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Hazard Communications Training - Deadlines are Approaching!

Posted by Joshua Fleishman on Wed, Aug 28, 2013 @ 12:00 PM

"Revising OSHA's Hazard Communication standard will improve the quality and consistency of hazard information, making it safer for workers to do their jobs and easier for employers to stay competitive."

--U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis

GHS Training, SDS TrainingIf you are not already aware that the Hazard Communication is undergoing a huge change in that “Material Safety Data Sheets” (MSDS) will now be known as simply “Safety Data Sheets” (SDS) as the Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200) is now aligned with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). This update was made to provide a common approach to classifying chemicals and communicating hazard information on labels and SDS.

In OSHA’s words:

“Once implemented, the revised standard will improve the quality and consistency of hazard information in the workplace, making it safer for workers by providing easily understandable information on appropriate handling and safe use of hazardous chemicals. This update will also help reduce trade barriers and result in productivity improvements for American businesses that regularly handle, store, and use hazardous chemicals while providing cost savings for American businesses that periodically update safety data sheets and labels for chemicals covered under the hazard communication standard.”

In order to ensure chemical safety in the workplace, information about the identities and hazards of the chemicals must be available and understandable to workers. OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) requires the development and dissemination of such information:

  • Chemical manufacturers and importers are required to evaluate the hazards of the chemicals they produce or import, and prepare labels and safety data sheets to convey the hazard information to customers.
     
  • All employers with hazardous chemicals in their workplaces must have labels and safety data sheets for their exposed workers, and train them to handle the chemicals appropriately.
     

Major changes to the Hazard
Communication Standard

OSHA, GHS Training, Hazard Communication Training

  • Hazard classification: Now provides specific criteria for classification of health hazards, physical hazards and mixtures.
     
  • Labels: Chemical manufacturers and importers will be required to provide a label that includes a harmonized signal word, pictogram, and hazard statement for each hazard class and category. Precautionary statements must also be provided.
     
  • Safety Data Sheets: Will now have a specified 16-section format.
    • New 16 section format:
Safety Data Sheets Training, SDS, HazCom Training
  1. Identification
  2. Hazard(s) identification
  3. Composition/information on ingredients
  4. First-Aid measures
  5. Fire-fighting measures
  6. Accidental release 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 considerations
  14. Transport information
  15. Regulatory information
  16. Other information, including date of preparation or last revision
  • Information and training: Employers are required to train workers by December 1, 2013 on the new labels elements and safety data sheets format to facilitate recognition and understanding.
    • Training to be included:
      • Training on label elements

      1. Product identifier
      2. Signal word
      3. Pictogram
      4. Hazard statement(s)
      5. Precautionary statement(s)
      6. Name, address and phone number of the chemical manufacturer, distributor, or importer
  • Training on the new 16-section format

The first deadline in the implementation phase is Dec. 1, 2013. By this date, employers must train workers on the new label elements and safety data sheet format. OSHA’s Hazard Communication website has the following QuickCards and OSHA Briefs to assist employers with the required training.

Label QuickCard

Pictogram QuickCard

Safety Data Sheet QuickCard

Safety Data Sheet OSHA Brief

 

Let Safety Training Services help you through this first deadline by getting yourself and your staff trained on the new Hazard Communication Standard today! Find out how we can do so by clicking below!

Click here for more information on our HazCom Training class!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tags: msds training, safety data sheets, sds training, hazcom, hazard communication training

Web Series on General Office Safety - Part 2 of 4

Posted by Joshua Fleishman on Thu, Dec 13, 2012 @ 09:09 AM

Welcome back to part 2 of our 4 part series on general office safety! If you missed out on part one, you may check it out here!

PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)

Simpsons - PPE 01PPE is designed to protect you from hazards related to your work. Examples of PPE are hard hats, foot guards, safety shoes, leggings, glasses/goggles, shields, earplugs, respirators, gloves, vests and coveralls. OSHA requires you to complete a Hazard Assessment to determine what these hazards are, provide workers with appropriate PPE and require them to use and maintain it in a sanitary and reliable condition. 

Pictured examples of safety equipment along with other some information on safety equipment can be found (rentals & sales) through the STS Equipment Page.

 

 

SDS (Safety Data Sheets; formerly known as MSDS)

Simpsons - Chemical SDSGlobal Harmonization changed the label from MSDS to SDS, with a permanent change that came in 2015. OSHA requires that these data sheets be available to employees for potentially harmful substances handled in the workplace. Basically, these are intended to provide the workers and also emergency personnel the information necessary to safely handle/work with said substances. This information may include physical and/or chemical data and format may differ (currently there is no official way to format SDS). Below are some examples of what information you may find on SDS.
 

Melting Point

Boiling Point

Flash Point

Toxicity

Health Effects

First Aid

Reactivity

Storage

Disposal

Protective Equipment

Spill-Handling Procedures

 

 

Ladder Safety

OSHA states that falls from portable ladders are one of the leading causes of occupational fatalities and injuries.

General Ladder Safety - 01

Well, the first thing I am going to say about ladder safety is that it does not matter if you are a backyard amateur wrestler (people still do that, right?), putting up lights on the roof, cleaning your gutter, or simply photographing a rock climber, knowing and following some easy-to-remember tips can very easily make a difference in your life.

Ever heard of the three point-of-contact climb?

Chances are, a lot of you readers have heard of this concept. Essentially, it is used to keep the climber stable so that if one limb slips, they still will likely be able to keep on the ladder. 

10 Tips to Remember About Ladder Safety

  1. Simpsons - Ladder SafetyALWAYS read/follow the labels on the ladder. Until the climber is familiar with this information, they are not considered "adequately" trained!
  2. Never jump down from a ladder/slide down the rungs. Hopefully that is common sense to you, but also remember not to climb up or down more then one rung at a time either.
  3. Inspect the ladder prior to using it! What kind of environment is around? Any water? Any electrical apparatuses? And make sure if a ladder is damaged to remove it and tag it for service or replace it.
  4. Make sure to select the correct ladder/size for the job. How do you know? Well the ladder must be long enough so that the climber does not use the top rung. The only exception should be if said rung/step was designed for that purpose.
  5. All locks should be properly engaged on extension ladders. 
  6. The maximum load rating is there for a reason! Adhere to it! And make sure to note that added tools and equipment need to be factored in, not just YOUR weight.
  7. Ladder's don't care about the "buddy system." As in, only ONE climber on a ladder at a time (again, the exception is when the ladder is designed otherwise).
  8. Wind/storms are BAD. Do not use ladders in such conditions.
  9. Are you tired? Dizzy? Discombobulated? Accident prone? Do not get on a ladder. 
  10. Lastly, ladders should be used on stable surfaces, preferably level. Make sure to secure ladder (both top and bottom) so as to eliminate the ladder falling over. And PLEASE do not set up ladders on boxes or barrels or OTHER ladders or any other ridiculously ingenious (but TOTALLY UNSAFE) thing I've seen.
 
Ladder Safety 02<----- Don't do this ------>Ladder Safety 03

I hope you enjoyed reading a little more about PPE, SDS, and Ladder Safety. Remember for all your relevant safety news, like us on Facebook or contact us below. 
 
Contact STS Today!

Tags: sds, ppe, safety data sheets, ladder safety, general office safety, safety training topics