Hazard communication and hazardous materials handling

This chapter will introduce the material that will aid you in understanding what a hazard communication program should entail and what you need to know to comply with the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard 29 CFR 1910.1200. You will also learn how to properly warn employees about hazardous chemicals and substances in the workplace. 

The first thing discussed in this chapter is a written program for hazard communication that is going to be important in staying in compliance with the requirements set forth by the OSHA standard. The specific methods described are used as a sample written program, and are for illustrative purposes and not intended to make up your entire program. Other effective methods can be substituted into this sample to satisfy the needs of the company for which you are working. 

The Hazardous Materials Handling section will provide guidance in the safe storage, handling, and accounting for hazardous materials. 

CAS Number The unique identification number assigned by the Chemical Abstract 

Combustible Liquid Any liquid having a flashpoint at or above 100 degrees, but below 200 degrees. 

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Hazard communication has been one of the most frequently cited OSHA violations. Chapter 2 will help in hazard commnnication training and proper writing of material safety data sheets. The chapter will also go into detail about hazardous materials handling and the Chemical Transportation Emergency Center (CHEMTREC). 

The Emergency Planning and Community-Right-to-Know Act was signed into law. Companies involved in the production and handling of hazardous materials must submit material safety data sheets (MSDS) or lists of chemicals kept on site. Companies must report inventories of specific chemicals kept in the workplace and an annual release of hazardous materials into the environment. 

Since the chemical industry operates by handling potentially hazardous materials safely, safety has always been an important consideration for chemical engineers. Engineers have never been able to discharge their professional responsibility only by designing efficient equipment or developing efficient processes. Today society has expanded that traditional responsibility to include environmental and community protection. The chemical industry s operations and products should not have an unacceptable impact upon its neighbors, its customers, or the environment. 

Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200). The hazard communication standard requires that all personnel receive training concerning the types of materials handled in the workplace and the potential hazards associated with handling and use of these materials. In addition, the standard requires that a MSDS for each hazardous material be made available for individual employee reference. The MSDS outlines specific material chemical and physical properties, exposure information, emergency response information, regulatory information, and any other information of significance concerning the material. 

A process safety program must be relevant to the company and its operations. The program must also be relevant to employees personal safety and success. The link between safety actions and safety outcomes is most obvious in operations that directly handle highly hazardous materials. Unfortunately, that nexus may not be as obvious in the systems that support and are otherwise indirectly associated with hazardous materials. Appropriately developed, implemented, and communicated process safety metrics can help educate personnel on the importance of different aspects of the process safety system. 

The pyrolysis community may feel that the classification of fast pyrolysis liquid as "dangerous" or "hazardous" material does not reflect the true nature of the liquid. However, due to the highly variable chemical and physical properties, a wide spectrum of liquids must be considered. This paper addresses legislative requirements, transport, storage and handling of the liquid and the mitigation of spills. 

National Safety Council, 1992, ISBN 0-87912-167-X, 386 pages, 62.95. Topics Indude environmental management, hazard communication, safety management and training, inspections, material handling and storage, accident investigation, and case studies. 

The section of the Superfund Amendment and Reauthorization Act (SARA) that requires industry to develop comprehensive emergency response plans and mandates public disclosure of hazards of materials handled or stored in certain quantities. It requires facilities that store hazardous materials to provide officials and citizens with data on the types (flammables, corrosives, etc.), amounts on hand (daily, yearly), and their specific locations. Facilities are to prepare and submit inventory lists. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs), and tier 1 and 2 inventory forms. It is also known as the Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act (EPCRA). 

The size of your worksite and workforce, processes used, materials handled, and the availability of onsite or outside resources will determine your training requirements. Discuss any special hazards your site(s) may have, such as flammable materials, toxic chemicals, radioactive sources, or water-reactive substances. To minimize confusion, clearly communicate who will be in charge dining an emergency and provide any evacuation route maps you have prepared. 

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