’s hazards (or ways to
mixtures. protect against hazards), they must add this
information to the SDS within three months.
Responsibilities

Chemical Manufacturers or Importers –

REMEMBER
They must provide SDSs with the shipped “Safety data sheets” (SDSs) are
containers. Or, they must send SDSs to the formerly known as “material
distributor or employer before or at the time safety data sheets” (MSDSs).
of shipment. MSDSs may still be used
during the transition period
Employers – They must make sure the for compliance with updated
required information is provided for each Hazard Communication
hazardous chemical. Standard (HCS) requirements.

*Inclusion of the 16 sections ensures consistency in

how information is presented. For more information on

the 16 sections of safety data sheets, visit the OSHA

website.

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Hazard Communication

Employer Responsibilities
Employers and employees must work together to reduce health
hazards on the worksite.

Preventing Heat Hazards

Employers must prevent heat illness by do-

ing the following:

yy Provide cool, potable water.

yy Provide frequent cool-down breaks.
yy Schedule the heaviest work load
during the coolest part of the day.
yy Encourage workers to drink water and
cool down.
Good recordkeeping is an important responsibility.
yy Look for signs and symptoms of heat
stress.
Employers must inform employees
yy Provide training on heat stress includ-
of the following:
ing prevention, recognition, and first
aid. yy Employer requirements for
yy Prohibit use of the common drinking chemical hazard training.
cup. yy Employer requirements for
sharing of information with
Hazard Classification employees.
yy Operations in employee
yy Train all employees in label elements. work areas where hazardous
yy Train employees in the 16 sections of chemicals are present.
safety data sheets. yy Locations and availability of
yy Hazard classification under the GHS the written hazard communi-
provides specific criteria to address cation program.
health and physical hazards as well
as classification of chemical mix-
tures. REMEMBER
yy Chemical manufacturers and im-
The written hazard
porters must provide a label that
communication program should
includes a signal word, pictogram,
include the required lists of
hazard statement, and precautionary
hazardous chemicals and
statement for each hazard class and
safety data sheets.
category.

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Hazard Communication

Employee Training
Employers are responsible for providing proper training to employees.

Employers must provide employees with

effective information and training on hazard-
ous chemicals in their work area.

yy Provide training at the time of an em-

ployee’s initial assignment.
yy Provide additional training when a
new chemical hazard is introduced.
yy Training must include a statement of
conditions.

Effective training programs are:

yy Observable.
yy Measurable.
Training of temporary workers is a joint responsibility of
the employer and the temp agency.

REMEMBER yy Work practices, emergency procedures,

Training is meant to inform and other procedures that protect
employees prior to exposure. employees from exposure to hazardous
Do not delay training until after chemicals.
the work has begun. yy Details of the hazard communication
program developed by the employer.
yy Explanations of labels received on
shipped containers.
Training Requirements yy Explanations on the employer’s work-
place labeling system.
Employer-provided training should cover the yy Information of the safety data sheet,
following: including the order of information.
yy Information on how employees can
yy Measures employees can take to obtain and use appropriate hazard
protect themselves from hazards. information.

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 Hazard Communication

NOTES:

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