HAZCOM COMMUNICATION
HAZCOM COMMUNICATION AND YOUR RIGHT TO KNOWPegasus Cleanroom Services employs a full-time Environmental Health and Safety Manager, Mr. Carlos Janer. Carlos is responsible for the health and safety welfare of all Pegasus employees working within the confines of their own unique working environments. The following information is
courtesy of Carlos and the Pegasus EH&S Team.
Chemicals are necessary to perform many jobs. However, if they are not handled properly, they can present a hazard to your health and safety. The Hazard Communication Standard (HAZCOM) has been developed by OSHA to inform employees of workplace chemical hazards. Under the HAZCOM rule, you have the right to know about the hazards in your workplace and how to protect yourself against them.
HAZCOM was developed so that everyone who works around hazardous chemicals understands the chemicals' specific hazards and has the information, knowledge, and equipment to prevent safety and health problems.
HAZCOM requires employers to develop a written hazard communication program that informs employees:
* About the HAZCOM rule and how it's usedin the workplace.
* How to recognize, understand, and use labels and material safety data sheets(MSDS's)
* About safety procedures to follow when working with hazardous materials
What you need to know
Who's in charge of your company/facility hazard communication?
* What hazardous chemicals are stored or used at your facility.
* How you will be informed about workplace hazards.
* Proper training to identify and reduce chemical hazards.
* Accurate and complete MSDS's and chemicallabels.
Outside vendors, such as contractors, will also be informed about the chemical hazards they may face in the workplace.
Chemical labels and the MSDS: Know what you're dealing with
Labels and MSDS's provide important safety information. Protect yourself by taking time to carefully read chemical labels and MSDS's before you move, handle, or open a chemical container.
Labels and MSDS's should always tell you:
* The common and/or chemical name, including any chemical ingredients.
* The name and address of its manufacturer or importer
* Its potential health and physical hazards (for example, some chemicals can damage the eyes or skin, causing burns, rashes, vision problems, etc.).
* Protective clothing, equipment, and procedures needed to safely use the chemical.
* Proper storage and handling such as "keep away from open flames".
Colors, bars, and diamonds
Information on labels can be shown using words, colors, numbers, pictures, symbols, or any combination of these. The most common labeling systems use color-coded bars or diamonds to indicate the type of hazard. Colored areas on bars and diamonds indicate the kind of hazard.
For example:
* Red = fire hazard
* Yellow = instability hazard (on diamonds)
* Blue = health hazards
The white area of the labels contains information regarding the specific chemical. For example, the health hazard the chemical may cause, what part of the body may be affected by the chemical, or what protective equipment should be worn when handling the chemical.
Numbers in the color-coded sections classifythe degree of hazard. For example:
* 0=No hazard
* 1 = Slight
* 2= Moderate
* 3=Serious
* 4=Severe
MSDS's provide more detailed information on a particular chemical. Although there is no one MSDS format, you'll find specificinformation about each chemical, such as:
* Ingredients
* Hazard identification - key hazards to be aware of
* First Aid Measures
* Firefighting Measures
* Accidental Release Measures
* Safe Handling and Storage
* Physical and Chemical Properties
* Stability and Reactivity
* Toxicology Information
* Ecological Information
* Disposal Considerations
* Transport Information
* Regulartory Information
Labels and MSDS's: Quick reminders
Never use a chemical that does not have a label affixed to the container. If a chemical container is without a label or it's difficult to read, notify your supervisor immediately. By doing this, you help keep yourself and co-workers safe from potential danger.
Some important reminders:
* Read MSDS and container labels carefully prior to handling a chemical
* Be sure you know exactly what chemicals you are dealing with
* Never use a chemical that is not labeled properly
* Follow guidelines on labels and MSDS's
* Follow guidelines on labels and MSDS's
* Use protective clothing and equipment to decrease exposure to hazards
* Use only approved containers; do not use water bottles or other containers
* Ask your supervisor questions if you are unsure how to work with any chemical
- - -
Professionalism and proper workplace safety is all part of the philosophy of Pegasus Cleanroom Services. We provide the very highest quality cleanroom cleaning and other critical environment maintenance services available, always taking into account safety and conformance to your quality concerns. Contact us today for more information about how you can enjoy this level of service in your company.