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HAZCOM

Hazardous Communication (HAZCOM)

Globally Harmonized System (GHS):

Changes to OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard are bringing the United States into alignment with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), further improving safety and health protections for our workers. The new standard still requires chemical manufacturers and importers to evaluate the chemicals they produce or import and provide hazard information to employers and workers by putting labels on containers and preparing safety data sheets. However, the old standard allowed chemical manufacturers and importers to convey hazard information on labels and material safety data sheets in whatever format they chose. The modified standard provides a single set of harmonized criteria for classifying chemicals according to their health and physical hazards and specifies hazard communication elements for labelling and safety data sheets.

GHS Pictograms

Safety Data Sheets (SDS):

The Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) requires chemical manufacturers, distributors, or importers to provide Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) (formerly known as Material Safety Data Sheets or MSDSs) 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, the headings, and associated information under the headings below:

Section 1, Identification includes product identifier; manufacturer or distributor name, address, phone number; emergency phone number; recommended use; restrictions on use.

Section 2, Hazard(s) identification includes all hazards regarding the chemical; required label elements.

Section 3, Composition/information on ingredients includes information on chemical ingredients; trade secret claims.

Section 4, First-aid measures includes important symptoms/ effects, acute, delayed; required treatment.

Section 5, Fire-fighting measures lists suitable extinguishing techniques, equipment; chemical hazards from fire.

Section 6, Accidental release measures lists emergency procedures; protective equipment; proper methods of containment and cleanup.

Section 7, Handling and storage lists precautions for safe handling and storage, including incompatibilities.

Section 8, Exposure controls/personal protection lists OSHA's Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs); Threshold Limit Values (TLVs); appropriate engineering controls; personal protective equipment (PPE).

Section 9, Physical and chemical properties lists the chemical's characteristics.

Section 10, Stability and reactivity lists chemical stability and possibility of hazardous reactions.

Section 11, Toxicological information includes routes of exposure; related symptoms, acute and chronic effects; numerical measures of toxicity.

Section 12, Ecological information*

Section 13, Disposal considerations*

Section 14, Transport information*

Section 15, Regulatory information*

Section 16, Other information, includes the date of preparation or last revision.

*Note: Since other Agencies regulate this information, OSHA will not be enforcing Sections 12 through 15(29 CFR 1910.1200(g)(2)).

HAZCOM Training:

Any employee that can be expected to handle hazardous material in the normal execution of their duties is required to complete Basic HAZCOM training as well as On-the-Job Training (OJT) for every substance they will be working with. These trainings are assigned and tracked via ESAMS.

Basic HAZCOM Training (One-Time Only) ESAMS Course #1169:
The training shall provide personnel information and training on hazardous chemicals, measures to protect themselves, labeling systems, and how to read and understand SDSs site specific to their work areas. As of 4/19/13, the course includes the new UN Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS).

HAZCOM Training Job/Chemical Specific (OJT by Supervisor) (Every 12 Month Req.) ESAMS Course #100:
This course addresses each workplace specific hazardous communication requirements. Training is provided in the workplace by the supervisor to his personnel. Material and training aids may be obtained from the NAVOSH Office or on the OJT -Supervisors Area in ESAMS on the web. Training method typically involves a review of the SDSs for the chemicals used with an emphasis on first aid procedures.

HAZCOM Training for Supervisors (Initial and Annual Refresher) ESAMS course #1058:
This course addresses each workplace specific hazardous communication requirements. Training is provided in the workplace by the supervisor to his personnel. Material and training aids may be obtained from the NAVOSH Office or on the OJT -Supervisors Area in ESAMS on the web

Resources:

OSHA Brief - "Hazard Communication Standard: Labels and Pictograms"

OSHA Brief - "Hazard Communication Standard: Safety Data Sheets"

OSHA's Guide to the GHS

United Nations - Globally Harmonized System of Classification and labelling of Chemicals (GHS) - Rev. 4

Local Instruction:

NSAM Hazardous Communications (HAZCOM) Plan - NSAMINST 5100.1
See CHP

Related Topic:

The NPS Chemical Hygiene Plan was developed to set forth procedures, equipment and personal protective equipment and work practices that are capable of protecting employees from the health hazards presented by laboratory use of hazardous chemicals, within various laboratories belonging to the following departments: Physics, Astronautical & Aeronautical Engineering, and Mechanical engineering, Laboratory use of hazardous chemicals refers to laboratories where relatively small quantities of hazardous chemicals are used on a non-production basis.

 

 

CHP