UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-RIVER FALLS HAZARD COMMUNICATION PROGRAM Table of Contents 1. PURPOSE... 2 2. RESPONSIBILITIES... 2 2.1 ADMINISTRATION... 2 2.2 FACULITY AND STAFF... 2 2.3 ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND SAFETY DIRECTOR... 2 3. HAZARDS... 3 3.1 HAZARD INFORMATION... 3 3.2 LABELING OF HAZARDOUS MATERIAL... 4 3.3 RECONTAINERIZING CHEMICALS... 4 3.4 HAZARD INFROMATION SYSTEM... 4 4. TRAINING... 4 4.1 TRAINING COMPONANTS... 5 4.2 TRAINING FORMAT... 5 4.2.1 TRAINING FREQUENCY... 5 4.3 TRAINING GOAL... 6
Page 2 of 6 UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-RIVER FALLS HAZARD COMMUNICATION PROGRAM 1. PURPOSE The purpose of this program is to inform interested persons, including employees, that the University of Wisconsin-River Falls is complying with the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard, Title 29, Code of Federal Regulations, 1910.1200, as incorporated by reference into the Wisconsin Administrative Code, Comm 32. Compliance is achieved by compiling a hazardous chemical list, by using material safety data sheets (MSDS), by ensuring that containers are labeled, by providing our employees with training, and by making hazardous material information available. This program applies to all work operations where employees may be exposed to hazardous substances under normal working conditions or during an emergency situation. 2. RESPONSIBILITIES 2.1 ADMINISTRATION Administration is responsible for providing the necessary resources for the proper and compliant management of the hazard communication program at UWRF. 2.2 FACULITY AND STAFF All employees, or their designated representatives, can obtain further information on this written program, the hazard communication standard, applicable MSDS's, and chemical information lists from the Environmental Health Manager, at 27 South Hall. Under this program, our employees will be informed of the contents of the Hazard Communication Standard, the hazardous properties of chemicals with which they work, safe handling procedures, and measures to take to protect themselves from these chemicals. Signs and symptoms of exposure to chemicals in the work place and appropriate first aid measures will also be covered. If after reading this program, you find that improvements can be made, please contact the Environmental Health Manager. We encourage all suggestions because we are committed to the success of our written hazard communication program. We strive for clear understanding, safe behavior, and involvement in the program from every level of the university 2.3 ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND SAFETY DIRECTOR The Environmental Health and Safety Manager, is the program coordinator, acting as the Chancellor's representative, who has overall responsibility for the program. The program
Page 3 of 6 coordinator will review and update the program, as necessary. Copies of the written program may be obtained from the Environmental Health Manager, at 27 South Hall. 3. HAZARDS Our chemical inventory is a list of hazardous chemicals known to be present on campus. Anyone with the potential to come into contact with the hazardous chemicals on the list needs to know what those chemicals are and how to protect themselves. That is why is so important to identify each and every hazardous chemical in the workplace and evaluate the chemical hazards whether the chemicals are found in containers or generated by work operations such as welding fumes or exhaust vapors. The hazardous chemicals on the list can cover a variety of physical forms including liquids, solids, gases, vapors, fumes, and mists. 3.1 HAZARD INFORMATION The chemical inventory lists, along with work practices used in our facility, are located in various places depending on the responsible work unit, where they are accessible during work hours. After the chemical inventory is compiled, it serves as a list of every chemical for which an MSDS must be maintained. The MSDS we use are fact sheets for chemicals which pose a physical or health hazard in the workplace. Employees may obtain access to these lists and MSDS by inquiring of their supervisors. 3.1.1 MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS Chemical inventory lists and MSDS are kept at the following locations in our facility and the associated individuals are responsible for maintaining the lists and associated MSDS current. 1. Environmental Health Manager 2. Departments that use the chemicals, Chairs and or Lab Technicians The procedure followed if the MSDS is not received at time of first shipment of a hazardous chemical is to request a FAX copy from the manufacturer. Alternatives and supplemental information to MSDS's include: 1. Chemical dictionaries available from the {title-name}; 2. Merck Index in the university library; and 3. On-line compilation via UW-System @ http://www.uwsa.edu/oslp/ehs/links/msdslnks.htm
Page 4 of 6 3.2 LABELING OF HAZARDOUS MATERIAL Labels in our facility describe at least the chemical identity and appropriate hazard warnings. The chemical identity is found on the label, the MSDS, and the chemical inventory. Therefore, the chemical identity links these three sources of information. The chemical identity used by the supplier may be a common or trade name, or a chemical name. The hazard warning is a brief statement or symbol of the hazardous effect(s) of the chemical, e.g. "flammable," or "causes lung damage." Labels frequently contain other information, such as precautionary measures (e.g. "do not use near open flame"), but this information is provided voluntarily by the university and is not required by rule. Our labels are legible and prominently displayed, although their sizes and colors may vary. 3.3 RECONTAINERIZING CHEMICALS Employees who transfer material are responsible for ensuring that all hazardous chemicals in non-original containers are properly labeled and updated as necessary. This is mandatory for any non-original container of hazardous material which remains in the facility after the transferring employee's shift ends. 3.4 HAZARD INFORMATION SYSTEM Posters are used to inform employees about the hazard communication standard. Typical posters explain the HMIS and NFPA information systems. The labeling system used on non-original containers follows HMIS/NFPA and DOT warning label standards. The following procedures are used to review and update label information when necessary and to ensure that labels are replaced which fall off or become unreadable: 1. Yearly review by the chemical stockroom manager of the chemical stockroom inventory; 2. Periodic review by supervisors of chemical containers used by supervised employees. 4. TRAINING Each employee who works with or may be potentially "exposed" to hazardous chemicals will receive initial training, and any necessary retraining, on the Hazard Communication Standard and the safe use of those hazardous chemicals. This training shall be providedprior to first use of a hazardous chemical-by the employee's supervisor, or an appropriately qualified, designated trainer.
Page 5 of 6 4.1 TRAINING COMPONENTS "Exposure" means that "an employee is subjected to a hazardous chemical in the course of employment through any route of entry (inhalation, ingestion, skin contact or adsorption, etc.) and includes potential (e.g. accidental or possible) exposure." Whenever a new hazard is introduced, or new information becomes available regarding an old hazard, additional training must be provided. Information and training are critical parts of the hazard communication program. We train our employees to read and understand the information on labels and MSDS's, determine how the information can be obtained and used in their own work areas, and understand the risks of exposure to the chemicals in their work areas as well as the ways to protect themselves. 4.2 TRAINING FORMAT All employees who work with OSHA hazardous materials must receive training. The format of our training program is mixed media combined with lecture presentations. The training program emphasizes the following elements: 1. Summary of the standard and this written program; 2. Chemical and physical properties of hazardous materials; 3. Methods to detect the presence or release of hazardous chemicals; 4. Physical hazards of chemicals; 5. Health hazards of chemicals including signs and symptoms of exposure to chemicals and any medical conditions known to be aggravated by such exposure; 6. Procedures to protect against hazards such as personal protective equipment, proper use and maintenance; work practices or methods to assure proper use and handling of chemicals; and procedures for emergency response; 7. Work procedures to follow to assure protection when cleaning hazardous chemical spills or leaks; 8. Where MSDS are located, how to read and interpret the information on labels and MSDS's, and how employees may obtain additional information; 4.2.1 TRAINING FREQUENCY The procedure to train new employees at the time of their initial assignment and the procedure to retrain affected employees when new hazards are introduced is the responsibility of the employee's immediate supervisor. All training must be documented
Page 6 of 6 in writing with the written records retained by the responsible work unit. The Environmental Health Manager, may be called upon for assistance as necessary 4.3 TRAINING GOAL Our goal is to ensure employee comprehension and understanding including being aware that they are exposed to hazardous chemicals, knowing how to read and use labels and MSDS's, and appropriately following the protective measure we have established. We ask our employees to ask the Environmental Health Manager, questions regarding this program. As part of the assessment of the training program, the Environmental Health Manager, will ask for input from employees regarding the training they have received, and any suggestions they may have for improving it. In these ways we hope to reduce the incidence of chemical source illnesses and injuries.