Hazardous Communication Program
Safety Management System 2007		SMS ST026 2007

The purpose of a Hazardous Communication Program is to help employees understand the potential hazards of the chemicals in use at the worksite. This education required by the Occupational Safety & Health Act, is also called Workers’ Right-To- Know. One very important key to a Hazard Communication (Haz-Com) Program is the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). These sheets will tell you everything you need to know about a specific chemical. When you read the MSDS, you will be able to determine:

• The HEALTH HAZARDS associated with any chemical you are using or are exposed to.
• How FLAMMABLE the product is, and at what temperature it may ignite.
• The REACTIVITY of the chemical with water or other agents – will it explode, etc?
• The PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) that is needed to work with the product.

Every employee should be able to answer, and should remember, the following questions:

• Where are the MSDS’s kept for the chemicals I am exposed to?
• What kinds of hazards do I face when I use – or misuse – this chemical?
• Do I understand the emergency procedures to follow in the event of a spill?
• Have I inspected my PPE to be sure that it will protect me properly .

A hazardous material or chemical is defined as: "A substance (gas, liquid, or solid) capable of creating harm to people, the environment, and property." Examples are solvents, paints, gasoline, adhesives, cleaning products, and lubricants.

Hazardous materials or chemicals can be classified into two groups, based upon their characteristics: physical hazards and health hazards.

• Explosives – This product has the ability to quickly and violently release extraordinary amounts of energy through chemical reaction due to heat, shock or other source. An example of an explosive is dynamite.
• Corrosives – Corrosives can cause severe skin tissue damage such as deterioration, burns, etc. Examples include hydrochloric and sulfuric acids.
• Reactive – Certain chemicals or materials react or change their properties or composition if exposed to other chemicals, products, or just air or water. Reaction can result in hazardous conditions or situations resulting in fire, explosions or the creation of other hazardous by-products. Examples include certain metals such as sodium or potassium.
• Flammable – Items that catch fire relatively easy can be considered as flammable. Generally speaking, a highly flammable product has a flash point of 100° F or below. Examples include certain solvents and fuels.

• Toxic – Toxic materials or chemicals are generally considered as poisons that can cause short-term or long-term sickness or even death. Exposure can be through inhalation, absorption or ingestion. The degree of danger is dependent upon the level of exposure. Examples of toxic substances include gases like hydrogen cyanide and carbon monoxide.
• Radioactive – Exposure to harmful levels of ionizing radiation can cause adverse health effects. Biological damage to cell tissue can result from overexposure.

When the specific type of chemical or material hazard is identified, proper planning and precautions should be taken to prevent exposure and address emergencies. Precautions may include eliminating the hazard by not using it or by substituting a safer material.

• Manufacturers must provide a MSDS with all hazardous products they sell.
• All chemicals must be properly labeled.
• The MSDS must be available to any employee who works with or transports such products.
• The MSDS explains the physical and health effects of hazardous substances and how to avoid harm.
• The MSDS explains procedures for spills, leaks, and disposal.
• Hazardous materials or by-products such as gases cannot always be seen or smelled.
• Internal and external harm from exposure does not always appear immediately.
• Every employee who works with or near large quantities of hazardous materials must know the steps to take and who to contact in the event of a spill.