Get XtremeSorb spill materials here!

MSDS Topics	Free Sites	FAQ's	Regulations	Glossary	Software	Suppliers
	Books	Forum	Poll	Fun stuff	Quiz	Store
MSDS and safety supplies				Search ALL our MSDS info

Appendix E

Sample Hazard Communication Programs (A & B)

NOTE: The following model programs are provided only as guidelines to assist in complying with 29 CFR 1910.1200. They are not intended to supersede the requirements of 29 CFR 1910.1200. Employers should review the Hazard Communication Standard for particular requirements which are applicable to their workplaces.

SAMPLE WRITTEN HAZARD COMMUNICATION PROGRAM (A)

1. Company Policy
   To ensure that information about the dangers of all hazardous chemicals used by (Name of Company) are known by all affected employees, the following hazardous information program has been established:

   All work units of this company will participate in the hazard communication program. This written program will be available in the (location) for review by any interested employee.

2. Container Labeling
   The (person/position) will verify that all containers received for use will be clearly labeled as to the contents, note the appropriate hazard warning and list the name and address of the manufacturer.

   The (person/position) in each section will ensure that all secondary containers are labeled with either an extra copy of the original manufacturer's label or with labels that have the identity and the appropriate hazard warning. For help with labeling, see (person/position).

   On the following individual stationary process containers, we are using (description of labeling system used) rather than a label to convey the required information.

   We are using an in-house labeling system which relies on (provide a description of any in-house system which used numbers or graphics to convey hazard information.)

   The (person/position) will review the company labeling procedures every (provide a time period) and will update labels as required.

3. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs)
   The (person/position) is responsible for establishing and monitoring the company MSDS program. He/she will make sure procedures are developed to obtain the necessary MSDSs and will review incoming MSDSs for new or significant health and safety information. He/she will see that any new information is passed on to affected employees. The procedure below will be followed when an MSDS is not received at the time of initial shipment:

   (Enter procedure to be followed here.)

   Copies of MSDSs for all hazardous chemicals to which employees are exposed or are potentially exposed will be kept in (state location).

   MSDSs will be readily available to all employees during each work shift. If an MSDS is not available, contact (person/ position).

   MSDSs will be readily available to employees in each work area using the following format:

   (Describe company format here.)

   Note: If alternatives to paper copies of material safety data sheets is used, describe the format used and how to access the MSDSs.

   When revised MSDSs are received, the following procedures will be followed to replace old MSDSs:

   (Describe procedures.)

4. Employee Training and Information
   The (person/position) is responsible for the Hazard Communication Program. He/she will ensure that all program elements specified below are carried out.

   Prior to starting work, each new employee will attend a health and safety orientation that includes the following information and training:

   • An overview of the requirements contained in the Hazard Communication Standard.

   • The hazardous chemicals present at his/her work area.

   • The physical and health risks of the hazardous chemicals.

   • Symptoms of overexposure.

   • How to determine the presence or release of hazardous chemicals in the work area.

   • How to reduce or prevent exposure to hazardous chemicals through use of control procedures, work practices and personal protective equipment.

   • Steps the company has taken to reduce or prevent exposure to hazardous chemicals.

   • Procedures to follow if employees are overexposed to hazardous chemicals.

   • How to read labels and MSDSs to obtain hazard information.

   • Location of the MSDS file and written hazard communication program. [If you are using an electronic access method such as a database or on-line service you will need to ensure that your employees know how to utilize the system to retrieve MSDS's - ILPI]

   Prior to introducing a new chemical hazard into any section of this company, each employee in that section will be given information and training as outlined above for the new chemical hazard. The training format will be as follows:

   (Enter format, such as audiovisuals, interactive computer programs,classroom instruction, etc.)

5. Hazardous Non-Routine Tasks
   Periodically, employees are required to perform non-routine tasks which are hazardous. Some examples of non-routine tasks are: confined space entry, tank cleaning, and painting reactor vessels. Prior to starting work on such projects, each affected employee will be given information by the (person/position) about the hazardous chemicals he or she may encounter during such activity. This information will include specific chemical hazards, protective and safety measures the employee can use, and steps the company is taking to reduce the hazards, including ventilation, respirators, the presence of another employee (buddy systems), and emergency procedures.

   Examples of non-routine tasks performed by employees of this company are:

   Task	Hazardous Chemical
   (describe task #1 here)	(describe the hazardous chemicals involved)
   (describe task 2 here)	(describe the hazardous chemicals involved)
   (describe task #3 here)	(describe the hazardous chemicals involved)
   (describe task #4 here)	(describe the hazardous chemicals involved)

6. Informing other Employers
   It is the responsibility of (person/position) to provide other employers with information about hazardous chemicals their employees may be exposed to on a job site and suggested precautions for employees. It is the responsibility of (person/ position) to obtain information about hazardous chemicals used by other employers to which employees of this company may be exposed.

   Other employers will be provided with material safety data sheets for hazardous chemicals generated by this company's operations.

   Material safety data sheets will be provided to other employers in the following manner:

   (Provide company policy here)

   In addition to providing a copy of an MSDS to other employers, other employers will be informed of precautionary measures needed to be taken to protect their employees who are exposed to operations performed by this company.

   Also, other employers will be informed of the hazard labels used by the company. If symbolic or numerical labeling systems are used, the other employees will be provided with information to understand the labels used for hazardous chemicals for which their employees may have exposure.

7. List of hazardous chemicals
   The following is a list of all known hazardous chemicals used by our employees. This list includes the name of the chemical manufacturer, the work area the chemicals are used in, the dates of use, and the quantity used. Further information on each chemical may be obtained from the MSDSs which are located (state location).

   Hazardous Chemical Inventory
   Chemical	Manufacturer	Work Area	Start Date	Finish Date	Quantity
   (Include here the chemical list developed during inventory. Arrange this list so that you are able to cross-reference it with your MSDS file and labels on your containers. Additional information such as the manufacturer's telephone number, an emergeny number, scientific name, CAS number, the associated task ec., could be included and might be found useful to employees and the employer.)

   When new chemicals are received, this list is updated (including date the chemicals were introduced), within 30 days of introduction into the workplace. To ensure that the chemical is added in a timely manner, the following procedures shall be followed:

   (State procedures to be followed)

   The hazardous chemical inventory was compiled and is maintained by:

   (Name and Telephone Number of Responsible Party)

8. Chemicals in Unlabeled Pipes
   Work activities are sometimes performed by employees in areas where chemicals are transferred through unlabeled pipes. Prior to starting work in these areas, the employee shall contact (person/position) for information regarding:
   • The chemical in the pipes.
   • Potential hazards.
   • Safety precautions to be taken.

   (Include here the chemical list developed during inventory. Arrange this list so that you are able to cross-reference it with your MSDS file and labels on your containers. Additional information such as the manufacturer's telephone number, an emergeny number, scientific name, CAS number, the associated task ec., could be included and might be found useful to employees and the employer.)

9. Program Availability
   A copy of this program will be made available, upon request, to employees and their representatives.

Notes for Chemical Manufacturers, Importers, and Distributors

1. Hazard Determination - Chemical manufacturers and importers are to detail the methods they will use to conduct a hazard determination for the chemicals produced or imported in their work places. The procedures should identify the system in place to conduct hazard determinations. The system should identify the person or department responsible for conducting the hazard determination and the research strategy involved. Chemical manufacturers which rely on information from upstream suppliers should state this in their written program.

2. Transmittal of MSDSs - Chemical manufacturers, importers, and distributors should develop a system to ensure that material safety data sheets are transmitted to customers. The system should identify the person or department responsible for ensuring the transmittal of material safety data sheets and should include a method to ensure that transmittal is accomplished as required by 29 CFR 1910.1200.

3. Labels - Chemical manufacturers, importers, and distributors should have a system for ensuring appropriate labeling of hazardous chemicals.

4. Updating Labels/MSDSs - A system should be detailed assigning responsibility and periodic review of scientific information required to update material safety data sheets and labels as required by 29 CFR 1910.1200.

SAMPLE WRITTEN HAZARD COMMUNICATION PROGRAM (B)

Introduction: The Hazard Communication Standard requires you to develop a written hazard communication program. The following is a sample hazard communication program that you may use as a guide in developing your program.

Our Hazard Communication Program

General Company Policy

The purpose of this notice is to inform you that our company is complying with the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard, Title 29 Code of Federal Regulations 1910.1200, by compiling a hazardous chemicals list, by using MSDSs, by ensuring that containers are labeled, and by providing you with training.

This program applies to all work operations in our company where you may be exposed to hazardous chemicals under normal working conditions or during an emergency situation.

The safety and health (S&H) manager, Robert Jones, is the program coordinator, acting as the representative of the plant manager, who has overall responsibility for the program. Mr. Jones will review and update the program, as necessary. Copies of the written program may be obtained from Mr. Jones in Room SD-10.

Under this program, you will be informed of the contents of the Hazard Communication Standard, the hazardous properties of chemicals with which you work, safe handling procedures, and measures to take to protect yourselves from these chemicals. You will also be informed of the hazards associated with non-routine tasks, such as the cleaning of reactor vessels, and the hazards associated with chemicals in unlabeled pipes.

List of hazardous chemicals

The safety and health manager will make a list of all hazardous chemicals and related work practices used in the facility, and will update the list as necessary. Our list of chemicals identifies all of the chemicals used in our ten work process areas. A separate list is available for each work area and is posted there. Each list also identifies the corresponding MSDS for each chemical. A master list of these chemicals will be maintained by, and is available from Mr. Jones' office, Room SD-10.

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs)

MSDSs provide you with specific information on the chemicals you use. The safety and health manager, Mr. Jones, will maintain a binder in his office with an MSDS on every substance on the list of hazardous chemicals. The plant manager, Jeff O'Brien, will ensure that each work site maintains MSDSs for the hazardous chemicals in each work area. MSDSs will be made readily available to you at your work stations during your shifts.

The safety and health manager, Mr. Jones, is responsible for acquiring and updating MSDSs. He will contact the chemical manufacturer or vendor if additional research is necessary or if an MSDS has not been supplied with an initial shipment. All new procurements for the company must be cleared by the safety and health manager. A master list of MSDSs is available from Mr. Jones in Room SD-10.

Labels and Other Forms of Warning

The safety and health manager will ensure that all hazardous chemicals in the plant are properly labeled and updated, as necessary. Labels should list at least the chemical identity, appropriate hazard warnings, and the name and address of the manufacturer, importer or other responsible party. Mr. Jones will refer to the corresponding MSDS to assist you in verifying label information. Containers that are shipped from the plant will be checked by the supervisor of shipping and receiving to make sure all containers are property labeled.

If there are a number of stationary containers within a work area that have similar contents and hazards, signs will be posted on them to convey hazard information. On stationary process equipment, regular process sheets, batch tickets, blend tickets, and similar written materials will be substituted for container labels when these documents contain the same information as labels. These written materials will be made readily available to you during your work shift.

If you transfer chemicals from a labeled container to a portable container that is intended only for your immediate use, no labels are required on the portable container. Pipes or piping systems will not be labeled but their contents will be described in training sessions.

Non-Routine Tasks

When you are required to perform hazardous non-routine tasks (e.g., cleaning tanks, entering confined spaces, etc.), a special training session will be conducted to inform you of the hazardous chemicals to which you might be exposed and the precautions you must take to reduce or avoid exposure.

Training

Everyone who works with or is potentially exposed to hazardous chemicals will receive initial training on the Hazard Communication Standard and the safe use of those hazardous chemicals. The safety and health manager will conduct these training sessions. A program that uses both audiovisual materials and classroom-type training has been prepared for this purpose. Whenever a new hazard is introduced, additional training will be provided. Regular safety meetings will also be used to review the information presented in the initial training. Foremen and other supervisors will be extensively trained regarding hazards and appropriate protective measures so they will be available to answer questions from employees and provide daily monitoring of safe work practices.

The training program will emphasize these items:

• A summary of the standard and this company's written program.

• The chemical and physical properties of hazardous materials (e.g., flash point, , reactivity) and methods that can be used to detect the presence or release of chemicals (including chemicals in unlabeled pipes).

• The physical hazards of the chemicals in your work area (e.g., potential for fire, explosion, etc.).

• The health hazards, including signs and symptoms of exposure, of the chemicals in work area and any medical condition known to be aggravated by exposure to these chemicals.

• Procedures to protect against chemical hazards (e.g., required personal protective equipment, and its proper use and maintenance; work practices or methods to ensure appropriate use and handling of chemicals; and procedures for emergency response).

• Work procedures to follow to assure protection when cleaning hazardous chemical spills and leaks.

• The location of the MSDSs, how to read and interpret the information on labels and MSDSs, and how employees may obtain additional hazard information.

The safety and health manager or his/her designee will review the employee training program and advise the plant manager on training or retraining needs. Retraining is required when the hazard changes or when a new hazard is introduced into the workplace. It will be company policy to provide training regularly in safety meetings to ensure the effectiveness of the program. As part of the assessment of the training program, the safety and health manager will obtain input from employees regarding the training they have received, and their suggestions for improvement.

Contractor Employers

The safety and health manager, Robert Jones, upon notification by the responsible supervisor, will advise outside contractors, in person, of any chemical hazards that may be encountered in the normal course of their work on the premises, the labeling system in use, the protective measures to be taken, and the safe handling procedures to be used. In addition, Mr. Jones will notify these individuals of the location and availability of MSDSs. Each contractor bringing chemicals on-site must provide Mr. Jones with the appropriate hazard information for these substances, including MSDSs, labels, and precautionary measures to be taken when working with or around these chemicals.

Additional Information

All employees, or their designated representatives, can obtain further information on this written program, the hazard communication standard, applicable MSDSs, and chemical information lists at the safety and health office, Room SD-10.