Chemicals can be very useful tools in doing many day-to-day tasks. However, they do pose risks to health and safety. Before using a chemical product, it is important to know: The Hazard Communication Standard requires that employees have information about the chemicals they are potentially exposed to at work, as well as safe work practices and protective measures to minimize exposure and avoid chemical related injuries and illnesses. Much of that information is included on the container label and in the safety data sheets. Every chemical container must be labeled by the manufacturer or
supplier with general information on the potential hazards and how to use the product safely. The label at a minimum must have the: name of the product, name and address of the manufacturer, and the physical and health hazards associated with the product. Hazard warnings need to reflect physical hazards such as flammability, corrosivity, or reactivity. Health hazards also need to be communicated including specifics on how employees may be affected by chemical exposure. Never use a chemical from an unlabeled container. If the label is missing or unreadable, report it to your supervisor immediately. Never remove or deface existing container labels unless the container is immediately labeled with the required information. Secondary ContainersWhen a chemical is transferred to a secondary container from the original container, two items must be transferred
to the label of the new container: the name of the chemical and the hazard warning. Therefore, to prevent injury, it is recommended that the chemical identity and hazard warnings be copied verbatim from the original container. Employee TrainingBy law, you have the right to learn about chemicals you work with and how to protect yourself against their dangers. Before you work with any chemical, know:
The hazard communication standard is the law. If you feel that the rules are not being followed or that you have not been provided adequate information to complete tasks in a safe manner, stop what you are doing and contact your supervisor or EH&S. You do not have to give your name, and all reports will be kept confidential. Never let anyone pressure you to perform duties you feel are unsafe or intimidate you into not reporting your concerns. Getting AssistanceEH&S is available to assist with interpreting SDSs and determining the safest ways of using chemicals, as well as locating safer chemicals to reduce workplace hazards, selecting proper PPE, and monitoring work environments to determine levels of employee chemical exposures. EH&S also has available guidelines for conducting hazard assessments and selecting PPE. If respiratory protection is required, contact EH&S to arrange medical evaluation and fit testing. Safety Data Sheets (SDSs)Prepared by the chemical manufacturer or supplier, SDSs provide detailed safety and health information not found on container labels. With this information, supervisors/employees can determine necessary controls such as ventilation, work conditions, and procedures for using chemicals safely; as-well-as protective equipment needed to prevent worker contact with hazardous chemicals. SDSs can also be used to compare products available for a particular job to determine which product is the safest to use. SDSs should be maintained and readily available where ever hazardous chemicals are used or stored. SDSs can be obtained from the chemical manufacturer, from EH&S, and from various web sites. Always be thoroughly familiar with a chemical before using it. A SDS can be in any format, but it must contain some specific information:
When a chemical is transferred to a different container The new container must be labeled?When a substance containing a hazardous chemical is transferred from its original container to a secondary container, the secondary container must be labeled with the identity of the chemical and any hazards it presents.
How do you label a chemical container?The label on an original chemical container must be legible and written in English. It must include the chemical/product name as shown on the SDS and the manufacturer's name and address. Do not accept materials if the label is illegible or missing required information. (See example of original label below).
How do you transfer a chemical from one container to another?The safest and most effective way to transfer chemicals from one container to another is through the use of a funnel. Whether you're it's 1 gallon or 50 gallons, all liquid-based chemicals should be poured through a funnel to reduce the chance of spills.
What is a secondary container and why must they be labeled?In the US secondary container labels are required when operations in a work-place setting includes the transferring of smaller amounts from the original container to a secondary container such as a beaker, flask, or bottle. These secondary labels need to comply with OSHA's HCS.
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