& the Right-to-Know Law

This written program is based on the requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR §1910.1200). This standard, also referred to as the Right-To-Know Law, was enacted to ensure that workplace hazards are evaluated and the resulting information made available to employees in an effort to promote a safe and healthful workplace.

• Chemical, physical and biological hazards are identified and labeled;

• All staff has ready access to information regarding these hazards;

• All staff is provided information on how to prevent injury or illness as a result of exposure to these hazards.

Responsible for ensuring that all employees they supervise are made aware of all elements of this Hazard Communication Program and that they receive the necessary training needed to handle potentially hazardous chemicals.

Ensuring the proper receipt, labeling, handling, use, storage, and disposal of known or potentially hazardous chemicals and materials under their jurisdiction.

Responsible for understanding and complying with all phases of the Hazard Communication Program.

Responsible for programmatic development and compliance including provisions for web based employee training and conducting annual audits to ensure facility’s maintain accessible chemical inventories and current MSDSs.

This Hazard Communication Program can be divided into five parts.

1. Written Program
2. Chemical Inventory
3. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs)
4. Labels and Other Forms of Warning
5. Training

A written copy of the Hazard Communication Program and its contents will be available for review by personnel. A hard copy will be maintained within the MSDS Binder located in the Main Office of each facility. Other hard copies may be maintained at locations where hazardous chemicals are often used. A soft copy is maintained on the Southeast Fisheries Science Center ES&H web page.

A prominent, visual poster explaining the Right-To-Know Law will be posted at each facility in the employee break/information area.

Each facility will maintain a list of hazardous chemicals and materials that employees may be exposed to under normal working conditions or in a foreseeable emergency. The inventory is part of the written Hazard Communication Program, a hard copy will be maintained in each facility’s MSDS Binder located in the Main Office. Other hard copies may be maintained at locations where hazardous chemicals are often used.

MSDSs will be maintained for each hazardous chemical or material in the chemical inventory, readily available to employees during business hours. A MSDS Binder will be located in the facility Main Office, other hard copies may be maintained at locations where hazardous chemicals are often used. Soft copies are located on the regional web site.  MSDSs are not required for biological and/or infectious agents or physical hazards encountered in the workplace.

Questions regarding MSDSs should be directed to the Chemical Hygiene Officer, the Environmental Coordinator or the departmental supervisor. The chemical manufacturer or supplier will be contacted if additional information is required.

Hazardous chemicals will not be used unless a MSDS is available at the facility. If a hazardous chemical is ordered and arrives at the facility without a MSDS and one cannot be located via the internet then contact the vendor and request a MSDS be faxed to your location.

MSDSs must be retained for thirty (30) years from the time a material was last used.

All hazardous chemicals, materials, and physical hazards must be properly labeled, tagged or marked.

Chemical labels must list

• The chemical identity (i.e., name)

• Appropriate hazard warning(s)
• Name and address of chemical manufacturer

Labels on incoming containers must not be removed or defaced unless the container is immediately relabeled with the appropriate information.

All containers and transfer containers must be labeled as well, unless the contents are intended for the "immediate use" of the employee who performed the transfer. "Immediate use" is defined as "no longer than one shift on the day the material is transferred."

5. Training

All employees will be provided with information and training prior to initial assignment to work with a hazardous chemical and whenever a new hazard is introduced into the work area. Training is required for current, new, transferred, contract and temporarily assigned employees who may be exposed to hazardous chemicals. Training may take the form of individual instruction, group seminars, web based presentations, audiovisual presentations, handout material, or any combination of the above.

Employees shall be informed of:

• The Employee's Right-to-Know Law and the Hazard Communication Program;

• The identity of any chemical and/or physical hazards in the workplace which may result in exposure;

• The location and availability of this written hazard communication program, the inventory of hazardous materials, and corresponding MSDSs.

Employee training must include:

• Identification of hazards in the workplace;

• Methods and observations that may be used to detect the presence or release of a hazardous chemical in the work area, such as visual observance, odor, or environmental monitoring;

• Explanations of hazard labeling requirements, the NFPA Hazard Rating System; the MSDS and its contents; and how to use the hazard information;

• Procedures to follow to be protected from hazards, including general work practices, specific operating protocols, emergency procedures, and personal protective equipment use;

• Procedures to follow in the event of an injury or accident.