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HAZARD COMMUNICATION PROGRAM

In compliance with 29 CFR 19190.1200 OSHA Hazard Communication Standard

Prepared by: ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH & SAFETY
(revised 8/2006)

Printable file is available with Adobe Acrobat Reader:
PDF Version of Hazard Communication Program

1. INTRODUCTION 
   
   
2. SECTION 1 - REQUIREMENTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
   
   
   1. REQUIREMENTS
   2. RESPONSIBLITIES 
   3. RECORDS 
   4. MULTI-EMPLOYER WORKPLACE
   
   
   
3. SECTION 2  - REQUIRED EMPLOYEE INFORMATION & TRAINING
   
   
   1. TRAINING
   2. READING AND INTERPRETING MSDS & LABELS 
   3. LIMITING CHEMICAL EXPOSURES
   
   
   
4. SECTION 3 - CHEMICALS – HAZARDS & EMERGENCY RESPONSE
   
   
   1. EXPOSURES
   2. MEDICAL CONSULTATIONS AND EXAMINATIONS
   3. SPILL CONTROL
   4. SPECIAL CHEMICALS USE IN THIS LOCATION
   
   
   
5. CLOSING COMMENTS

APPENDICES

1. SAFETY POLICY
2. REPRODUCTIVE POLICY
3. DEFINITION OF HAZARDS
4. CHEMICAL INVENTORY FORM
5. BLANK MSDS

A. INTRODUCTION

The University of Rochester’s Hazard Communication Program (Haz Comm) is designed to comply with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulation set forth in 29 CFR 1910.1200 (Hazard Communication.) This standard is a performance-oriented regulation that mandates a program of evaluating potential hazards of chemicals, communicating information concerning hazards, and implementing appropriate protective measures to employees that use hazardous chemicals in a non-laboratory setting. Implementation of this standard is part of an overall program to provide a healthy and safe work environment. Hazardous chemicals include those regulated in 29 CFR 1910, Subpart Z, and any chemical meeting the definition of a hazardous chemical as set forth in OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard.

The University Hazard Communication Program defines responsibilities for evaluating the potential hazards of chemicals and communicating information concerning hazards and appropriate protective measures for employees. Haz Comm is just one part of an overall program working to provide a health and safe work environment for the employees of the University. It is the policy of the University of Rochester to provide an environment free from recognized hazards that could cause injury or illness. To this end, employees may not be exposed at or above the OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit of a chemical. In addition, personnel are to utilize personal protective equipment (PPE) to help prevent chemical exposures for the performance of a job function using chemicals.  Working with any chemical involves a degree of risk.  Through this standard and the use of the Universities policies (Appendices 1 and 2) appropriate actions can be taken to minimize the hazards that chemicals pose and maintain a safe and healthy workplace.

The Hazard Communication Program is divided into three sections.  Section 1 outlines the specific requirements of the standard and the manner in which the University is complying with the regulations and defining responsibilities.  Section 2 focuses on required employee training information.  Section 3 provides information on chemical hazards and the emergency response actions to take in the event of a spill or exposure to a chemical agent.

B. SECTION 1: REQUIREMENTS AND RESPONSIBLITIES

1. REQUIREMENTS
   
   The following are the requirements of the Hazard Communication Standard:
   
   1. The Hazard Communication Standard (Haz Comm) applies to all employers who use hazardous chemicals in a non-laboratory setting.
      
      
   2. The standard applies to all chemicals, which are defined as hazardous by the standard and are used in the workplace in a manner in which employees may be exposed to the chemicals under conditions of use or foreseeable emergencies. The standard defines a hazardous chemical as any chemical which is a physical or a health hazard.
      
      Physical hazards include:
      • combustible liquids
      • compressed gases
      • explosives
      • flammables
      • organic peroxides
      • oxidizers
      
      
      Chemicals considered health hazards fall into one of the following categories:
      • carcinogen
      • toxic or highly toxic
      • reproductive toxin
      • irritant
      • corrosive
      • sensitizer
      • hepatotoxin
      • nephrotoxin
      • neurotoxin
      • agents affecting the hematopoietic system
      • agents which damage the lungs, skin, eyes or mucous membranes
      
      
      Definitions of these categories can be found in Appendix 3.
      
      
   3. The employer is required to develop and maintain a written Hazard Communication Program, which describes how it will meet the requirements of the Standard. Additional copies of this document are available from Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S).
      
      
   4. The employer is required to compile a list of the hazardous chemicals present in the workplace. A suggested chemical inventory form is available in Appendix 4.
      
      
   5. All containers of hazardous chemicals must be labeled with the following information:
      • the identity of the hazardous chemical(s)
      • the appropriate hazard warnings
      • the name and address of the chemical manufacturer, importer or other responsible party.
      
      
      Exceptions to this rule include:
      • containers in which chemicals are transferred from a labeled container for immediate use by the employee performing the transfer
      • alternatives to labels, such as signs, placards, process sheets, operating procedures or other written materials, may also be used instead of affixing labels to individual stationary process containers as long as the materials contain the required labeling information.
      
      
      
   6. Employers are required to maintain Material Safety Data Sheets or MSDSs for all hazardous chemicals used in the workplace.  These MSDS must be available to employees during their work shift. The required information on the MSDSs is provided by chemical manufacturers and sent with the first shipment of the chemical to a location. The main collection of MSDSs for the University is located at EH&S's web site at http://www.safety.rochester.edu. In the event of an emergency or one does not have access to a University computer, contact EH&S at ext. 5-3241 to have an MSDS sent to you. MSDSs are available for emergency exposure situations or after-hours emergencies by contacting Poison Center at x5-3232. A blank MSDS illustrating the information available on an MSDS is available in Appendix 5.
      
      
   7. Employers (supervisors) are also required to provide site specific information and training to employees on the Hazard Communication Standard and the hazards of the chemicals used in the workplace.
   
   
   
2. RESPONSIBILITIES
   
   Responsibility for implementing the Haz Comm resides with each department where hazardous chemicals may be utilized in a non-laboratory setting. The responsibility for implementing and fulfilling the mandates of the Haz Comm are as follows:
   
   
   
   1. Deans,administrators, and department heads have ultimate responsibility for administration of safety in their departments.  The Safety Policy (Appendix 1), the Reproductive Protection Program (Appendix 2), and Haz Comm are only some of the policies and programs that must be administered under their direction.
      
      
   2. Supervisors have primary responsibility for:
      1. Informing and training employees on the use and potential hazards of hazardous chemicals in their work area, and when new chemical hazards are introduced
      2. Completing the most recent edition of EH&S's Job Hazard Assessment to determine the personal protective equipment needed to protect the employees.
      3. Supervising employees in the implementation of engineering controls, safe work practices and the required PPE used to reduce or prevent potential exposures
      4. Investigating and reporting incidents relating to the use of hazardous chemicals to EH&S
      5. Selecting chemicals, supervising the use and disposal of chemicals, and maintaining an inventory of hazardous chemicals for all work locations under their direction
      6. Maintain training records of all those in the department that have attended training sessions relating to Haz Comm.
      
      
      
   3. Employees responsibilities include:
      1. Awareness of the hazards associated with the chemicals used and the methods of reducing exposures
      2. Planning and using chemicals in accordance with established safe work practices and protocols
      3. Using all of the appropriate PPE required for working with a chemical
      4. Disposing of chemicals in an appropriate manner
      5. Reporting unsafe conditions to their supervisor
      6. Reporting incidents of hazardous chemical exposure to their supervisor
      7. Attending training as required under this standard
      
      
      
   4. The Industrial Hygiene Unit of Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) will oversee general training programs and the availability of Material Safety Data Sheets. The Unit's responsibilities include implementation of the Haz Comm Program and:
      1. Working with administrators and other employees to develop and implement safe work practices
      2. Providing general awareness training to University personnel
      3. Maintaining records of training provided by EH&S staff to University personnel
      4. Providing additional training materials in the form of videotapes and information to assist departments in supplemental training efforts
      5. Evaluating areas where regulated materials are used and determine when monitoring of airborne contaminants is necessary
      6. Performing periodic safety surveys of work areas to ensure compliance with Haz Comm.
   
   
   The Hazard Communication Standard, as with any safety regulation, is designed to protect employees and is part of an overall program to provide a healthy and safe work environment. Because of the importance of this standard you may be interviewed during internal audits or by OSHA inspectors.  These auditors are determining if you were provided adequate training and are aware of your responsibilities under this standard.  You must be able to show that you have an understanding of the potential dangers of the chemicals in your work place and the means to protect yourself from these hazards. Any questions on the Hazard Communication Standard or its implementation should be referred to the Industrial Hygiene Unit of Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) at extension 5-3241.
   
   
3. RECORDS
   
   
   1. Chemical inventories and MSDSs must be maintained by the department. A suggested chemical inventory can be found in Appendix 4. The inventories are to be updated at least annually into the University's electronic Chemical Inventory and MSDS system.
      
      
   2. Attendance records of Haz Comm sessions conducted by EH&S will be retained by EH&S for up to five (5) years and reported to each department periodically.
      
      
   3. Injuries or chemical exposures will be documented on Incident Report Forms, SMH-115, on the web at http://www.safety.rochester.edu/SMH115.html. A copy of any report generated is to be retained by the supervisor.
      
      
   4. Medical records will be retained as established by University protocol.
      
      
   5. Departments will keep records of site specific training provided to their employees.
   
   
   
4. MULTI-EMPLOYER WORKPLACE
   
   EH&S will provide an inventory of the chemicals and a copy of the MSDSs to outside contractors for those hazardous chemicals used in the immediate work/construction area.
   
   Outside contractors are required to have an MSDS for any hazardous chemical brought onto University property and have them readily available to their employees and to the University. Contractors using particularly hazardous materials (based on flammability, toxicity, or stench odor) must receive EH&S approval prior to use.

C. SECTION 2:  REQUIRED EMPLOYEE INFORMATION & TRAINING

The OSHA Hazard Communication Standard requires that employees be informed of the requirements of the standard, the location of the written Hazard Communication Plan, activities using hazardous chemicals, and lists of hazardous chemicals in the workplace.

The University's Written Hazard Communication Plan is available from EH&S (ext. 5-3241).

1. TRAINING
   
   
   1. Required Training and Frequency of Training
      
      The University provides employees with information and training to ensure they are mindful of the hazards of chemicals present in their work area. Awareness Training is made available at New Hire Orientation before the employee's initial work assignment begins. Site-specific training must be provided by the supervisor at the initial job assignment. EH&S will assist in providing information/ training in those departments where special hazards have been identified.
      
      Documentation of the training provided at New Hire Orientation and other sessions held by EH&S will be maintained by EH&S for a period of up to 5 years. Continuing employee training for special hazards in an employee's work area will be the responsibility of the supervisor
      
      The IH Unit can provide reference and/or videotape materials to assist the supervisor in training for site-specific chemicals or procedures that may introduce a risk to the employees.
      
      Retraining is required when a new hazard is introduced in a work area. Supervisors may request the assistance of EH&S with the periodic retraining for their employees.
      
      
   2. Purpose and Content of Training
      
      The purpose of Hazard communication training is to inform individuals of the risks and hazards associated with chemical use and what to do if an emergency occurs. General awareness training conducted by EH&S consists of an overview of:
      
      
      1. The existence of the Hazard Communication Program (Haz Comm) and its requirements
      2. How to read and understand the material found on an MSDS
      3. Methods to minimize employee exposure to hazardous chemicals
      4. Signs and symptoms associated with exposure to hazardous chemicals
      5. Location and availability of known reference materials, including MSDS, outlining the hazards, safe handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous chemicals
      6. Proper use and limitations of personal protective apparel and equipment
      7. Proper use of emergency equipment and the limitations of safety equipment
      8. Emergency procedures to follow in the event of a chemical spill or exposure
      
      
      Site-specific training shall be provided at the employee’s initial job assignment. Employee training for site-specific hazards in an employee's work area will be the responsibility of the supervisor.
      
      
2. READING AND INTERPRETING MSDSs & LABELS
   
   The two key written materials that convey information on the hazards of chemicals are Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) and labels.  The Hazard Communication Standard requires that MSDSs be available for all hazardous chemicals and that all containers of these chemicals be labeled.  This section gives valuable information on what to expect and how to use the information on MSDSs.
   
   
   1. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs)
      
      A copy of the MSDS must be readily available for all hazardous chemicals used. MSDSs are sent by the manufacturer/supplier for the first order of the chemical. Starting in the fall of 2006, electronic inventories and MSDSs will be available through any University computer by going to http://www.safety.rochester.edu/.
      
      Emergency MSDSs are available during regular work hours by calling EH&S at ext. 5-3241. MSDSs are available after normal working hours and for emergency exposures by contacting Poison Center at x5-3232. A copy of the MSDS can be FAXED to your office or to the Security Desk at ED.
      
      MSDSs are generally broken down into eight sections.  Because the Hazard Communication Standard requires certain information to be included on MSDSs but not a rigid format, variation among MSDSs will occur.  The following list is a breakdown of the required sections on an MSDS:
      
      • Section I Manufacturer Information - lists the manufacturer’s name, address telephone and provides emergency numbers.
      • Section II Hazardous Ingredients/Identity Information - provides a listing of the chemicals found in the listed material and the allowable exposure limits.
      • Section III Physical/Chemical Characteristics - provides information including the boiling point, solubility, melting point and other technical information of the material.
      • Section IV Fire and Explosion Hazard Data - provides the temperature at which product burns, type of extinguisher needed for fires and other information in case of a fire.
      • Section V Reactivity Data - lists chemicals that are not compatible with this material and gives hazard information.
      • Section VI Health Hazard Data - lists different ways the chemical can enter body.  For each mode of entry, the possible health effects are listed.  Specific health effects such as carcinogenicity and reproductive effects are also listed.
      • Section VII Precautions for Safe Handling and Use - gives special material handling data and spill procedures.
      • Section VIII Control Measures - lists recommendations for PPE and if special ventilation requirements are needed.
      
      Appendix 5 is an example of an MSDS that has been filled in with the kind of information that would be found on an actual MSDSs.  Any reproductive health hazard information will be listed in the Health Hazard Data Section of the MSDS.  Because many chemicals have not been tested for potential reproductive health effects some MSDSs will state that the effects are unknown.
      
      
   2. Labels and Signs
      
      The hazard warnings on the label lists the appropriate measures to be taken in the case of an emergency and give the main hazard(s) associated with the use of the chemical.  If a label is missing from a container in which the chemical can be properly identified, a new label shall be affixed containing the appropriate information.  Never mix chemicals that do not have proper labels.  Never assume an unlabeled container is harmless.  Also never remove any label unless you immediately replace it with a new label containing at a minimum, the information removed on the previous label.  Labels are an important first source of information on the chemicals used in the workplace.  Labels can be seen as a condensed version of an MSDS.  The following information is required to be affixed on all containers of hazardous chemicals:
      1. All purchased chemicals, purchased solutions, and in-house prepared solutions must have identity labels showing:
         • The identity of the hazardous chemical(s) with proper names.
         • Appropriate hazard warnings such as FLAMMABLE, CORROSIVE, etc.
         • The name and address of the chemical manufacturer, importer or other responsible party.
      2. Abbreviations are not an acceptable method to identify the contents of a container. 
      3. In addition, product labels and DOT shipping labels must be retained on all bulk quantities of chemicals.
      4. Signs indicating the location of safety showers, eyewash stations, and other safety and first aid equipment are required.
      5. Warnings signs are required in areas or on equipment where special or unusual hazards exist.
      
      
      
3. LIMITING CHEMICAL EXPOSURES
   
   Three main methods exist to control exposure: engineering controls, safe work practices, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
   
   
   1. Engineering Controls:
      
      Engineering controls are the preferred method of reducing exposure.  Engineering controls should be used whenever the chemical hazard information on the chemical label or the material safety data sheet (MSDS) indicates a need. A common need for engineering controls is indicated when an MSDS states ”use local exhaust.” Examples of engineering controls include switching to a less hazardous chemical, isolating the chemical by using isolation rooms or using remote equipment.
      
      
   2. Safe Work Practices:
      
      Safe work practices offer a second method to reduce exposure after the use of engineering controls. MSDS and chemical labels should be reviewed for specific work practice instructions before using chemicals. Additional safe work practices include not working alone, washing hands after using chemicals, and reducing the amount of chemicals used.
      
      
   3. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
      
      PPE should be used in addition to, but not as a substitute, for engineering controls and safe work practices to reduce exposure. PPE may consist of respiratory protection, eye protection, face protection, gloves, hearing protection, and protective clothing. MSDS and chemical labels contain specific information on the proper PPE needed. The most recent edition of EH&S's PPE Job Hazard Assessment Form is to be filled out by the supervisor to assist in the proper selection of PPE. When PPE is selected, its use shall be in accordance with OSHA standard 29 CRF 1910 subpart I, sections 132-139, the UofR’s Personal Protective Equipment Program, and in consultation with the manufacturer.
      
      Personnel must wear PPE to help prevent chemical exposures. Required PPE is normally provided by the supervisor at no cost to the employee.
      
      
   4. Chemical Procurement, Distribution, Storage and Disposal
      
      
      1. Procurement:
         1. Before a substance is used, an MSDS with information on proper handling, storage, and disposal shall be obtained and made available for those who will be using the substance. No container is to be accepted without an adequate identifying label. Manufactures' labels are not to be defaced or removed.
         2. Whenever possible, supervisors should consider using alternative chemicals for very hazardous chemicals.
         3. To reduce future wastes, purchase only those quantities necessary.
      2. Distribution:
         When chemicals are transported by hand or cart, the container should be placed within a second, larger container or bucket.
      3. Storage:
         1. Periodic inventories must be conducted and the updated information entered into the University's Chemical Inventory and MSDS System.
         2. The Hazardous Waste Unit (ext. 5-2056) should be consulted before disposal of unneeded or excess items. At least annually, a visual inspection for replacement, deterioration, and of container integrity should be performed when inventories are undertaken.
         3. Chemicals must be stored correctly. Consult the MSDS and product labels for recommended storage procedures. Manufacturers should be consulted for additional storage recommendations.
      4. Disposal:
         1. All hazardous waste generated shall be disposed of in accordance with local, state and federal regulations. The Hazardous Waste Management Unit (ext. 5-2056) shall be called for a chemical pick up. Completed Hazardous Waste Tags must be affixed to each waste container.
         2. Training on the proper disposal of hazardous waste is available. Contact Hazardous Waste Management Unit for a training video and handouts.

D. SECTION 3: CHEMICALS - HAZARDS AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE

1. EXPOSURES
   
   Minimizing exposures to chemicals is important to worker safety. Consulting the MSDS can provide valuable information on preventing exposures to chemicals.  Effects from adverse chemical exposures can lead to long-term health effects.  Exposure to chemicals are described in many ways. Acute / short term exposures are exposures that occur over a very short period of time, usually less than 15 minutes.  Chronic / long term exposures occur over a long period of time, usually weeks or years.
   
   OSHA regulates the amount of chemical an employee can be exposed to in the workplace.  OSHA’s Permissible Exposure Limits (PEL’s) for a chemical is a legal regulatory limit of airborne exposure, time weighted average, which cannot be exceeded over an 8-hour work period.  Short Term Exposure Limits (STEL’s) are limits that cannot be exceeded for more than 15 minutes.
   
   The American Congress of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) publishes a list of Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) for chemicals. The TLV for a chemical is the average airborne concentration of a chemical that is thought most people can be exposed to for an 8-hour limit with no ill effects.
   
   Methods of detecting chemicals can include:
   • Monitoring by the employer
   • Continuous monitoring devices
   • Observation of the chemical’s appearance, odor or other physical characteristic.
   
   
   
2. MEDICAL CONSULTATIONS AND EXAMINATIONS
   
   Medical consultations and examinations are available from University Health Service (UHS). In the event of a serious injury or an after hour's emergency, care is available from Strong Memorial Hospital's Emergency Department. All required medical examinations and consultations are performed by, and under the direct supervision of, a licensed physician and are provided without cost to the employee.
   
   
   1. Consultations and medical examinations for work-related illnesses, injuries, and exposures are made available under the following circumstances:
      1. When an employee develops signs or symptoms associated with a hazardous chemical to which he/she may have been exposed
      2. Where exposure monitoring reveals any exposure levels routinely above the OSHA Action Level (AL) or Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) for which there are exposure monitoring and medical surveillance requirements
      3. Whenever an unusual event takes place in the work area such as a spill, leak, explosion, or other occurrence resulting in the likelihood of an exposure above the PEL.
      
      
      
   2. Chemical Exposures
      1. Between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM, phone the University Health Service (UHS) Occupational Health Nurse at ext. 5-1164 (or pager 16-4152). Identify yourself, state that a person has been exposed to a chemical (how and which one), what preliminary precautions have been taken, and that the exposed patient is on the way to UHS. Send with the patient the name of the chemical(s) they were exposed to and, if possible, a copy of the MSDS. UHS is located at G-5000 of the Medical Center.
      2. Between 4:30 PM and 8:00 AM, or for any serious situation, call ext. 13 (Security Emergency Dispatch) and request a medical assistance. In the Medical Center, this will involve a MERT Response. On River Campus, a MERT Response or an ambulance would be dispatched.
      
      
      
   3. Pre-placement Assessments - Specific groups of employees receive pre-placement health assessments and annual reassessments through UHS.
      
      
   4. Special medical surveillance programs are provided when indicated by a department's or division's unique needs and are available through UHS. The department can call UHS Occupational Health Program at ext. 5-4955 for department charges and other information.
   
   
   
3. SPILL CONTROL POLICY
   
   A chemical spill may occur to anyone who uses chemicals. Preplanning a response to a chemical spill is vital to minimize exposures. Trained chemical users can clean up small spills – those, which by their small volume of low toxicity, are not deemed to present a hazard to the trained chemical users. The appropriate PPE must be worn when cleaning these spills to help prevent exposures.  Small chemical spills are to be cleaned up immediately.
   
   Some hazardous substances necessitate special clean-up procedures to minimize hazards to clean-up personnel. Major spills are those spills, which by which their large volume or high toxicity, present a health hazard under normal conditions. Clean up of these spills should not be attempted by employees. Security is to be contacted at ext. 13 to make arrangements for a spill response team.
   
   Spill Emergency Plan
   1. Emergency preplanning to be followed before working with toxic chemicals:
      1. Determine the potential location of releases.
      2. Determine the quantities of material that may be released.
      3. Know the chemical and physical properties of the material (physical state, vapor pressure, air or water reactivity).
      4. Know the hazardous properties of the material(toxicity, corrosivity, flammability).
      5. Have the required PPE and spill kits available.
   2. For a small (low hazard) spill, the following general procedures are to be followed:
      1. Attend to any persons who may have been contaminated. If personal exposure may have occurred, have the person use the eye wash station or safety shower. Direct the person to appropriate medical facilities.
      2. Notify persons in the immediate area of the spill.
      3. Close the door.
      4. Avoid breathing vapors of the spilled material.
      5. Leave any local exhaust ventilation on.
      6. Secure supplies to effect clean-up.
      7. During clean-up, wear the appropriate PPE.
      8. Place the collected waste in an appropriate container for disposal.
   3. For a major spill, the following procedures are to be followed:
      1. Attend to any persons who may have been contaminated. If personal exposure may have occurred, have the person use the eye wash station or safety shower. Remove the person from the area and seek medical assistance if needed.
      2. Alert others in the immediate area of the spill.  Evacuate personnel from the area.
      3. Confine the fumes/vapors from the spill by closing the door to the room where the spill occurred.
      4. Contact Security (ext. 13) from a safe location.
      5. Be available for the emergency spill response personnel to provide necessary information concerning the spill and other hazards that may be present in the spill area.
   
   
   
4. SPECIAL CHEMICALS USED IN THIS LOCATION
   
   This section of the manual is to be completed by the supervisor after completing the chemical inventory, inputting the collected information into the University's Chemical Inventory and MSDS System, and determining from the product label the hazards the chemical pose. The supervisor must then discuss with the employees the hazards the chemicals pose to the employees and the methods to prevent exposures. The supervisor is to document all training provided and retain the records.
   
   Place the gathered information after this page.  Should there be doubt in the action to take for a chemical exposure, contact the POISON CENTER (ext. 5-3232).

E. CLOSING COMMENTS

There is a large amount of information in the Hazard Communication Program. The most important points to remember are that labels on containers and Material Safety Data Sheets contain valuable information on using chemicals safely, first aid and emergency procedures. Staff members should be familiar with labels and MSDS's, and should be consulted in the event of an emergency. If in doubt of the action to take, call Security (ext. 13) and request the assistance of EH&S.

This policy can be found at the following site:

http://www.rochester.edu/provost/FacultyHandbook/UniversityPolicies/Safety.html

This policy can be found at the following site:

http://www.rochester.edu/working/hr/policies/pdfpolicies/167.pdf

Physical Hazards

• Combustible - ignites at 100^oF or above but below 200^oF.
• Compressed gas - gas under high pressure in a cylinder, hazard of violent release if valve is broken off or cylinder is dropped.
• Explosive - ignites suddenly and violently.
• Flammable - ignites at temperature below 100^oF.
• Organic peroxide - explodes if shaken or shocked; some liquids such as ether form organic peroxides after long storage times if stored improperly.  It has a chemical structure related to hydrogen peroxide.
• Oxidizer - gives off oxygen and will support combustion (Examples: sodium nitrate, sulfuric acid).
• Pyrophoric - catches fire in air without needing a source of ignition at a temperature of 130^oF or below.
• Unstable (reactive) - may react in air or with other chemicals, causing explosion or heat.
• Water reactive - reacts spontaneously in contact with water giving off toxic or ignitable vapors or causing hazardous pressure increases.

Health Hazards

• Carcinogen - has been found to cause cancer in humans or at least two experiments with animals.
• Corrosive - causes burns to human tissue on contact (Examples: sulfuric acid, lye, phenol).
• Highly Toxic - contact with a small amount of the chemical (1 teaspoon or less) may cause illness from single exposure.
• Irritant - causes irritation of skin, eyes or upper respiratory tract.
• Sensitizer - may cause allergic reactions such as skin rash, especially after repeated contact.
• Target Organ Effects- chemical causes harm to a certain organ or organs of the body, called "target organs".
• Toxic - causes illness, but need single contact with larger amount of the chemical than for "highly toxic" chemicals or repeated contacts with smaller amounts.

Add any chemicals whenever a new chemical is introduced in the workplace.

Your authorized individual is to add the chemical to the University's Chemical Inventory and MSDS System when it arrives at your location. If the MSDS is not found on the University's Chemical Inventory/MSDS System, contact EH&S for assistance.

NAME OF PERSON COMPLETING INVENTORY:________________________

DATE OF INVENTORY: ______/______/______

**List the PPE required for using the chemical in this column.

Section I

Section II - Hazard Ingredients/Identity Information

Section III - Physical/Chemical Characteristics

Section IV - Fire and Explosion Hazard Data

Section V - Reactivity Data

Section VI - Health Hazard Data

Section VII - Precautions for Safe Handling and Use

Section VIII - Control Measures

QUESTIONS? Contact EH&S Industrial Hygiene at (585) 275-3241 or e-mail EH&S Questions.

This page last updated 3/19/2007. Disclaimer