Your right to know

~West Thurston Regional Fire Authority~~McLane/Black Lake Fire Department~

Training Division presents

The Department tries to protect you against the dangers of hazardous chemicals.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act (WISHA)

WAC 296-62-part C◦ Worker and Community Right to Know Act

In the past, there was no guarantee that workers would be told about the chemical hazards they might face on the job.

Container labels and information sheets didn’t always give enough information on potential hazards.

The hazard communication standard affects every organization that uses chemicals.

Have the first job in Hazcomm Determine the physical and health hazards

of each product they make Users are told about the hazards

◦ Container labels◦ Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)

Tell employees about the Hazard Communication Standard

Explain how it’s being put into effect in their workplace

Provide information and training on hazardous chemicals. This includes how to:◦ Recognize, understand and use labels and

MSDS; and,◦ Use safe procedures when working with

hazardous substances

Have to read labels and MSDS Information is at the heart of Right to Know

◦ Container labels◦ MSDS

Name of the chemical Name, address, and emergency phone

number of the co. that made or imported the chem.

The physical hazards◦ Explosion or fire hazard◦ Reactivity◦ Radioactivity

Important storing of handling instructions Health hazards

◦ Is it toxic?◦ Could it cause cancer?◦ Is it an irritant?

Recommended protective equipment and procedures

1. Identity• Who makes it, their address, emergency phone

number, and date prepared.

2. Hazardous ingredients• Hazardous components, chemical ID, and

common names• Worker exposure limits to the chemical

3. Physical and chemical characteristics• Boiling point• Vapor pressure• Vapor density• Melting point• Evaporation rate• Water solubility• Appearance and odor under normal

conditions

4. Physical hazards• Fire and explosion- and ways to handle those

hazards, such as fire fighting equipment and procedures

5. Reactivity• Tells you whether the substance is stable• Which substances and situation to keep it away

from so it won’t react

6. Health hazards• How the chemical could enter the body

• Inhaling• Through the skin• Swallowing

• Signs and symptoms of exposure Eye irritation Nausea Dizziness Skin Rashes Headache Existing medical conditions that could be

aggravated by exposure

7. Precautions for safe handling and use• What to do if the substance spills or leaks• How to dispose of the substance• Equipment and procedures needed for cleanup

of spills and leaks• Plus

• How to handle the substance properly• How to store it• Any other precautions

8. Control measures to reduce harmful exposure

• Type of PPE to use• Respirator• Gloves• Eye protection• Protective clothing• Ventilation

• Special work or hygiene practices

About the Hazard Communications Standard and what it requires

Where you can find your company’s written hazard communication program, lists of hazardous chemicals, and MSDS on each chemical in the workplace

What the information means on container labels and MSDS

How to use the information that’s provided About your company’s other procedures and equipment

that will help you to handle hazardous substances safely.

Identify hazards before you start a job Respect all precautions- don’t take chances Ask you supervisor when in doubt Know in advance what could go wrong, and

what to do about it Know how and where to get help Learn basic first aid measures

Read labels and MSDS Know where to find information

about your chemicals Follow warnings and instructions Use the correct protective clothing

and equipment when handling hazardous substances

Learn emergency procedures Practice sensible, safe work habits