RIFT VALLEY TECHNICAL TRAINING INSTITUTE
TOPIC: HAZARD COMMUNICATION
NAME: VIVIAN AKOTH
REG NO: 119P01410
COURSE TITLE: MACHINE OPERATION
TASK: RE
LECTURE: [Link] MARTIN
DATE: 10TH JUNE 2019
SIGNATURE:
Table of Contents
Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 3
Definition of hazard communication........................................................................................... 3
Hazard Communication and the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling
of Chemicals ................................................................................................................................ 4
Safety Data Sheets and Hazard Communication......................................................................... 4
HazCom Label Requirements ..................................................................................................... 5
Conclusion: Hazard communication, hazard statements help you know .................................... 7
REFERENCES ............................................................................................................................... 8
Introduction
Hazard communication also known as Hazcom, is a set of processes and procedures that
employers and importer must implement in the workplace to effectively communicate hazards
associated with chemicals during handling, shipping and any form of exposure. Here is what you
need to know about hazard communion including regulations, safety data sheets (SDS) and label
requirements.
Definition of hazard communication
When employees work with chemical they face a number of health hazards including irritation,
and physical hazards, such as flammability and corrosion.
The united states occupational safety and health and administration (OSHA) stipulates that
chemicals manufacturers and importers must evaluate the hazards of the chemical with which
they deal and pass along that information through labels and safety data sheets.
Similarly, any employer with hazardous chemicals in the workplace must design and institute a
written hazard communication programme, which include labeling of all containers giving all
employers access to safety data sheets .
The HCS ensures employees have the right to know the chemicals to which they are exposed in
the workplace and their hazards.
Employees not only must have access to the information, but they also must participate in
employers’ training programs and know how to actively and effectively protect themselves. The
Hazard Communication Standard also informs employers about designing and implementing
these effective protective programs for employees who could be exposed to hazardous
chemicals.
OSHA’s overall goal is to reduce the number of chemical source illnesses and injuries in
workplaces across the nation.
Hazard Communication and the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and
Labeling of Chemicals
In 2012, OSHA began aligning the HCS with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification
and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). The updated HCS ensures a consistent approach to
classifying chemicals and communicating hazard information on labels and safety data sheets.
As a result, American businesses more easily trade, handle, store, and use hazardous chemicals.
They also realize cost savings because they no longer have to comply with numerous
classification and labeling systems.
The updated HCS enables companies and organizations to streamline their safety data sheets and
labels to comply with one system, the GHS. As of June 1, 2016, all companies must comply with
the GHS.
Safety Data Sheets and Hazard Communication
Safety data sheets must provide comprehensive information about substances and mixtures used
in workplaces.
It’s worth noting that OSHA’s HazCom Standard refers to the GHS safety data sheets as
material safety data sheets, or MSDS.
They are an informational source about hazards and include safety precautions. They also assist
employers in developing active programs for worker protection measures and training that are
specific to the workplace and in considering the necessary measures for protecting the
environment. One of the major changes to the Hazard Communication Standard is the 16-section
format of safety data sheets.
The information in a safety data sheet must appear in this order:
1. Identification
2. Hazard(s) identification
3. Composition/information on ingredients
4. First-aid measures
5. Fire-fighting measures
6. Accidental release measures
7. Handling and storage
8. Exposure controls/personal protection
9. Physical and chemical properties
10. Stability and reactivity
11. Toxicological information
12. Ecological information
13. Disposal considerations
14. Transport information
15. Regulatory information
16. Other information
HazCom Label Requirements
The HCS requires chemical manufacturers, importers, and distributors to label each container
of hazardous chemicals leaving the workplace. These labels must include a product identifier,
signal word, hazard statement(s), precautionary statement(s), and pictogram(s) in addition to the
name, address, and telephone number of the chemical manufacturer, importer, or other
responsible party.
One of the most significant changes to HazCom labels after alignment with the GHS is the
pictograms OSHA adopted to improve worker safety and health. The pictograms themselves are
graphic symbols that communicate specific information about chemical hazards. To be
compliant, the pictogram must include a red square frame set at a point with a black hazard
symbol on a white background that is wide enough to be clearly visible. Please note, square red
frames set at a point must contain a hazard symbol to be permitted on the label; without the
hazard symbol, the graphic cannot be considered a compliant pictogram.
The GHS includes a total of nine pictograms, but OSHA enforces only eight because they do not
regulate the environmental impacts of chemicals. However, the environment pictogram may
appear on a label as supplemental information. The eight pictograms OSHA does regulate
include health hazard, flame, exclamation mark, gas cylinder, corrosion, exploding bomb, flame
over circle, and skull and crossbones.
The labels must be legible, printed in English, and prominently displayed. Furthermore,
employers are responsible for maintaining labels on containers including tanks, totes, and drums.
Conclusion: Hazard communication, hazard statements help you know
The hazard statements that the GHS aligned in 2012 version of OSHA’S Hazard communication
standard provide helpful information to people who work with hazardous chemicals about the
types of hazards the chemical pose. They do this in combination with the hazard communication
pictograms, and combine with all the hazard communication chemicals label elements and other
hazard communication.
REFERENCES
Comparison of NFPA 704 to Hazcom 2012 label
OSHA –Global Harmonization system-labels quick card
OSHA - Global Harmonization system-Pictogram quick card
OSHA-Global Harmonization System-Safety Data Sheets Quick card
OSHA –Hazard Communication Topic Page
OSHA-Hazard Communication Standard.