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Update to HazCom An Update to Hazard Communication: The University of Alabama is updating chemical hazard signage.
Why is UA Chemical Signage Changing? Update: The United Nations adopted the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals known as GHS. OSHA, DOT, EPA and other federal regulations are subject to these changes also. This provides a consistent criteria for classification and labeling of all chemicals on a global level. UA Response: UA must include GHS elements in our University-wide labeling system. There are changes to hazard signage that all employees should know and understand.
What Do I need to Know About the new Chemical Signage? What do I need to know and why? All UA staff must understand the new elements incorporated from GHS into the chemical signage. This will allow you to recognize and understand the hazards associated with your work space and frequented areas. Remember that each employee has both the right to know and the right to understand the chemical hazards they could be exposed to while at work. The following is a brief update on Hazard Communication and changes to the chemical signage
What is GHS? GHS is an acronym for Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals The GHS was adopted by the United Nations as a system for standardizing and harmonizing the classification and labeling of chemicals. As members of the United Nations, the United States has declared this a mandatory requirement for US chemical hazard signage. It provides a consistent criteria for classification and labeling on a global level. This means we must include the GHS elements into our University-wide labeling system.
GHS for Chemical Hazards GHS is a logical and comprehensive approach to 1. Defining health, physical and environmental hazards of chemicals 2. Creating classification processes that use available data on chemicals for comparison with the defined hazard criteria 3. Communicating hazard information, as well as protective measures, on labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
What is an SDS? Hazard Communication Safety Data Sheets The Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) requires chemical manufacturers, distributors, or importers to provide Safety Data Sheets (SDS) (formerly known as Material Safety Data Sheets or MSDS) to communicate the hazards of hazardous chemical products. As of June 1, 2015, the HCS will require new SDSs to be in a uniform format, and include the section numbers seen on OSHA quick card (additional information is located at https://www.osha.gov/publications/hazcomm_quickcar d_safetydata.html).
New Basics of UA Hazard Signage GHS Hazard Symbols PPE Symbols
Exploding Bomb Description Explosives, self-reactive substances/mixtures and organic peroxides Common Examples Gun powder, Nitroglycerin, and compressed air duster
Flame Description Flammable gases, aerosols, liquids, & solids; Organic peroxides, Self-reactive/Self-heating (substances & mixtures), Pyrophorics, Emit flammable gases Common Examples Sulphur, hair spray, Ethanol, and Propane gas
Flame Over Circle Description Oxidizers: gases, liquids, solids Common Examples Oxygen, Hydrogen Peroxide, pool chlorine, and hair coloring agents
Gas Cylinder Description Compressed gases (under pressure) Common Examples Liquid Nitrogen, Argon, Helium, Propane tank, and TIG welding
Corrosion Description Skin corrosion/burns, eye damage and corrosive to metals Common Examples Drain-Flow (drain cleaner), Lime and Sulfuric Acid
Health Hazard Description Carcinogen, mutagenicity, reproductive toxicity, respiratory sensitizer, target organ toxicity, and aspiration toxicity Common Examples Mercury, Boric Acid, Rust-Oleum Thinner, and Acetone
Skull & Crossbones Description Acute toxicity (fatal or toxic) Examples Nicotine, Anti-Freeze, Carbon Monoxide, and Formaldehyde
Exclamation Mark Description Irritant (skin & eye), skin sensitizer, acute toxicity, narcotic effects, respiratory tract irritant, and hazardous to ozone layer (nonmandatory) Examples Pollen, Sulphur, Ammonia, and pool chlorine
Environment (Non-Mandatory) Description Aquatic toxicity Examples Oil, unleaded gasoline, batteries, and medications
Personal Protective Equipment Protective eye wear: safety goggles or glasses Gloves: must be work appropriate Respirator: breathing equipment or face mask Closed toed shoes: no flip flops, sandals, etc.
Personal Protective Equipment Tyvek Suit: required (may see in both colors) Face Protection: includes face shield and/or face mask Ear Protection: ear plugs and/or ear muffs Lab coat: research specific and/or fire resistant
Chemical hazard signage may be found at the entrance of rooms in which chemicals are stored and/or used. Chemical hazard reviews and evaluations are conducted prior to the installation of signage. Some determining factors include: size, quantity, and the nature of the chemical.
Chemical Hazard Information Chemical hazard symbols indicate the hazards associated with chemicals for the specified work space.
Personal Protective Equipment PPE that should be worn either prior or upon entrance into the hazardous area. PPE is required of all individuals who enter the work space not just lab workers.
Emergency Contacts Individuals listed at the top of the signage will be familiar with chemical hazards in the general area. Individuals listed in the bottom chart will be knowledgeable of the chemical hazards in the specific location.
This Signage Is REQUIRED in spaces that contain potentially infectious materials. Examples Of Biological Hazard(s): E. coli, soil and Influenza
Target Organ Information This section will describe the signs and/or symptoms of exposure associated with the infectious materials. This section will also describe any precautions you must take before entering the designated space.
Emergency Contact Information Individuals listed can provide additional information regarding specific biological hazards.
Biosafety Level 2 information This section will provide more information regarding the working conditions and particulars of a BSL2 work environment.
Common Non-GHS Hazard Symbols Non-ionizing radiation: Contact EHS 348-5905 regarding additional training requirements. Lasers in area: DO NOT ENTER if laser is in use. Required training must be completed prior to working with these items.
Common Non-GHS Hazard Symbols Strong magnet: Warning for those with PACE MAKERS Biohazard: Biological hazards exist in area
Common Non-GHS Hazard Symbols Radioactive materials: Requires specific training prior to working with these materials. High electrical voltage: Area contains machinery powered by high voltage. UV lights: When UV light is operating, specialized safety glasses must be worn.
What chemicals are present in your space? And what hazards do they possess?
What every employee needs to know Who may I contact if I have questions regarding the chemicals in my workspace? Environmental Health & Safety (205) 348-5905 Website: http://ehs.ua.edu/contact-us/ Email: ehs@bama.ua.edu Please always read the SDS for each chemical associated with your workspace. If you have specific questions regarding the SDS s recommended and/or required PPE, please contact EHS. Please think about your safety before an incident occurs.