Hazard Communication, commonly referred to as HazCom, is a critical part of workplace safety. It is designed to educate and inform employees about the possible hazards associated with using chemicals. It's about effectively communicating the risks associated with hazardous chemicals, as well as the measures necessary to protect workers from these dangers. HazCom helps keep the employees safe. It helps employees stay aware of preventing workplace accidents and illness.
Understanding The Purpose Of HazCom: Key Components
When employees handle chemicals in the construction industry, they become prone to several health hazards, including skin irritation, and physical hazards such as corrosion, and flammability. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), it's important to guide employees in evaluating chemical hazards and learning how to deal with them. So, based on the hazard communication training, you must know the key components of HazCom, which are listed below:
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Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are comprehensive documents that provide detailed guidelines about hazardous chemicals used in the construction industry. It's of critical significance based on the Hazard Communication Standards (HCS) to help ensure that both organizations and their workforce have access to vital information about how each chemical works and what the health hazards associated with them. Each SDS includes:
- Identification of Manufacturer
- Hazard Identification
- Composition/Ingredients
- First-Aid Measures
- Handling and Storage Instructions
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Labeling of Hazardous Chemicals
Having proper labeling is a key component of HazCom. It helps in providing a quick reference to the health hazards associated with the chemicals. Labels serve as the first line of defense to communicate the essential safety precautions employees should follow. Based on OSHA regulations, here are the essentials that every label must have:
- Product Identifier
- Signal Words
- Pictograms
- Hazard Statements
- Precautionary Statements
- Supplier Information
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Employee Training Programs
The main purpose of HazCom is to educate the workforce. It's important to encourage your employees to attend and complete the safety training sessions and to become aware of all the precautions and hazards. OSHA has designed online training sessions that ensure self-paced learning sessions and also provide certification upon completion along with a DOL card that makes the employee eligible for such jobs. Based on the OSHA regulations, employees should know how to read the product label, ways to handle the chemicals, understand all emergency procedures along with other important aspects that include:
- HazCom regulations and their rights
- PPE involved in Handling Chemicals
Types of Hazards Covered under HazCom
Hazard Communication comprehensively covers all health hazards an employee may encounter while handling chemicals. These hazards are classified into two main categories: Physical hazards and Health hazards. Learn about the types of hazards covered under HazCom below:
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Physical Hazards
Physical hazards involve chemical properties that pose severe physical damages due to having inherent nature or reactions under specific conditions. The hazards pose risks that involve fires, explosions, or structural damage if the employee fails to handle them cautiously. Common physical hazards include:
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Flammability:
Some chemicals like gasoline, alcohol, and acetone can easily catch fire and burn rapidly when exposed to heat, sparks, or open flames.
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Explosiveness:
Chemicals that can detonate or cause an explosive reaction when exposed to heat or pressure. Materials like ammonium nitrate or certain compressed gases fall into this category.
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Reactivity:
Chemicals that may react violently with air, water, or other substances, lead to dangerous releases of energy, gases, or toxic fumes.
Health Hazards
Health hazards refer to the risks that chemicals pose to employees through inhaling, eye contact, skin contact, or ingestion. The hazards can cause immediate harm or long-term diseases to the employees. Some of the common health hazards include:
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Toxicity:
Chemicals like lead, formaldehyde, and carbon monoxide are poisonous or harmful to the body and potentially cause organ damage, illness, or even death.
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Carcinogenicity:
Some chemicals like asbestos, benzene, and certain pesticides have the potential to cause cancer with prolonged or repeated exposure.
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Corrosiveness:
Chemicals that can cause severe burns or tissue damage upon contact with skin or mucous membranes. Strong acids and bases like sulfuric acid or sodium hydroxide are examples.
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Sensitization:
Some chemicals like isocyanates or latex may trigger allergic reactions after repeated exposure, affecting the respiratory system or skin.
Employer Responsibilities under HazCom
Employers play a vital role in the success of a Hazard Communication (HazCom) program in an organization. To ensure compliance with OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (HCS), employers are responsible for:
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Inventory and Assessment:
Employers should conduct a thorough inventory of all hazardous chemicals in the workplace. They should assess the potential risks associated with each substance. It will help ensure that every hazardous chemical is accounted for and addressed in the HazCom program.
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Safety Data Sheets (SDS) Availability:
Employers should maintain an up-to-date Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for each hazardous chemical. It should be readily accessible to all employees, whether in printed or digital format to check and learn about hazards. Make sure your SDS has updated information.
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Proper Labeling of Chemicals:
Employers must ensure that all chemical containers, from storage tanks to smaller containers, are labeled according to OSHA standards. Each label should have the chemical name, hazard warnings, signal words, and pictograms to provide clear information about the hazards.
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Employee Training:
Employers are obligated to provide comprehensive safety training on the hazards of chemicals present in the workplace. Training should cover all the essentials, including how to read labels and Safety Data Sheets, proper handling procedures, emergency response, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Employee Safety Training sessions must be updated whenever new hazards are introduced.
Conclusion
It's of significant importance to include HazCom training at your workplace. It helps keep the organizations from getting legal charges at the time of any incident. Moreover, employees can stay fit and safe at work. Ensure proper safety training and make sure that the organizations and their employees follow OSHA regulations and policies.