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11. HAZARD COMMUNICATION |
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PROGRAM | |
Applicability
The Hazard Communication Program is an OSHA requirement and is intended
to provide information regarding  the use of hazardous chemicals in the
work place. All NMSU employees should be familiar with the requirements
of the written program. Employees that use chemicals or chemical
products (including common items such as cleaners, glues,
photochemicals, fuels, paints, insecticides, etc) must receive training
from NMSU. EH&S gives this training monthly and provides documentation.
Chemical users/buyers must also be aware of NMSU reporting requirements & purchasing restrictions for COI chemicals per
Department of Homeland Security requirements (EH&S website). [update 2008]
Written Program
NMSU has developed a
written Hazard Communication program. Employees
have the right to know the hazards involved with the chemicals and
products with which they work. NMSU maintains a written program
available to all employees. It is available at the EH&S office or via
the policy section of the safety web site (www.nmsu.edu/~safety). The
written program specifies the university policy, training requirements,
responsibilities of employees relating to the program, and procedures
for program implementation and maintenance.
HazCom Chemical Inventory
Each department is required to conduct and maintain a inventory of
chemicals (and chemical products) used or located in their work areas.
The HazCom inventory is to include identity, approximate quantity,
hazard type, location, and contact information (two contacts). The
inventory must be updated at annually with EH&S. Additional details on
the web-based inventory are provided on the safety web site. An MSDS
must be available for each chemicals on the list.
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
The
MSDS is a detailed reference for the chemical prepared by the
manufacturer. It contains technical, safety and health information about
the chemical. These documents must be available to all staff on every
shift. All staff must know what an MSDS is and where they are located
for their work area. Each department and supervisor is responsible for
maintaining a set of MSDS for the hazardous materials used or stored
within their work areas. MSDSs are required as part of a NMSU purchase
order. Multiple links are available in the resources section of the
safety web site (www.nmsu.edu/~safety) to obtain missing MSDSs.
Labeling
All containers of hazardous chemicals are required to be correctly
labeled. The original labels are a primary source of information to
prevent unnecessary exposure to hazardous chemicals. Chemicals placed in
secondary containers must also be labeled. EH&S recommends the
NFPA
labeling system for secondary containers. The chemical name, its hazard
rating (0 low to 4 extreme) for fire, reactivity, toxicity and any
specific hazard are marked on the color coded label.
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