APPENDIX K
Hazard Communication Program
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This written Hazard Communication Program has been developed to be in compliance with 29CFR 1910.1200(e). Copies of the Hazard Communication Program may be obtained by contacting the Chemical Hygiene Officer
I. General
The purpose of this document is to ensure that the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry is in compliance with OSHA Hazard communication Standard (HCS) 29-CFR 1910.1200 (e).
The Occupational Safety and Health Program developed at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry comes under the review of the Director of Environmental Health & Safety. The senior facility official who has overall responsibility is the Vice President for Administration.
II. List of Hazardous Chemicals
A list of hazardous chemicals is maintained by Chemical Hygiene Officer, and updated as needed.
III. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) Information
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are immediately available to any employee 24 hours a day by one of three means:
- Hard copies of the MSDS for materials routinely used at the College are available at the Environmental Health and Safety Office during normal working hours.
- Hard copies of the MSDS for materials routinely used at the College are available at the Public Safety Office, call-6666 -- open 24 hours daily.
- MSDS for thousands of chemicals are available on the internet.
The Purchasing Department requires that all chemicals received by ESF must have an MSDS prior to acceptance. Researchers and faculty are encouraged to purchase, whenever possible, the least hazardous substance available.
IV. Labels and Other Forms of Warning
Chemical Hygiene Officer, is designated to ensure that all hazardous chemicals are properly labeled. Labels of chemicals list the chemical identity and appropriate hazard warning.
V. Training
ESF has established a Comprehensive Chemical Safety Training Program, in three identified levels of instruction, for its employees.
Level 1 - all employees view a video instruction presentation, "Chemical Safety for General Service Workers" and/or "Main Street" which covers hazardous chemical properties, routes of entry, emergency procedures, physical and health hazards associated with exposure, procedures to protect against hazards, personal protective equipment, how to deal with chemical spills and leaks, MSDS locations, and how to obtain and use MSDS information.
A trained instructor leads the group and answers any questions.
Level 2 - covers specific areas such as chemical safety, biological safety, radiological safety for those employees working with specific hazardous substances.
Level 3 - is course or activity specific and is conductede by the class instructors or supervisors.
The Personnel Department monitors and maintains records of employee training.
VI. Contractor Employers
Chemical Hygiene Officer and Facilities Program Coordinator will inform all contractors of any chemical hazard which may be encountered in the normal course of work and will ensure that contractors working with hazardous chemicals provide MSDS's on site. Also that they perform their work in a manner to prevent ESF personnel from unsafe exposures.
VII. Non-Routine Tasks
Supervisors contemplating a non-routine task must consult with the Chemical Hygiene Officer before assigning work. The Chemical Hygiene Officer is available to answer questions concerning chemical hazards associated with the performance of these tasks and appropriate protective measures to be taken.
VII. Information
Further information on the written Hazard Communication Standards is available at the Office of Environmental Health & Safety.
