ISSUES:
- Inadequate hazard communication programs can lead to accidents and injuries.
- Improper training or use can harm workers especially if they do not know about acute and/or chronic effects on their health.
- Employee injuries and illnesses exposure to hazardous chemicals can cause a range of health problems, from skin irritation to long-term diseases.
- PPE employees do not utilize appropriate PPE.
- Legal and financial consequences failure to comply with OSHA regulations can result in fines and potential lawsuits.
SOURCES OF HAZARDS:
- Six (6) most hazardous substances:
- Acids and Caustic Substances.
- Disinfectants.
- Glues and Solvents.
- Biological Hazards.
- Paints and Heavy Metals.
- Pesticides.
- Examples of Acute Hazards Usually Physical in nature:
- Asphyxiants: Chemicals that deprive the body of oxygen, such as carbon monoxide.
- Corrosives: Substances that cause damage to tissues upon contact, like strong acids.
- Irritants: Chemicals that cause inflammation of the skin, eyes, or respiratory tract.
- Sensitizers: Substances that can cause allergic reactions after repeated exposure.
- Examples of Chronic Hazards Usually Health Hazards in nature:
- Carcinogens: Chemicals that can cause cancer, like asbestos or benzene.
- Reproductive Toxins: Chemicals that can damage reproductive organs or impair fertility.
- Mutagens: Substances that can cause mutations in DNA, potentially leading to cancer or other genetic disorders.
- Teratogens: Chemicals that can cause birth defects in developing fetuses.
- Employees have not been properly trained.
REGULATIONS:
Hazard classification, labels, safety data sheets, and training.
1926.602(c)(1)(vi) Condition of tools. All hand and power tools and similar equipment, whether furnished by the employer or the employee, shall be maintained in a safe condition.
OSHA Standard 1926 Subpart Z The Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) is now aligned with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). This update to the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) will provide a common and coherent approach to classifying chemicals and communicating hazard information on labels and safety data sheets.
OSHA Standard 1926 Subpart O 1926.602(c)(1)(vi) The requirements applicable to construction work under this section are identical to those set forth at § 1910.1200.
- Hazard classification: Provides specific criteria for the classification of health and physical hazards, as well as the classification of mixtures.
- Labels: Chemical manufacturers and importers will be required to provide a label that includes a harmonized signal word, pictogram, and hazard statement for each hazard class and category. Precautionary statements must also be provided.
- Safety Data Sheets: Will now have a specified 16-section format.
- Information and training: Employers are required to train workers on the new label elements and safety data sheet format to facilitate recognition and understanding.
EXAMPLE INCIDENTS:
Chemical and Toxin Exposure In 2020, almost 9% of all workplace fatalities were from construction workers who had been exposed to harmful substances or environments. It’s common for construction workers to get exposed to lead, asbestos, PVC, and heavy metals on job sites. Workers may also get sick from exposure to dust, silica, formaldehyde, and mold.
The best way to reduce the risk of chemical and toxin-related illnesses is to eliminate the hazard if possible if not provide the proper PPE to workers, like respiratory masks, gloves, and eye protection. Make sure to follow guidelines on the length of time that workers can be exposed to these chemicals or environments before potential harm may occur.
Asbestos, Lead, Silica, Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) exposure (from paints, solvents, adhesives, and other materials), Solvent Exposures (like gasoline and benzene, are used to dissolve paints and other materials), and Mold Exposure.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HAZARD COMMUNICATIONS AND CHEMICAL USE:
- You Have the Right To Know – If you are asked to use or are exposed to any chemical or hazardous environment and you do not know the hazards associated with the chemical or task, STOP WORK IMMEDIATELY. Remove yourself to a safe place and request and read the SDS Sheets (The easiest way to obtain an SDS sheet is by calling 800-451-8346).
- Our SDS Sheets are readily available by our Third Party Provided 3E – Call 800-451-8346.
- Training – You are required to be trained in the proper uses of any product. If you have not been trained STOP WORK IMMEDIATELY and request training.
- PPE – You must be provided and trained to use the proper PPE for any chemical you are working with or the environment you are around. If you do not have or suspect that you do not have the proper PPE, STOP WORK IMMEDIATELY, remove yourself to a safe area, and do not proceed until you have the PPE and training required on the SDS sheet Section 8.
- Accidental Exposure – If you are exposed to any chemical or unsafe environment, STOP WORK IMMEDIATELY If any physical or acute symptoms or exposure have occurred. Call 911 immediately and provide first aid until emergency response arrives. If possible review Section 4 of the SDS sheet and have the SDS information available for first responders.
- Needed Information – The first information you need to know when handling any product is in Section #1 of the SDS sheet. How to identify the product. A product ID# or product name is an especially important second to the manufacturer name if available.
- Remember to follow all listed precautions in section #7 and section #8 of SDS information to prevent acute and/or chronic effects on your health.
HERE ARE IMPORTANT DO’S TO KEEP IN MIND ABOUT HAZARD COMMUNICATIONS AND CHEMICAL USE:
- Do familiarize yourself with the hazards associated with any chemical you are asked to use or are exposed to.
- Do use all appropriate PPE as required.
- Do “Stop Work” if you have ANY concerns or suspicions about products or work conditions.
- For non-emergency situations contact our 3E Service at 800-451-8346 for appropriate SDS and additional product information. Once received follow all precautions.
- Do for emergency call 911 first, provide first aid, and contact 3E Service at 800-451-8346 for immediate chemical and product information. Once received follow all precautions.
HERE ARE IMPORTANT DON’TS TO KEEP IN MIND ABOUT HAZARD COMMUNICATIONS AND CHEMICAL USE:
- Don’t be unknowing. Understand all aspects, hazards and required PPE for all the chemicals you need to use and/or hazardous environments to which you are exposed.
