Hazard Communication

[Audio] Welcome to Origis Services Hazard Communication Safety Awareness Training..

[Audio] Origis Services delivers the promise of clean energy with operations and maintenance ( O&M) and asset management services for solar and energy storage across North America. Our Commitment Build competence in our workforce through training and development of employees. Champion safe, healthy and secure work conditions for employees and contractors. Maintain a global Health and Safety Management System designed to continuously improve our performance and actively manage risk in our business. Comply with applicable legal, regulatory, industry, and corporate requirements. Communicate openly with all stakeholders on relevant Health, Safety and Environment issues..

[Audio] Did you know that 35 million employees are exposed to hazardous chemicals in over 3.5 million establishments? The HazCom Standard covers more workers than any other single health standard. It covers all industries and all size facilities and is a performance-based standard that sets goals for compliance but does not state how to reach the goals..

[Audio] In addition: It is a generic standard that covers 650,000 hazardous chemical products. It is criteria driven. No set list of "hazardous chemicals". However, the chemicals must meet definition or criteria. Also, Employees have the right to know about the hazards in their workplace & what to do to minimize those hazards. Lastly, it was the first OSHA Standard to align labeling and hazardous chemical information to the United Nations Globally Harmonized System ( GHS).

[Audio] You might ask; Do I really need this training ? Yes. - Each employee who may be "exposed" to hazardous chemicals needs to be trained. When ? Prior to initial assignment to work with hazardous chemicals, and whenever the hazard changes or a new hazard is introduced. How? Performance oriented ( lecture, interactive or videotape). Good news ! This awareness training will fulfill the requirements. Once completed don't forget to download or print your certificate for your own records..

[Audio] Let's start looking at the purpose of the standard. It is to ensure that the hazards of all chemicals produced are evaluated & that information about these hazards is transmitted to employees..

[Audio] The HAZCOM Standard ensures that: information concerning chemicals is provided to employers and employees; employers develop and implement written hazard communication programs; labeling systems are understood by employees; SDSs and lists of chemicals are developed and used for by employers and employees; and employees are trained on the program.

[Audio] It is the Employer Responsibilities to: Identify and list hazardous chemicals in their workplaces Obtain Safety Data Sheets ( SDSs) and labels for each hazardous chemical, if not provided by the manufacturer, importer, or distributor Implement a written HazCom program, including labels, SDSs, and employee training Communicate hazard information to employees through labels, SDSs, and formal training programs.

[Audio] It is the Employees Responsibilities to: Follow proper material handling procedures Use the appropriate PPE Ensure hazardous chemical containers are properly labeled Report any non-compliance to their immediate supervisor.

[Audio] So, How can workplace hazards be minimized? The first step in minimizing workplace hazards is to perform a thorough hazard assessment and review of the SDS and labels.

[Audio] Who & What is Covered: Who: All chemical manufacturers & importers must assess hazards; distributors must transmit information to customers. Who: Employers must provide information to employees. What: Any chemical which is known to be present in the workplace that an employee may be exposed under normal or emergency conditions..

[Audio] Did you know that Laboratories & Warehousing Operations have exemptions? The Exemption is based on handling sealed containers or small quantities. However, the labels on incoming containers must not be removed or defaced. Safety Data Sheets must be maintained when received or upon employee request; accessible during each work shift; not required on every hazardous chemical that remains sealed.

[Audio] Products subject to labeling requirements of other agencies include: pesticides food, food additive drugs cosmetics medical or veterinary devices distilled spirits; tobacco products hazardous waste.

[Audio] It does not apply to: Hazardous waste subject to EPA Tobacco or tobacco products Wood (unless treated or processed) Articles Food or alcoholic beverage for consumption Drug in the final solid form Cosmetics packaged for consumers Consumer products used with duration and frequency of a consumer Nuisance particulates with no health or physical hazard Ionizing and nonionizing radiation Biological hazards.

[Audio] Let's look at some definitions before moving on : " Hazardous Chemical"- any chemical which is a physical or health hazard " Exposure"- an employee is subjected in the course of employment to a chemical that is a physical or health hazard and includes potential (e.g., accidental or possible) exposure; "subjected" ~ any route of entry, inhalation, ingestion, skin or absorption..

[Audio] Workplace hazards can be divided into two main categories. Do you know them? You are correct. They are divided into Health Hazards and Physical Hazards..

[Audio] Here are some examples for Physical Hazards: Compressed Gases Explosives Combustibles Flammables Organic Peroxides Oxidizers Water Relative's.

[Audio] Let's look at the hazard label pictograms. Do you feel they are easier to understand then prior?.

[Audio] When handling flammable chemicals: Keep containers closed when not in use Keep away from ignition sources Avoid contact with incompatible materials Only transfer to approved containers Bond all receiving containers Clean up spills and dispose of waste properly.

[Audio] To minimize health hazards : Ensure that storage areas meet regulatory requirements Replace all bung caps with drum vents after receiving containers Ground all drums properly Store quantities in approved storage rooms and cabinets Store only in small quantities.

[Audio] Occupational Exposure and Health Guidelines for Chemical Hazards summarizes information on permissible exposure limits, chemical and physical properties, and health hazards. It provides recommendations for medical surveillance, respiratory protection, and personal protection and sanitation practices for specific chemicals that have Federal occupational safety and health regulations. These recommendations reflect good industrial hygiene and medical surveillance practices, and their implementation will assist development and maintenance of an effective occupational health program. The permissible exposure limit ( PEL or OSHA PEL) is a legal limit in the United States for exposure of an employee to a chemical substance or physical agent such as high level noise. Permissible exposure limits are established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration ( OSHA). Threshold Limit Value ( TLV) is a registered and reserved term of the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists ( ACGIH). It is an occupational exposure value recommended by ACGIH to which it is believed nearly all workers can be exposed for lifetime without affecting health. It is the maximum average concentration of a hazardous material floating in the workplace to which workers can be exposed during an eight-hour work day and 40-hour workweek, over a working lifetime, without experiencing significant adverse health concerns. The recommended exposure limit ( REL) is a numeric value defining the maximum concentration or level of exposure to a hazardous substance or condition that is permitted in a workplace. RELs are set for hazards such as excessive noise, chemical fumes, airborne particulates, and biological agents. The recommended exposure limit for each hazard is used to ensure a safe working environment..

[Audio] Are you familiar with the exposure categories? Time Weighted Average ( TWA) Short Term Exposure Limit (STEL) Ceiling Limit ( C).

[Audio] Let's start with Time Weighted Average ( TWA): Time Weighted Average is the average concentration nearly all workers can be exposed to, day after day, without adverse effect. Here is the breakdown: 8-hour workday ( PEL/ TLV) 10-hour workday ( REL) 40-hour work week.

[Audio] Now let's look at the Short-Term Exposure Limit : Recommended where toxic effects have been reported from high short-term exposures Allowable concentration for short periods of time – 15 minutes Daily TWA cannot be exceeded Cannot occur more than 4 times a day Should be at least 60-minutes between exposures.

[Audio] The Ceiling Limit is the concentration that should not be exceeded during any part of the workday. 15-minute samples may be used to assess ceiling limits..

[Audio] So how must chemicals be labeled? The labels must have the following information on it: Product Identifier Pictograms Signal word. For example, ' danger' Hazard statements Precautionary statements Supplier information.

[Audio] Let's look at this in more detail: Product Identifier: This can be the chemical name, code number or batch number. The same product Identifier must be both on the label and in Section 1 of the SDS. Pictogram: Symbol plus other graphic elements, such as a border, background pattern, or color, intended to convey specific information about the hazards of a chemical. Signal word: used to indicate the relative level of severity of hazard and alert the reader to a potential hazard on the label. '' Danger'' = more severe; '' Warning'' = less severe Hazard statement: statement assigned to a hazard class and category that describes the nature of the hazard(s) of a chemical, including, where appropriate, the degree of hazard. Example: "Fatal if inhaled." "Flammable liquid and vapor." Precautionary statement: phrase describing recommended measures that should be taken to minimize or prevent adverse effects resulting from exposure to a hazardous chemical, or improper storage or handling. ( 4 types: Prevention, Response, Storage, & Disposal) Example:" Wear protective gloves/ eye protection/ face protection.".

[Audio] Chemical manufacturers and importers have a responsibility for the development of Safety Data Sheets ( SDS). Employers must have SDS for each hazardous chemical on site. The format may vary but specific information is required. They must be in English.

[Audio] Safety Data Sheets must list the Chemical manufacturer information Identity Information; chemical and common names of hazard ingredients Physical and Chemical Characteristics Physical Hazards Health Hazards; signs and symptoms of exposure Primary Routes of Entry Exposure Limits ( PELs, TLVs).

[Audio] In addition, Safety Data Sheets must list the Carcinogen by NTP or IARC or OSHA Emergency and first aid procedures Precautions for Safe Handling and Use Spills and leak procedures Appropriate Control Measures Engineering Controls/ PPE/ Work Practices Date of preparation or revision, name, address, telephone of chemical manufacturer.

[Audio] Lastly, they must be readily accessible to employees in their work areas during their work shifts. Keep in mind that employees must have access to the SDS's. However, they may be computerized (electronic access). If employees travel between worksites, the SDS must be at the primary worksite..

[Audio] What is the ' Right to know" ? Employees must be informed of: Requirements of the Haz-Com Standard Location of hazardous chemicals in their work area and chemical list; Location and availability of the written hazard communication program Location and availability of SDS.

[Audio] Handling Chemical Emergencies: Know emergency phone numbers Know how to control the spill Know proper equipment shutdown procedure Know proper evacuation routes and assembly areas.

[Audio] What Emergency Personnel Should Know: Emergency cleanup and disposal measures Required protective equipment Use of cleanup equipment Firefighting and other emergency measures (i.e., first aid) Use of other emergency equipment.

[Audio] Do we have a policy? Yes, we do ! The written program is the blueprint for what's covered as well as how and who is responsible. The elements include a List of the Hazardous Chemicals in the workplace and should have the same identity or name as on the SDS Container labeling procedures Safety Data Sheets Employee Information &Training Program It also includes the methods employers will use to inform employees of hazards of non-routine tasks (e.g.. the cleaning of reactor vessels)..

[Audio] Here is the good news: We do not keep the records long-term. However, we need to keep the written program current and provide access to Employee Exposure and Medical Records, if requested..

[Audio] Let's review what we learned today: The OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard is based on a simple concept - that employees have both a need and a right to know the hazards and identities of the chemicals they are exposed to when working. Employees also need to know what protective measures are available to prevent adverse effects from occurring. OSHA's update to the HazCom standard 2012, adds new labeling & Safety Data Sheets to align with GHS. Because of phased compliance schedule in HazCom 2012, the old and new labels and SDSs will be in the workplace for some time..

[Audio] Time to check your knowledge… Good luck and thank you for taking the time to complete this awareness training..