Hazard Communication

Disclaimer

• This training material presents very important information.

• Your organization must do an evaluation of all exposures,

applicable codes and regulations and establish proper controls,
training and protective measures to effectively control exposures
and ensure compliance.

• This program is neither a determination that the conditions and

practices of your organization are safe nor a warranty that reliance
upon this program will prevent accidents and losses or satisfy
local, state or federal regulations.

• All procedures and training, whether required by law or not,

should be implemented and reviewed by safety and risk
management professionals and legal counsel to ensure that all
local, state and federal requirements are satisfied.
 Hazard Communication—Course Outline

1. Why Take Hazard Communication Training?

2. Criteria for a Hazard Communication Program

3. Globally Harmonized System (GHS)

4. The Written Program

5. Hazardous Materials Inventory

6. Employee Training

7. Hazardous Materials and Your Body

8. Understanding Exposure Limits

9. Hazard Classification
 Hazard Communication—Course Outline

10. Exposure Controls

11. Pictograms

12. Container Labeling

13. Other Labeling Requirements

14. Safety Data Sheets

15. Summary
 Why Take Hazard Communication Training?

Hazard communication training is essential in creating a safe

work environment.

By the end of this training program, you will:

• Know how to recognize and manage the

hazardous materials in your work area.

• Understand the Globally Harmonized

System of Classification and Labeling of
Chemicals (GHS).

Applying this knowledge will improve workplace safety.

 Why Take Hazard Communication Training?

• Laws: Most developed countries have laws regarding the use of

hazardous chemicals in the workplace. Many of these laws are
based on the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and
Labeling of Chemicals (GHS).

• Magnitude of the chemical industry: Chemicals affect all

aspects of life. Having immediately available information on the
hazardous properties of chemicals is crucial for protecting human
health and the environment.

• Protecting personnel: Training ensures that employees are

informed about the hazards associated with the chemicals they
work with and know how to protect themselves.

• Saving money: Your organization will realize bottom line cost

savings when avoiding fines, incidents and injuries.
 Criteria for a Hazard Communication Program

The Hazard Communication Standard of 2012:

 Modifies the existing standard. As OSHA
explains, not only do employees have the
right to know but also the right to
understand the hazards of each chemical.

 Keeps the performance-oriented focus of

the old standard, but presents uniform
guidelines for the classification and
presentation of chemical hazards.

• Ensures that employees are taught about

the hazards associated with their work.

• Requires employers to train employees in

the proper handling of hazardous materials
to prevent harmful exposure.
 Criteria for a Hazard Communication Program

Requirements for a hazard communication program:

• Each employer must have a written hazard communication

program.

• All employees must receive hazard training.

• An inventory of all hazardous substances in the workplace must be

maintained.

• All containers of hazardous products must be properly labeled.

• Manufacturers and suppliers must provide written information on

the hazards of the materials they produce or supply. This
information is provided on Safety Data Sheets (SDSs).
 SDSs must be accessible to employees, visitors and contractors.
 Globally Harmonized System (GHS)

What is the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and

Labeling of Chemicals (GHS)?
• GHS is a system, not a standard. It was
developed with an international panel of
scientific experts and industry
stakeholders and managed by the United
Nations to synchronize the definitions of
chemical hazards.
• It is a defined system that classifies
chemicals by their hazard. This includes
ensuring proper labeling and appropriate
Safety Data Sheets (SDSs).
• GHS addresses the issues of chemical
management and use in a global economy with
a diverse set of regulations between countries,
regions and business sectors.
 Globally Harmonized
GHSSystem (GHS)

As seen in the video, adopting GHS will result in three major

areas of change:

• Hazard classification: The definition of a hazardous chemical

has been changed to provide specific, uniform criteria for
classification of health and physical hazards.

• Labels: Chemical manufacturers, importers and distributors will be

required to provide a label that includes a harmonized signal word,
pictogram and hazard statement for each hazard class and
category. Precautionary statements must also be provided.

• Safety Data Sheets: These will now have a specified 16-section

format.
During the transition period, manufacturers, employers,
importers and distributors may comply with the final
standard, the current standard or both.
 The Written Program

Your hazard communication program:

• A copy of your hazard

communication program must
be in writing and located at
each facility so that all
important safety information
is easily accessible to every
employee.

• The written program is an

important source of
information needed to prevent
accidents related to hazardous
materials.

Management has developed a plan that is specific to your organization.

 The Written Program

A written hazard communication program must include:

• The names of those responsible for administering each part of the

program.

• An inventory of all the hazardous materials onsite, including SDSs.

• Employee training procedures, including the personal protective

equipment (PPE) specified on the SDSs.

• Information about container labeling procedures.

• General instructions for safe handling of the chemical, proper

disposal and emergency procedures.

• Training on unusual tasks, such as cleaning machinery, that may

result in additional hazards.

• Rules that private contractors must follow when onsite.

 Hazardous Materials Inventory

The hazardous materials inventory provides:

• Safety information about all hazardous substances in the

workplace.

• Chemical identification:
 The chemical’s full name from container labels.
 The chemical’s commonly used name.
 The product identifier: A unique name or number which can
be cross-referenced to the correct SDS so that anyone can
easily obtain the chemical information they need.

• Information about where each hazardous material is used.

 Employee Training

Employee training overview:

 Training enables employees to perform their job according to the

health, safety, first aid and emergency procedures necessary.

 Employees must be fully trained on the specific hazards in their

work area. Employees that require training include:
 Those who might be exposed under normal conditions or in an
emergency situation.
 Contractors and off-site employees.
 Transportation employees and emergency responders.

 Every employee must receive specific training before working

with any hazardous chemical.
 Training is required at the time of the initial assignment.
 Additional training is required when a new chemical hazard is
introduced to the workplace.
 Employee Training

Training must include:

• The expectations of the program.

• The right to know and understand hazards in the workplace,

including GHS hazard classification, pictograms and signal words.

• All hazards associated with each chemical in the workplace:

 Physical hazards
 Health hazards
 Simple asphyxiation
 Combustible dust
 Pyrophoric gas hazards
 Hazards not otherwise classified
 Employee Training

Training must include (continued):

Information sources:
 Written hazard communication program: This includes a list
of chemicals used by the organization. Employees should know the
contents and location.
 Labels: Employees should understand labeling on containers they
will encounter.
 Safety Data Sheets (SDSs): These documents provide
important information about hazardous materials in the workplace.
Employees should know their contents, structure, order of
information and their location.
 Employee Training

Training must include (continued):

Procedures:
• How to detect the release or presence of a hazardous chemical.
• Chemical handling procedures that eliminate the risk of harmful
exposure.
• The proper use of controls including engineering controls, signs,
emergency procedures and personal protective equipment (PPE)
while working with hazardous materials.
• Proper chemical labeling practices.

Your performance will be evaluated to ensure that you are meeting

the requirements and that you consider safety a top priority.
 Hazardous Materials and Your Body

How hazardous substances affect your body:

• Hazardous materials can create serious health risks. The risks are
dependent on the substances used and the duration of exposure.

• Symptoms vary from short term effects such as headaches or skin

irritation to long term effects like organ damage or cancer.

• The route of entry is how a substance gets into your body. This
can happen in one or more of the following ways:
 Ingestion: Through the digestive tract by swallowing.
 Absorption: Through the eyes, skin, or mucous membranes.
 Inhalation: Through the respiratory tract by breathing.
 Injection: Piercing the skin, involving cuts or needles.
The strength of the substance and the quantity
that enters the body determine the effect.
 Hazardous Materials and Your Body

Eye hazards: Impair eye or visual capacity.

Signs: Conjunctivitis, corneal damage.

Chemicals: Organic solvents, acids, bases, peroxides.

Hepatoxins: Damage the liver.

Signs: Jaundice, liver enlargement.

Chemicals: Carbon tetrachloride, nitrosamines.

Blood & hematopoietic system agents: Affect

hemoglobin function, deprive body tissue of oxygen.

Signs: Low blood oxygen, loss of consciousness.

Chemicals: Carbon monoxide, cyanides.

Neurotoxins: Damage the nervous system.

Signs: Narcosis, behavioral changes, decrease in motor

functions.

Chemicals: Mercury, carbon disulfide, acrylamide, lead.

 Hazardous Materials and Your Body

Cutaneous hazards: Affect the skin or dermal layer.

Signs: De-fatting of skin, rashes, irritation.

Chemicals: Acetone, solvents, chlorinated compounds.

Lung damaging agents: Irritate or damage

pulmonary tissue.

Signs: Cough, shortness of breath, chest tightness.

Chemicals: Silica, asbestos.

Nephrotoxins: Damage kidneys.

Signs: Swollen body tissue, excess protein in urine.

Chemicals: Heavy metals.

Reproductive toxins: Include mutagens and

teratogens.

Signs: Birth defects, spontaneous abortions.

Chemicals: Organic lead, mercury.

 Understanding Exposure Limits

Exposure limits vary by chemical:

• In addition to recognizing how a substance enters your body, it is

important to know how toxic each specific material is.
− Some materials have few harmful effects at high concentrations
for long periods of time.
− Others can be very dangerous, even fatal, at very low
concentrations for very short periods of time.

• It is important to recognize the exposure limits of any chemicals

you are working with.
 Understanding Exposure Limits

Exposure limits are determined by:

• Duration: How long you are near the material.

• Concentration: How much of the material is present.

Exposure = Duration x Concentration

 Understanding Exposure Limits

Permissible Exposure Limits:

• Most chemicals have established Permissible Exposure Limits

(PELs) which are established by research data. These should be
referenced in your Hazard Assessment.

• PELs for chemicals can vary by country and state standards. They
identify how high of a concentration (how much exposure) is
deemed safe to a particular substance.
• To ensure your safety around hazardous materials, your exposure
to any chemical must remain below its PEL. This is accomplished
by scientifically monitoring workplace exposure levels, establishing
the proper controls and properly handling all materials.
 Understanding Exposure Limits

Permissible Exposure Limits (continued):

• Chemical exposure limits are written using units of

measurement and periods of time.

• Various exposure measurements will be taken at specific, timed

points while working with the chemical.

• The exposure measurements will be averaged over the work day

of eight hours. The result is a time-weighted average (TWA).

• Based on the chemical hazard, PELs may apply to concentrations

in the air or on the skin.

Failing to observe PEL guidelines can lead to sickness, injury or death.

 Understanding Exposure Limits

Other units of measurement:

• Parts per million (ppm)

• Milligrams per cubic meter

(mg/m3)

• Parts per billion (ppb)

• Fibers per cubic

centimeter (f/cc), e.g.,
asbestos fibers
 Understanding Exposure Limits

Units of exposure time:

• Eight-hour time-weighted
average (TWA): Exposures
throughout the work day should not
exceed this value.

• 15-minute short term exposure

limit (STEL): Exposures during 15
minutes must not exceed this value.

• Ceiling limit (c): Exposures must

never exceed this value.
 Hazard Classification

Hazard classification:

• Manufacturers and importers

must evaluate and classify
chemicals produced in their
workplace.

• The hazard class and category

of each chemical must be
determined.

• The classification must take

into consideration the full
range of available scientific
information concerning all
potential hazards.
 Hazard Classification

Determining hazard classification:

 Chemical manufacturers and importers must classify chemicals in

accordance with the GHS classification section.

 In order to be uniform worldwide, the new classification system

includes the following:
 Specified criteria for each health and physical hazard.
 Detailed instructions for how to evaluate a hazard.

 Manufacturers, importers and distributors will have to determine if

mixtures are considered hazardous and, if they are, to classify
them.

Employers do not need to classify chemicals unless they

choose not to rely on the manufacturer classification.
 Hazard Classification

The first step in classification is determining whether a

material is a hazardous chemical:

A hazardous chemical is any chemical classified as a:

• Health hazard.
• Physical hazard.
• Simple asphyxiant, e.g., inert gases.
• Combustible dust, e.g., grain dust. Hazard
• Pyrophoric gas, e.g., silane. Classification
• Hazard not otherwise classified (HNOC).

GHS outlines criteria for determining whether a chemical

is hazardous and its degree of hazard. OSHA lists these
criteria in Appendix A and B of the standard.
 Hazard Classification

Health hazards:
• Acute toxicity (any route of exposure)
• Skin corrosion or irritation
• Serious eye damage or eye irritation
• Respiratory or skin sensitization
• Germ cell mutagenicity Hazard
• Carcinogenicity Classification
• Reproductive toxicity
• Specific target organ toxicity
• Aspiration hazards

A chemical may have more than one hazard classification.

 Hazard Classification

Physical hazards:
• Explosives
• Flammable gases, aerosols, liquids or solids
• Oxidizers (liquids, solids or gases)
• Self-reactive chemicals
• Pyrophoric liquids or solids
• Self-heating chemicals
• Includes organic peroxide
• Corrosive to metal
• Gases under pressure
• Chemicals that emit flammable gas while
in contact with water

Appendix B to §1910.1200 includes the defined physical hazard criteria.

 Hazard Classification

Hazards not addressed by GHS:

• GHS does not have defined criteria for certain hazards that
organizations in the United States felt should be addressed.
• To handle these anomalies, OSHA devised a few specific label
elements for the following hazards:
− Pyrophoric gas: Gases that catch fire when exposed to oxygen.
− Simple asphxyiant: Gases that displace oxygen.
− Combustible dust: This may become explosive under certain
conditions.
• In addition, a category called “hazards not otherwise classified” or
HNOC was developed and must be stated on the SDS.
The label elements for these OSHA defined hazards can be found in
Appendix C §1910.1200.
 Hazard Classification

The second step in classification is assigning the hazard

category:
• Each classification section has a hazard
Hazard
category that is based on scientific Classification
data of acute and long term
exposure and physical properties.
• Hazard categories also have very
specifically defined criteria and can Hazard
be found in Appendix A or B Category
depending on the hazard
classification.
• Each classification can have a different
number of hazard categories. For example:
 Oxidizing gases have one hazard category.
 Oral acute toxicity has four.
 Hazard Classification

The third step in classification is selecting the appropriate

hazard statements:

• Hazard statements describe Hazard

Classification
the nature of the hazard of a
chemical and in some cases
the degree of the hazard. Hazard
Category
• Hazard statements are
required on labels and are
addressed later in the training.
Hazard
Statement
 Hazard Classification

The steps of hazard classification:

Oral Health
Hazard Classification Hazard

Category 1: Category 2: Category 3: Category 4:

Toxicity at less Toxicity at 5-50 Toxicity at 50- Toxicity at 200-
Hazard Category than 5 mg/kg mg/kg of body 200 mg/kg of 2000 mg/kg of
of body weight weight (low body weight body weight
(lowest dose) dose) (high dose) (highest dose)

Signal word Danger Danger Warning Warning

Fatal if Hazardous if
Hazard Statement swallowed
Fatal if
swallowed
Toxic if
swallowed swallowed
 Exposure Controls

Engineering controls:

• Engineering controls reduce the

concentration of hazardous
chemicals in the air and reduce
exposure through employee
contact.

• Engineering controls include:

– Ventilation, such as a down draft table.
– Local exhaust ventilation such as a vacuum or snorkel.
– Glove boxes for the manipulation of highly hazardous
chemicals.
– Changes to the handling processes that reduce employee
contact with the hazardous chemical.
 Exposure Controls

Work practice controls:

• Employee behavior when working with hazardous chemicals can

reduce the risk of exposure.

• Work practice controls include:

– Not eating, drinking or applying cosmetics, including lip balm,
while working with a hazardous chemical.
– Obeying all posted signs and placards.
– Washing hands after removing PPE, at the end of the work day
and prior to eating or drinking.
– Reporting any spills or leaking containers to your supervisor.
 Exposure Controls

Personal protective equipment:

• You may need to wear personal

protective equipment (PPE) when
working with hazardous materials.

• A hazard assessment must be

completed to determine the appropriate
PPE to be worn when working with a
chemical hazard.

• PPE must be:

– Specifically approved for the work.
– Written in the PPE Hazard
Assessment.
– Inspected and maintained daily.
 Exposure Controls

Personal protective equipment types:

Face and eye protection:

• Safety glasses, goggles or a face shield

must be worn if there is the possibility
that hazardous materials will contact
your eyes or face.

• Goggles shield the eyes against liquid

or chemical splashes, irritating mists,
vapors, fumes and particulates.

• Face shields protect the entire face

against exposure to hazardous
materials. These should be used in
conjunction with safety glasses or
goggles.
 Exposure Controls

Personal protective equipment types (continued):

Skin protection:
• Skin protection depends on the hazard. Protection may be required
for the whole body or only for the hands.

• Gloves must be designed for the specific hazardous material.

 Consider the conditions present, duration of use and potential
hazards.
 If the wrong material is selected the glove will not provide the
proper protection.
 Chemicals may pass through some glove materials or break
down the materials, leaving the wearer unprotected.
 Exposure Controls

Personal protective equipment types (continued):

Respiratory protection:
• If fumes, vapors or
particulates are present in the
air, some form of respiratory
protection may be required.
• This can range from a simple
dust mask to a full-face
respirator.

• You must have a medical

evaluation, respirator specific
training and a fit test prior to
working with a respirator.
 Pictograms

Pictograms and hazards:

• GHS developed a series of nine

pictograms for use in labeling.

• It is expected that all existing

hazard communication programs
will need to be changed in some
way to comply with GHS in this
area.

• The pictograms will convey any

health, physical and
environmental hazards that are
assigned to a GHS category.
 Pictograms

Pictograms and hazards (continued):

• The health hazard symbol may mean:

 Carcinogens.
 Mutagenicity.
 Reproductive toxicity.
 Respiratory sensitizers.
 Target organ toxicity.
 Aspiration toxicity.

An example of a chemical that causes a health hazard is benzene,

a common industrial solvent and known carcinogen.
 Pictograms

Pictograms and hazards (continued):

• The flame symbol may mean:

 Flammables.
 Pyrophorics.
 Self-heating chemicals.
 Chemicals that emit flammable gas.
 Self-reactive chemicals.
 Organic peroxides.

An example of this is xylene, a common component of paint

remover and a solvent used in many workplaces. It is a
flammable liquid and also creates a vapor that is flammable.
 Pictograms

Pictograms and hazards (continued):

• The exclamation mark may mean:

 Irritants, such as skin or eye irritants.
 Skin sensitizers.
 Acute toxicity.
 Narcotic effects.
 Respiratory tract irritants.
 Chemicals hazardous to the ozone layer.
(This is a non-mandatory category.)

Acetone, a solvent used in various applications including

women's cosmetics, is an eye, nose and throat irritant.
 Pictograms

Pictograms and hazards (continued):

• The gas cylinder symbol means:

 Gases under pressure.

An example of a chemical stored this way is nitrogen gas, which

is used as a shield gas in gas metal arc welding.
 Pictograms

Pictograms and hazards (continued):

• The corrosive symbol may mean:

 Skin corrosion or burns.
 Eye damage.
 Corrosion to metals.

An example of a corrosive chemical is sodium hypochlorite, a

common household bleach; it is corrosive to stainless steel.
 Pictograms

Pictograms and hazards (continued):

• The flame over circle symbol means:

 Oxidizers.

Sodium nitrate, a component of some fertilizers and

occasionally used as a food preservative, is an oxidizer.
 Pictograms

Pictograms and hazards (continued):

• The exploding bomb symbol may mean:

 Explosives.
 Self–reactives.
 Organic peroxides.

Ammonium nitrate, used as a fertilizer, is an example

of a chemical with an explosive hazard.
 Pictograms

Pictograms and hazards (continued):

• The skull and crossbones symbol means:

 Acute toxicity (fatal or toxic).

An example of a chemical with acute toxicity is hydrogen

sulfide, a natural occurring gas in the earth. It is
toxic if inhaled at high concentrations.
 Pictograms

Pictograms and hazards (continued):

• The environment symbol means:

 Aquatic toxicity.

Polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE), a liquid flame retardant, is an

example of aquatic toxicants. PBDE are shown to accumulate in fish
fat and cause development issues in marine life.
 Container Labeling

Labels:

By June 1, 2015 all labels of

hazardous chemicals must contain
the following information:

• Product identifiers: A unique

name or number used for a
hazardous chemical that
can be cross-referenced
between the label, SDS and
written hazard communication
program.

• Supplier identification: The

name, address and telephone
number of the responsible
party.
 Container Labeling

Labels (continued):

By June 1, 2015 all labels of

hazardous chemicals must contain
the following information:

• Signal words: Used to indicate

the severity of the hazard, the
signal words are “danger” or
“warning.” Danger is for more
severe hazards.
• Pictograms: These are
symbols that indicate the hazard
of the material.

The specified signal words and pictograms are found in Appendix C.

 Container Labeling

Labels (continued):

By June 1, 2015 all labels of hazardous

chemicals must contain the following
information:

• Hazard statements: Assigned

statements that describe the hazard’s
nature and its degree of severity. For
example:
 “Fatal if swallowed.”
 “Harmful if inhaled.”
 “Toxic in contact with skin.”

The specified hazard statements are found in Appendix C.

 Container Labeling

Labels (continued):

By June 1, 2015 all labels of

hazardous chemicals must contain the
following information:

• Precautionary statements:
Phrases describing recommended
methods to avoid adverse effects.
There are four types:
− Prevention
− Response
− Storage
− Disposal

The specified precautionary statements are found in Appendix C.

 Container Labeling

Labels (continued):

The following will still be in effect:

• Labels must not be removed, defaced or altered in any way.

• All labels must be legible, in English and prominently displayed.

− Information in other languages may be added, as long as
English is displayed as well.

• The information must be provided in a consistent manner.

• Chemicals not classified as hazardous do not have to be noted

on the container.

• For solid materials, the label may be given along with the SDS
during the initial shipment.
 Container Labeling

Labeling secondary containers:

• The containers that hazardous materials are transferred into from

their original containers must also be labeled with the contents
and hazards.
• Alternative labels are acceptable as long as they include the
product identifier and words, pictures or symbols that indicate
general information about the product and the hazards involved.
• Labels for the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and
Hazardous Materials Identification System (HMIS) are permitted,
especially during the transition period.
• Supplementary hazard information may be included on labels as
long as it provides further detail and does not conflict with the
existing GHS-compliant label.
 Other Labeling Requirements

Labeling pipes:

• Pipes must be labeled to identify

the material being carried and the
direction of the flow. This is a
requirement in some areas and is
always advised as a “best
practice” to avoid incidents.
• Labels that indicate content and
flow are to be placed at all
junctions and fittings and at least
every 25 feet.
 Safety Data Sheets

A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) lists the characteristics of a

particular substance:

• Understanding the hazards of

the materials you are working
with can help you protect
yourself against them.

• A SDS must be on file and

readily available for each
substance listed in the
hazardous materials inventory
section of the hazard
communication program.

Use SDS TrackTM to assist with organizing and updating your SDSs.
 Safety Data Sheets

SDSs must include these 16 sections:

1. Identification
2. Hazard(s) identification
3. Composition and information on ingredients
4. First-aid measures
5. Fire-fighting measures
6. Accidental release measures
7. Handling and storage
8. Exposure controls and personal protection
 Safety Data Sheets

SDSs must include these 16 sections (continued):

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 including the date of preparation or last

revision
 Safety Data Sheets

SDS sections include:

• Section 1—Identification:
 The product identifier used on the label
 The recommended use and any restriction of use
 The contact information of the manufacturer, importer or
responsible party
 An emergency phone number

• Section 2—Hazard identification:

 The classification of the chemical
 The signal word, hazard statements and symbols, including
pictograms
 Special hazards, such as not using water in a fire situation
 Safety Data Sheets

SDS sections include (continued):

• Section 3—Composition and information on ingredients:

− The chemical name, common name and synonyms
− The Chemical Abstract System (CAS) number or the European
Commission number (EC)
− Hazardous ingredients with percentages of each
− For mixtures (as opposed to substances), the chemical name
and exact percentage or concentration of all ingredients
classified as health hazards

Trade secret protection is available to manufacturers for

specific chemicals and for the disclosure of the percentage
of the chemicals composing the mixtures on the SDS.
 Safety Data Sheets

SDS sections include (continued):

• Section 4—First-aid measures:

− The correct procedure, which is specific to the method of
exposure
− Acute and delayed symptoms of overexposure
− The type of medical attention or treatment needed

• Section 5—Fire-fighting measures:

− Suitable extinguishing media
− Specific hazards arising from the chemical
 Safety Data Sheets

SDS sections include (continued):

• Section 6—Accidental release measures:

− Personal precautions and protective equipment
− Emergency procedures
− Containment methods
− Materials for cleanup

• Section 7—Handling and storage:

− Safe handling precautions

• Section 8—Exposure controls and personal protection:

− Permissible Exposure Limits (PEL) and other exposure limits
− Appropriate controls, including engineering controls and PPE
 Safety Data Sheets

SDS sections include (continued):

• Section 9—Physical and chemical properties:

 These include the following properties: appearance, odor,
melting point, pH, vapor pressure, density and solubility.

• Section 10—Stability and reactivity:

 Pyrophoric substances: These spontaneously ignite in air.
 Oxidizers: These agents oxidize another substance, i.e., force it
to give off oxygen, which can make it combustible or
flammable.
 Explosives
 Polymerization: The substance will react and bond with itself,
possibly generating heat.
 Reactivity: The substance readily reacts and bonds with other
chemicals.
 Safety Data Sheets

SDS sections include (continued):

• Section 10—Stability and reactivity (continued):

 Conditions to avoid, such as static discharge, shock or vibration
 Hazardous decomposition products

• Section 11—Toxicological information:

− Description of health effects
− Routes of exposure
− Symptoms related to exposure
− Delayed and immediate effects
− Toxicity data
− The chemical’s status in the National Toxicology Program
− Suspected, presumed or known carcinogens
 Safety Data Sheets

SDS sections include (continued):

• Section 12—Ecological information:

 Degradability
 Bioaccumulative potential
 Mobility in soil
 Ecotoxicity, aquatic and terrestrial
 Other adverse effects
• Section 13—Disposal considerations:
 Waste residues
 Methods of disposing safely

Sections 12-15 are not mandatory for products only sold in the US.
 Safety Data Sheets

SDS sections include (continued):

• Section 14—Transport information:

 Proper shipping name
 Transport hazards
 Environmental hazards, such as marine pollutants
 Special precautions with transportation

• Section 15—Regulatory information:

 Country and state specific safety health and environmental
regulations

• Section 16—Other information:

 Date of preparation or last revision of SDS and related
documents
 Summary

Important dates for compliance:

Requirement Completion Date Responsible Party

Employees must be trained on new December 1, Employers
label elements and SDSs. 2013
All provisions of the hazard June 1, 2015 Manufacturers
communication final rule must be Importers
complied with, except as stated Distributors
below: Employers

Containers must have GHS compliant December 1,

label before shipping. 2015
Workplace labeling and hazard June 1, 2016 Employers
communication program updated.
Additional training for employees on
newly identified physical or health
hazards completed.
 Summary

• Comprehensive hazard communication training is essential to a safe and

healthful work environment.
• To ensure your safety, as well as the safety of your co-workers, you
must fully understand the types of hazardous materials used at your
workplace. If you have any questions, ask your supervisor.
• You must also know what to do in case something unexpected happens
during chemical use.
• GHS requires that chemical hazards are communicated in an organized
way on labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDSs).
• Labels must have a product identifier that cross references with the
SDS, a pictogram and a hazard statement to indicate the degree of
severity.
• A good hazard communication program will keep you prepared and
safe.

Staff must be trained on the GHS hazard classifications,

labels and SDSs by December 1, 2013.
 Hazard Communication
This form documents that the training specified above was presented to the listed participants. By signing below, each participant acknowledges receiving this
training.

Organization:

Trainer: Trainer’s Signature:

Class Participants:
Name: Signature: Date:

Name: Signature: Date:

Name: Signature: Date:

Name: Signature: Date:

Name: Signature: Date:

Name: Signature: Date:

Name: Signature: Date:

Name: Signature: Date:

Name: Signature: Date:

Name: Signature: Date:

Name: Signature: Date:

Name: Signature: Date:

Name: Signature: Date:

Remember to load your completed trainings into the Risk Management Center.