SECTION 5 REVISED GLOBAL HAZARD COMMUNICATION STANDARD
(“RIGHT TO KNOW”) AND ‘’ OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE STANDARD’’
(CHEMICALS IN LABORATORIES)
THE REVISED GLOBAL HAZARD COMMUNICATION STANDARD
The revised Global Hazard Standard was released in the Code of Federal Regulations for Labor on March 20, 2012. A copy of law is found in chapter 2 of this manual. The standard addresses potentially hazardous chemicals in the workplace. The revised standard will be updated every 2 years. The 2012 revised law is a revision of the 1989 Hazard Communication Standard. The reason for the update is to align the OSHA standard with a global chemical standard called the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). This GHS was developed by the United Nations. Chemicals will be classified according to their health and physical hazards (there will be 10 health hazards and 16 physical hazards). What is the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS)? It is an internationally accepted system of classification and labeling of chemicals. United States adoption of this system will help manufacturer’s classify, their products for local
and international distribution.
POLICY: The employer will insure that employees have a safe and healthful work environment when working with chemicals.
The Hazard Communication Standard covers employee physical and health hazards related to chemicals found in the medical facility. The purpose is to ensure that employees be informed about the particular hazardous substances in their work place, the health risks associated with them, and how to take protective action. It requires the following:
1. A written Hazard Communication Program that evaluates potential chemical hazards and communicates information concerning these hazards. Plan will be reviewed and upgraded annually.
2. Developing policies on protective measures to be used.
3. Having procedures in place to follow if an exposure to a chemical occur
4. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all hazardous chemicals found in the work place. SDS’s must be inventoried, indexed and reviewed annually.
5. A hazard labeling system that provides an immediate warning for employees working with hazardous chemicals. (see “Label” section of manual)
6. Documented employee training on chemical safety.
7. Proper storage of chemicals.
8. Posting of OSHA required documents, posters and reports.
Inspection For This Standard:The best defense to avoid OSHA violations and fines is to know the law and be prepared by providing employees with a safe and healthful work environment as specified by OSHA. An OSHA inspection of the work place can occur when an employee, patient or appropriate representative files a complaint with OSHA. If the work place has more than ten employees it can be subject to an administrative inspection by OSHA without a complaint. The facility does have the right to refuse an inspection if the safety officer or employer is not on-site (this at best only buys the facility a brief amount of time before the inspector returns). The inspection may not be refused if the OSHA representative has a legal warrant to conduct an inspection.
REVISED GLOBAL HAZARD COMMUNICATION PROGRAM
In order to comply with The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Revised Global Hazard Communication Standard, the following written Hazard Communication Program has been developed and implemented by: ________________________________________________________________
(Name of Practice or Employer) The purpose of the plan is to evaluate the work place for chemical hazards and to communicate safety information to all staff. All hazardous chemicals known to be present in the work place to which employees may be exposed under normal conditions of use or in a foreseeable emergency including the potential for exposure are included in the plan. All employees with potential exposure are included in this program. This plan will be in full view and available in a designated area for review by an interested employee. The plan will be available to all staff at all times. Information in this plan will be included in all new employee orientation programs and annual safety training. The plan will be updated as needed with new information about hazardous materials and all newly introduced hazardous materials. Information will be included about all routine and non-routine tasks.
_________ _________________________________________________
Date Individual responsible for the revised Hazard Communication & Occupational Exposure Plan
If this person changes - write the date changed and new name here:
_________ _______________________________________
_________ _______________________________________
_________ _______________________________________
_________ _______________________________________
_________ _______________________________________
_________ _______________________________________
OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE TO HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS
On January 31, 1990, the Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories Standard (29 CFR1910.1450) was released. The standard became effective on May 1, 1990}, giving labs until January 31, 1991 to comply. The new standard was developed because OSHA found that laboratories differed from the normal setting in handling of hazardous chemicals and OSHA felt this required further clarification. The intent of the law is to increase worker awareness of the risks associated with chemical hazards in laboratories and to improve work practices through education and the use of protective equipment.The Chemical Hygiene Plan is the core of the standard and must be developed by the employer.
The plan must be in writing and requires certain documentation and training, along with the use of protective equipment. The plan will be reviewed and upgraded annually.
The plan must include:
1. Control measures - work practice and engineering
2. Someone in the work place must be designated as the “Chemical Hygiene Officer”
3. Measures for appropriate maintenance
4. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
5. SDS information on all laboratory chemicals
6. Policies for medical follow-up for injuries
7. Educational programs - annually or before start of job
Since this manual is written for smaller facilities such as physician offices which onlyhave small laboratories - most of what must be accomplished is already contained in the Hazard, Communication Program (inventory lists, SDS’s, hazard labels, etc.), therefore this chapter will cover both standards together.
SAFETY DATA SHEETS
DEFINITIONA Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is a written description of the physical and chemical properties of a hazardous chemical, physical and health hazards, and precautions for safe handling and use.
POLICY:
SDS’s will be available for all hazardous chemicals found in the work place.
Employees will be trained on the use, location and purpose of the SDS’s.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Chemical Manufacturers and Importers:
Provide SDS’s. SDS’s were formerly call Material Safety Data Sheets (SDS’s). Under the revised standard manufacturers have until June 1, 2015 to change the MSDS format to the new SDS format.
Provide updates within three months of availability of new information on hazardous properties.
Employers:
Obtain retain, implement and update SDS’s for each HAZARDOUS CHEMICALpresent in the work place.
Maintain an inventory (a-z) of SDS’s
Review the SDS notebook annually (or as needed).
Provide information on chemicals as part of an in-service training
Insure that all employees know where to find the SDS’s and how to utilize the information.
Retain SDS’s for a minimum 30 years if involved in an employee exposure.
LOCATION OF SDS’S
The SDS’s in this facility are located:__________________________________________________________________________________________________The safety officer will be responsible for updating and obtaining SDS’s.
HOW TO OBTAIN SDS’S
SDS’s are available from the manufacturer*. It is the responsibility of the facility to obtain an SDS for any product that is covered by this standard. They can be obtained by calling the manufacturer, requesting the SDS from the supplier who you order the product from, calling the company on the phone, going the manufacturer’s web site, going to a web site that supplies SDS’s or by writing to the manufacturer.HOW TO READ A SDS (SAFETY DATA SHEET)
THE FOLLOWING REQUIRED INFORMATION IS FOUND ON A SDS:The 16 part safety data sheet will be formatted as follows:
1. Identification - Name and manufacturer
2. Hazard identification
3. Composition/ingredients
4. First aid measures
5. Accidental release measures
6. Firefighting measures
7. Handling and storage
8. Exposure controls/personal protection
9. Physical and chemical properties
10. Stability and reactivity
11. Toxicological information
12. Ecological information
13. Disposal
14. Transport
15. Regulatory information
16. Other information such as date of information
*Under the revised standard manufacturers had until June 1.2015 to change the MSDS format to the new SDS format.
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES FOR HAZARD COMMUNICATION & CHEMICAL HYGIENE PLAN
General precautions for handling all facility and laboratory chemicals will be adopted to minimize exposure.FACILITY PLAN/POLICY:
1. All hazardous chemicals in the work place will be identified.
2. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) will be obtained for all chemicals identified.
3. An index (A-Z) will be made of the chemicals and placed at the beginning of the SDS file or notebook.
4. The SDS notebook will be upgraded as needed or annually.
5. All chemicals will be properly labeled (instructions found in labeling chapter).
6. All employees will be training on the Hazard Communication and Chemical Hygiene plan at the time of hire and annually. This training will include how to find and use SDS, work practice controls, personal protective equipment, engineering controls, how to report an exposure and exposure follow-up policy.
7. Any medications containing hazardous ingredients (i.e. chemotherapy) will be in cluded in this program. If a SDS is not available, the pharmaceutical manufacturer package insert will be used.
8. Any employee showing symptoms associated with exposed to a chemical will beprovided medical consultation.
FACILITY POLICY FOR EXPOSURE AND SPILLS:
Eye contact: Promptly go to eye wash station and flush eyes with water for a prolonged period (15 minutes).Report exposure. Seek medical attention if necessary.Ingestion: CHECK SDS - encourage the victim to drink large amounts of water if recommended. Report exposure. Seek medical attention if recommended.
Skin Contact: Promptly flush the affected area with water and remove any contaminated clothing. If exposure symptoms persist after washing, report exposure and seek medical attention if recommended.
Chemical Spills:
Promptly clean up spills according to directions found on pg. 5-10AVOIDING UNNESESSARY EXPOSURE TO CHEMICALS - STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES - WORK PRACTICE AND ENGINEERING CONTROLS
1. Do not smell or taste chemicals.
2. Use protective gloves, goggles and clothing covering when working with a chemical that can be hazardous to the skin.
3. Wash hands after removing gloves.
4. Appropriate eye protection, will be worn whenever chemical splashing may occur. All personnel will know when to use and where to find.
5. Clean goggles and face shields before storing.
6. Do not eat, drink, smoke, chew gum, or apply cosmetics in areas where hazardous chemicals are present. Wash hands before conducting these activities.
7. Do not store, handle or consume food or beverages in areas where chemicals are used or stored (i.e. lab refrigerators).
8. All chemicals and equipment will be properly labeled. If a label or warning is missing it will be reported to the safety officer.
9. An appropriate sign will be placed on the door to chemical storage areas.
10. Employees will be provided safety information and advised about chemical hazards.
11. Confine long hair and loose clothing when working with chemicals.
12. Avoid practical jokes or other behavior which might confuse, startle or distract another worker.
13. Keep the work area clean and uncluttered. Clean the work area as needed or upon completion of each day.
14. A fire extinguisher appropriate for chemical fires will be in the work area where chemicals are used. Extinguisher will be tagged and inspected monthly.
15. The eye wash will be within 10 seconds or 100 feet from an area where an exposure may occur. The function will be monitored weekly. Hot water will be turned off iffaucet does not have separate hot and cold handles.
16. If chemicals can discharge toxic fumes - work in a well ventilated area or use a fume hood if available. If in doubt - measure permissible exposure limit (PEL) of chemical (if applicable).
17. Use appropriate respiratory equipment when air contaminant concentrations are not within permissible exposure limits. Inspect respirators before use.
18. Avoid use of contact lenses in the laboratory if fumes are a problem.
19. Handle, store and wash laboratory glassware with care. Use glassware only for its designed purpose.
20. Do not use mouth pipette. Use a bulb or automated pipette.
21. Leave lab coat in laboratory.
22. Wear shoes at all times in the laboratory. Do not wear sandals, perforated shoes, sneakers, or any shoes made of canvas.
23. If more than 5 gallons of flammable chemicals are stored in facility, a flame proof cabinet will be used.
24. All chemical exposures requiring more than minor first aid will be reported and documented. Document incident on a general accident incident report form (found in record keeping section Of manual). The employer will provide appropriate medical follow-up. Documentation from the health care provider who sees the employee will be provided to the employer. The employer should get confirmation that the employee has kept appointments and been seen and treated. All incident reports will be kept for 30 years. All follow-up will be at no cost to the employee.
25. Employee will be alert to unsafe conditions and address concerns with the safety officer.
26. The safety officer will see that safety concerns of employees are seriously consid ered and that they are corrected (if detected).
ADDITIONAL POLICIES SPECIFIC TO THIS FACILITY:
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
CHEMICAL SPILLS
All chemical spills will be handled as potential hazards. Review the SDS for appropriate ventilation, containment and disposal.Chemical Spill on Counter or Floor:
1. Wear protective equipment. Use double gloves or heavy duty utility gloves.Spill clean up may require goggles, mask and gown.
2. Act quickly to contain spill. Use approved absorbent neutralizing materials or spill kit to wipe up if necessary.
3. Use proper safety technique to pick up broken glass.
4. Disinfect area after cleaning. Allow to air dry.
5. Dispose of all contaminated material in proper hazardous waste container.
6. Report large or dangerous spills to supervisor before attempting to clean up.
7 . If chemical spill is toxic or gives off strong fumes, evacuate area and get professional help.
Note: Commercial spill kits will be purchased or developed by facility if there is the potential for large or toxic spills.
A commercial spill kit to clean up a mercury spill will be purchased if applicable.
Chemical Exposure to Skin:
When a chemical is spilled on the skin, follow recommendations described on the SDS.
1. Removed all contaminated clothing as quickly as possible.
2. Flush the area of contamination thoroughly with large amounts of water.
3. Wash area with soap and water.
4. Do not use creams, lotions, or salves on the skin until you have asked for medical advice.
Location of general spill kit: _________________________________________
Location of mercury spill kit:________________________________________
CHEMICAL STORAGE
Storage of laboratory chemicals presents an ongoing safety problem. If an acid storage cabinet or fire cabinet is required, acids and flammable products would be stored separately in these safety cabinets. Most labs will have many inert chemicals. Inert chemicals can be stored on the top shelves.CORROSIVES CHEMICALS MUST NOT BE STORED ABOVE SHOULDER LEVEL.
The following is an example of a shelf storage pattern requiring only two shelf units.
CHEMICAL EFFECTS ON TARGET ORGANS
HEPATOTOXINS:Chemicals which produce liver damage.
Signs and symptoms would be jaundice and or liver enlargement.
Chemicals that cause this problem: Carbon tetrachloride; nitrosamines.
NEPHROTOXINS:
Chemicals which produce kidney damage.
Signs and symptoms would be edema and/or proteinuri.
Chemicals that cause this problem: halogenated hydrocarbons; uranium.
NEUROTOXINS:
Chemicals which produce their primary toxic effects on the nervous system.
Signs and symptoms can be narcosis, behavioral changes, decrease in motor functions.
Chemicals that cause this problem: Mercury; carbon disulfide
HEMATOPOIETIC SYSTEM - BLOOD:
Chemicals that cause decrease hemoglobin function, which deprives body tissues of oxygen.
Signs and symptoms can by cyanosis; loss of consciousness.
Chemicals that cause this problem: carbon-monoxide; cyanides.
LUNG DAMAGE:
Chemicals which irritate or damage the pulmonary tissue.
Signs and symptoms would be cough, tightness in chest, shortness of breath.
Chemical that cause this problem: silica, asbestos.
REPRODUCTIVE TOXINS:
Chemical which affect the reproductive capabilities including chromosomal damage (mutations) and effects of fetuses (teratogenesis).
Signs and symptoms would be birth defects or sterility.
Chemicals that can cause this problem: lead, DBCP
CUTANEOUS HAZARDS:
Chemicals that affect the dermal layer of the body.
Signs and symptoms could be defatting of the skin, rashes, irritation.
Chemicals that cause these problems: ketones, chlorinated compounds.
EYE HAZARDS:
Chemicals which affect the eye or visual capacity.
Signs and symptoms would be conjunctivitis and / or corneal damage.
Chemicals that can cause this problem: organic solvents, acids.
GAS TANK CYLINDER SAFETY
Many facilities have gas cylinder tanks such as oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide.POLICY:The following precautions will be taken with gas tanks:
Use only in well ventilated areas.
Valve protection caps and valve outlet threaded plugs must remain in place and closed when not in use.
Do not drag or roll cylinder.
Larger cylinders will be secured on a suitable hand truck or secured to the wall with cable or chain. Keep in location where it is unlikely to be hit or knocked down.
If cylinders are stored in a closet - mark the storage area with a sign that says “Danger Compressed Gas”.
Keep cylinder away from heat.
Do not smoke in area where cylinder is being used.
Open valve slowly - facing away from you.
Keep valve closed when not in use.
Do not force a valve to open if stuck.
When moving - do not drag or role - use hand truck.
Keep valve protection cap on when moving.
All cylinders should be labeled by the manufacturer in compliance with OSHA labeling regulations. If the cylinder comes un-marked - DO NOT ACCEPT IT
When cylinder is empty close valve and mark empty. Store away from full cylinders until picked up.
X-RAY PRECAUTION
Facilities performing X-Rays must be State licensed and inspected regularly by the State. It is the responsibility of the facility to in compliance with the State and federal regulations. Facilities will obtain a copy of the State regulations. Person performing the X-rays will have documented training and license (if required by State).POLICY:
Door to area where X-Rays are performed will be marked with a radiation caution symbol.
Door to the room where the X-Ray machine is located will be marked with a radiation caution symbol.
Monitoring devices such as film badges, pocket dosimeters, etc. will be used by personnel performing X-rays and results will be recorded.
Operator will not be in the room when the X-ray is taken.
Gloves will be worn when handling exposed film.
Film will be processed according to manufacturer’s recommendations.
Vats of film developing chemicals will be labeled appropriately and according to the information on the SDS for that chemical.
SDS must be available on all chemicals.
All chemical spills will be cleaned up using the proper technique for chemical spills.
Personal protective equipment will be worn by the personnel when performing procedures.
It is the responsibility of the Employer to know how used chemicals are disposed of and if it is in accordance with local and waste regulations.
General Infection Control: All patients calling to schedule a chest X-ray will be questioned if the reason for the X-ray is to follow-up a positive Mantoux test. If the answer is yes, the patient will be asked to wear a surgical mask and the technician will wear an OSHA approved respirator mask when performing the test. Any patient who has an uncontrollable cough (unknown reason) will be asked to wear a surgical mask while test is performed. Standard precautions will be followed for all patients.
PRECAUTIONS FOR THE HANDLING OF RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS
GENERAL POLICY:
Obtain and maintain a Registration Certificate from the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Obtain a State license for radioactive materials - if required by State law.
Only personnel licensed to perform nuclear testing will perform tests.
Facility will have a copy of all state and federal laws.
Facility will post licenses and posters required by state and federal laws.
All work with Radioactive Materials must be carried out at a designated work area.
Limit access to Radioactive Materials as recommended by the manufacturer.
Store and use Radioactive Materials as recommended by the manufacturer.
Use only syringe, bulbette, or an automatic pipette to pipette Radioactive Materials.
Do not smoke, drink or eat in designated Radioactive work area.
Wear gloves at all times and wash hands thoroughly after use.
Wipe up small spills immediately according to manufacturers information. Wash the surface with an alkali detergent or radiological decontamination solution
Dispose of all Radioactive materials according to manufacturer instructions and in accordance to local EPA law. It is your responsibility to know these laws. Detailed documentation will be kept.
Use a radiation detection monitor and record exposure result. Keep results in file.