The Hazard
Communication Standard States:

• Every company which produces and
  uses hazardous materials must provide their employees with information and
  training on the proper handling and use of these materials.

• You, as an employee, have a Right
  to Know about the hazardous materials used in your work area and the potential
  effects of these materials upon your health and safety.

Key Elements of the
Osha Hazard Communication Standard

• Materials Inventory – A list of the hazardous
  materials present in your work area.

• Material Safety Data Sheets – A detailed description of each
  hazardous material listed in the Materials Inventory.

• Labeling – Containers of hazardous
  materials must have labels which identify the material and warn of its
  potential hazard to employees.

• Training – All employees must be trained
  to identify and work safely with hazardous materials.

• Written Program – A written program must be
  developed which ties all of the above together.

 
Controlling Physical and Health Hazards

• Product
  Substitution

  • Because many chemicals do similar jobs, it
    is important to select chemicals that do a good job, while being less toxic.

• Engineering
  Controls

  • Well-designed work areas minimize exposure
    to materials which are hazardous. Examples of engineering controls would
    include exhaust systems and wetting systems to control dust.

• Safe Work
  Practices

  • Safe work practices will insure that
    chemicals are used correctly and safely.

• Personal
  Protective Equipment

  • Masks, eye protection, gloves, aprons, and
    other protective equipment and clothing are designed to protect you while you
    work. USE THEM!

• Training
  and Communication

  • Knowing how to work safely with chemicals
    that pose a hazard is an important activity. You have a right to know, but you
    also have a responsibility to use the knowledge and skills to work safely.

• Environmental
  Monitoring

  • Industrial hygiene personnel regularly
    sample the air and collect other samples to insure that hazardous chemicals do
    not exceed established acceptable exposure limits.

• Personal
  Monitoring

  • Monitor yourself and others. Be on the
    lookout for any physical symptoms which would indicate that you or your
    coworkers have been overexposed to any hazardous chemical. Symptoms, such as
    skin rashes, dizziness, eye or throat irritations or strong odors, should be
    reported to your supervisor.

 SAFETY REMINDER – YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO KNOW, SO IF YOU DON’T KNOW, ASK