Safe Work Procedure: Hazard Communication

Document Number: [SWP-NUMBER] Revision Date: [DATE] Next Review Date: [NEXT REVIEW DATE] Department: [DEPARTMENT NAME]

1. Scope

This Safe Work Procedure (SWP) outlines the requirements for hazard communication to ensure that all employees are aware of the hazards associated with chemicals in the workplace and how to protect themselves 6, 15. This procedure applies to all workplaces where employees may be exposed to hazardous chemicals under normal operating conditions or in foreseeable emergencies 2, 15.

This SWP covers the proper labeling of containers, the availability and accessibility of Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and employee training on hazard communication 6, 8, 9. It also addresses multi-employer workplaces to ensure that all employers on-site have access to necessary safety information [1].

This SWP should be used in conjunction with the Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division (OR-OSHA) Hazard Communication standards and other relevant safety procedures [2].

2. Definitions

Hazardous Chemical: Any chemical classified as a physical hazard or a health hazard, a simple asphyxiant, combustible dust, pyrophoric gas, or hazard not otherwise classified [3].

Safety Data Sheet (SDS): Written or printed material concerning a hazardous chemical that is prepared in accordance with paragraph (g) of this section [4].

Label: An appropriate group of written, printed or graphic information elements concerning a hazardous chemical that is affixed to, printed on, or attached to the immediate container of a hazardous chemical, or to the outside packaging [5].

Exposure: That an employee is subjected in the course of employment to a chemical that is a physical or health hazard, and includes potential (e.g. accidental or possible) exposure [3].

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Supervisors

• Ensure that all hazardous chemicals are properly labeled and that SDSs are readily available to employees 8, 14.
• Provide employees with effective information and training on hazardous chemicals in their work area at the time of their initial assignment, and whenever a new chemical hazard the employees have not previously been trained about is introduced into their work area [6].
• Ensure that contractors and other employers on-site have access to safety data sheets for each hazardous chemical their employees may be exposed to [1].

3.2 Workers

• Read and understand the labels and SDSs for all hazardous chemicals they work with 8, 14.
• Participate in hazard communication training programs [6].
• Report any unlabeled containers or missing SDSs to their supervisor 8, 14.

3.3 Health and Safety Representative

• Assist in the development and implementation of the written hazard communication program [1].
• Conduct regular inspections to ensure compliance with hazard communication requirements [1].
• Investigate incidents involving hazardous chemical exposures and recommend corrective actions [1].

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

Hazard	Risk	Control Measures
Exposure to hazardous chemicals	Health effects ranging from skin irritation to chronic diseases	Provide and ensure the use of appropriate PPE, such as gloves, eye protection, and respirators [7].
Lack of information about chemical hazards	Improper handling and storage of chemicals, leading to spills, fires, or explosions	Ensure that all containers are properly labeled and that SDSs are readily available 8, 14.
Inadequate training	Failure to recognize and respond to chemical hazards	Provide comprehensive training on hazard communication, including the interpretation of labels and SDSs [6].
Unlabeled containers	Unintentional exposure to hazardous chemicals	Ensure all containers are labeled with the product identifier and hazard warnings 8, 17.

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Proper PPE must be used when handling hazardous chemicals to minimize exposure [7].

• Gloves - Chemical-resistant gloves should be selected based on the specific chemical being handled. Inspect gloves for tears or punctures before each use.
• Eye Protection - Safety glasses, goggles, or face shields should be worn to protect against splashes or fumes. Ensure eye protection is appropriate for the specific hazard.
• Respiratory Protection - Use respirators when engineering controls are not sufficient to control airborne concentrations. Respirators must be properly fitted and maintained.
• Protective Clothing - Wear appropriate protective clothing, such as aprons or coveralls, to prevent skin contact with hazardous chemicals.

Inspect all PPE before each use and replace any damaged or worn items. Clean and store PPE properly after use.

6. Equipment and Tools

Proper equipment and tools are essential for safely handling hazardous chemicals.

• Chemical Storage Cabinets - Use approved storage cabinets for flammable and corrosive chemicals. Ensure cabinets are properly labeled and ventilated.
• Spill Kits - Keep spill kits readily available in areas where hazardous chemicals are used or stored. Ensure spill kits contain appropriate materials for the chemicals present.
• Ventilation Systems - Use local exhaust ventilation to control airborne concentrations of hazardous chemicals. Ensure ventilation systems are properly maintained and functioning.
• Pumps and Transfer Equipment - Use appropriate pumps and transfer equipment for transferring hazardous chemicals. Ensure equipment is compatible with the chemicals being handled.

Inspect all equipment and tools before each use and maintain them in good working order. Report any damaged or malfunctioning equipment to a supervisor.

7. Pre-Job Requirements

7.1 Training and Competency

• Employees must complete hazard communication training before working with hazardous chemicals [6].
• Training must cover the requirements of the hazard communication standard, the hazards of chemicals in the work area, and the location and availability of the written hazard communication program, including lists of hazardous chemicals and safety data sheets [6].

7.2 Pre-Job Briefing

• Conduct a pre-job briefing before starting any task involving hazardous chemicals [8].
• Review the hazards associated with the chemicals, the required PPE, and the safe work procedures to be followed [8].
• Discuss emergency procedures and spill response measures [8].

7.3 Work Area Preparation

• Ensure the work area is clean and free of obstructions [8].
• Provide adequate ventilation [8].
• Ensure that all necessary equipment and PPE are readily available [8].

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

Step 1: Identify Hazardous Chemicals

Identify all hazardous chemicals present in the work area by reviewing the list of hazardous chemicals in the written hazard communication program [1].

• Consult the list of hazardous chemicals to determine if any new chemicals have been introduced [1].
• Verify that all containers are properly labeled with the product identifier, signal word, hazard statement(s), pictogram(s), precautionary statement(s), and the name, address, and telephone number of the chemical manufacturer, importer, or other responsible party [9].
• If a container is not labeled, do not use the chemical and report the issue to a supervisor [10].

Safety considerations for this step: Accurate identification of hazardous chemicals is essential for selecting appropriate control measures and PPE 6, 9.

Step 2: Review Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

Obtain and review the SDS for each hazardous chemical before starting work 8, 14.

• Locate the SDS in the designated location (e.g., electronic database, SDS binder) [6].
• Review the SDS to understand the hazards of the chemical, including physical, health, simple asphyxiation, combustible dust, and pyrophoric gas hazards, as well as hazards not otherwise classified [7].
• Pay attention to the first-aid measures, fire-fighting measures, and accidental release measures sections of the SDS [10].

Safety considerations for this step: Understanding the information in the SDS is critical for protecting yourself and others from chemical hazards 8, 14.

Step 3: Implement Control Measures

Implement appropriate control measures to minimize exposure to hazardous chemicals [7].

• Use engineering controls, such as ventilation systems, to control airborne concentrations of hazardous chemicals [7].
• Use administrative controls, such as safe work practices and training, to minimize exposure [7].
• Use personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, eye protection, and respirators, to protect against contact with hazardous chemicals [7].

Safety considerations for this step: Control measures must be appropriate for the specific hazards of the chemicals being used [7].

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

• Read Labels: Always read the label on the chemical container before use to understand the hazards and precautions 8, 14.
• Use PPE: Always use the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling hazardous chemicals [7].
• Ventilation: Ensure adequate ventilation when working with hazardous chemicals to prevent inhalation of vapors or dust [7].
• No Eating or Drinking: Do not eat, drink, or smoke in areas where hazardous chemicals are used or stored [11].
• Wash Hands: Wash hands thoroughly after handling hazardous chemicals [3].

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

• In the event of a chemical spill or release, evacuate the area immediately [3].
• Alert others in the area and notify the supervisor [8].
• If trained and authorized, contain the spill using appropriate spill control materials [10].
• Seek medical attention if exposed to a hazardous chemical [3].

10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

• Skin Contact: Immediately flush the affected area with water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention [3].
• Eye Contact: Immediately flush the eyes with water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention [3].
• Inhalation: Move to fresh air immediately and seek medical attention [3].

10.3 Emergency Contact Information

• [Emergency Contact 1]: [Phone Number]
• [Emergency Contact 2]: [Phone Number]
• [Emergency Contact 3]: [Phone Number]

11. Incident Reporting and Investigation

Report all incidents, near-misses, and hazards involving hazardous chemicals to the supervisor immediately [1].

• The supervisor will investigate the incident to determine the root cause and implement corrective actions [1].
• Complete an incident report form and submit it to the health and safety department [1].

12. References and Related Documents

• 29 CFR 1910.1200 Hazard Communication [2]
• Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all hazardous chemicals used in the workplace [10]
• [Company Name] Chemical Hygiene Plan

---

Approved by: [NAME AND POSITION] Date: [APPROVAL DATE]

Safety powered by SALUS