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Chemical
users rights - compliance checklist under Hazcom
- Have you received information and training on the chemical
hazard in your work area? Environmental Health and Safety provides general HazCom
classes on a monthly schedule. In addition, prior to beginning work with a new hazardous
chemical, the supervisor or area manager must provide employees with information on the
specific chemical hazards, protective equipment, and safety data for the chemical.
- Do you have access to a inventory list of hazardous
chemicals in your work area?
- Has the inventory list been updated within the year?
- Are there Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) available (on
file) for all hazardous materials?
- Are the MSDSs easily accessible (clearly marked, central
location, ring binder or similar) at all times that the chemicals are in use?
- Do all employee have access to a written Hazard
Communication Program for the area? (it must spell out the policy, responsibilities,
inventory, MSDSs, labeling, training)
- Are all containers, such as bottles, can, vats, storage
tanks, etc., labeled properly? (at minimum marking must indicate contents and hazard?)
- Are chemical piping systems clearly marked as to their
contents? (overhead pipes such as chemical drainlines, steam pipes, gas lines, also bench
connections?)
If the answer to any of the above is no, then the area is
not in compliance with the OSHA law and could be fined. Please contact your supervisor or
EH&S for assistance in correcting any deficiencies.
Supervisor/area requirements - under Hazcom
law
- Have all affected employees been provided information and
trained on the employee 'Right to Know' law? (affected employees includes all employees
that use or work in areas with hazardous chemicals).
- Do you have documentation of this training?
- Do employee have access to a copy of the Hazard Communication Plan (or Chemical Hygiene
Plan), Hazcom Inventory and MSDSs to review?
- Are employees aware of the potential hazards involving
various chemicals stored or used in the workplace such as acids, bases, caustics, epoxies,
and phenols?
- Is employee exposure to chemicals kept within acceptable
levels?
- Are employees trained in the safe handling of hazardous
chemicals such as acids and caustics? Have they been instructed in the proper use of
personal protective equipment (eyeglasses, gloves, aprons, etc)?
- Is the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) readily
available?
- Are employees prohibited from eating in areas where
hazardous chemicals are present?
- Are you familiar with the Threshold Limit Values or
Permissible Exposure Limits of airborne contaminants or physical agents used in your
workplace?
- Whenever possible, are hazardous substances handled in
properly designed and exhausted booths or similar locations?
- Are eye wash fountains, safety showers and other water
sources provided where corrosive chemicals are handled?
- Are fire extinguisher provided where flammable chemicals
are being used? Do you employee know how to use a fire extinguisher?
If the answer to any of the above is no, then the area is
not in compliance with the OSHA law and the NMSU department could be fined. For additional
information or help please contact EH&S.
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