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HomeMy WebLinkAboutN-286 - Hazardous Chemical Communication ProgramCITY OF PASCO ADMINISTRATIVE ORDERS Administrative Order No. 286 Personnel Policies & Procedures Subject: Hazardous Chemical Communication Program Initial Effective Date: April 27, 1987 Revised 7/31/12 1/ 4 Approved I GC U This Administrative Order is effective January 27, 2014 and supersedes Administrative Order Nos. 286 dated 7/31/12 and 56, dated 4/27/87. I. PURPOSE: The purpose of a Hazardous Chemical Communication Program is to provide and maintain a working environment that is safe and healthful for City employees. II. DEPARTMENTS AFFECTED: All III. ATTACHMENTS: IV. A. Exemptions RCW 49.17 and WAC 296- 800 -170 and 901 -140 series V. POLICY: All departments /divisions of the City are included within this program. This written program is available in the department/division office for review by interested employees and is incorporated into department/division safety programs. VI. DEFINITIONS: A. Hazardous Chemical: Any chemical known to be present in the workplace in such a way that employees may be exposed to it under normal conditions of use or in a foreseeable emergency. B. Safety Data Sheets (SDS): Documents that provide workers and emergency personnel with procedures for handling or working with the substance in a safe manner. Included information: physical data (flash point, boiling point, and melting point), toxicity, health effects, first aid, reactivity, storage, disposal, protective equipment needs and spill - handling procedures. VII. PROGRAM: The department director or designee shall be responsible to see that the following program is implemented within each applicable division/work plan. A. Identify and list all the hazardous chemicals in the specific workplace. 1. Create a list of hazardous chemicals using the chemical or common name found on the SDS. 2. Ensure all hazardous chemicals are identified and that SDS and labeling rules are met. 3. The list must be kept current. B. Obtain and maintain a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for each hazardous chemical used. 1. An SDS is to be obtained as soon as possible, if not included with the shipment/purchase of the chemical. 2. All blocks on the SDS form received from the manufacturer must be marked, even if there is no relevant information for that section. (Sections that are not relevant should be marked "NA. ") 3. Keep SDS copies in the workplace for each hazardous chemical used in the area. 4. Each SDS must be in English. Copies in other languages may also be kept. 5. Written SDS forms must be readily accessible and easily obtainable without delay during each work shift when employees are in the work area. (Electronic backup may be utilized if available.) C. Label all containers correctly. 1. Ensure each container of hazardous chemicals in the workplace is labeled with the following information: a. Identity of hazardous material by chemical or common name. b. Use appropriate hazard warnings — may use pictures, words, symbols or combination thereof to communicate the hazards of the chemical. 2. Train employees so they can demonstrate knowledge of the labeling system used. 3. Do not remove or deface existing labels on incoming containers of hazardous chemicals unless that container is immediately labeled with the required information. 4. Label secondary containers with all necessary information and hazard warnings. 5. Labels and other forms of warning are to be legible and in English, prominently displayed on the container. Administrative Order 286 - Hazardous Chemical Communication Program Page 2 D. Training: Employees must be provided with effective information on hazardous chemicals in their work area at the time of their initial job assignment. Whenever a new physical or health hazard related to chemical exposure is introduced into the work area, information must be provided. Training includes: 1. The requirements of the City's Hazardous Chemical Communication Program (AO #286). 2. Chemicals present in the employee's work area. 3. Location and availability of the written Hazardous Chemical Communication Program. 4. Location and availability of SDS. 5. Methods and observations that may be used to detect the presence or release of a hazardous chemical in the work area. 6. Physical and health effects of exposure to hazardous chemicals. 7. How to lessen or prevent exposures through control/work practices and personal protective equipment. 8. Emergency procedures. 9. How to read labels and SDS to obtain appropriate hazard information. E. Employee exposure information and records are to be forwarded to Human Resources for safekeeping in the employee's separate medical information file. F. Workplace monitoring data and biological monitoring data is to be kept with the Public Works/Facilities Safety Coordinator's office. Administrative Order 286 - Hazardous Chemical Communication Program Page 3 Attachment A Exemptions Items or Chemicals exempt from the rule, and exemptions from labeling (WAC 296 -800- 170 and 296 - 800 - 17055) WAC 296 - 800 -170 Summary of Exemptions • Any hazardous waste as defined by the Solid Waste Disposal Act, as amended by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, as amended (42 U.S.C. 6901 et seq.), when subject to regulations issued under that act by the Environmental Protection Agency. • Any hazardous substances defined by the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) (42 U.W.C. 9601 et seq.) when the hazardous substance is the focus of remedial or removal action being conducted under CERCLA in accordance with the Environmental Protection Agency regulations. • Tobacco or tobacco products • Wood or wood products that are not chemically treated and will not be processed (e.g. by sawing, sanding.) • Food or alcoholic beverages • Some drugs, over - the - counter or prescription medications • Retail cosmetics • Ionizing and nonionizing radiation • Biological hazards • Consumer product or hazardous substance when workplace exposure is the same as that of a consumer. ❖ Retail products used in offices in the same manner and frequency as used by consumers can be termed "consumer products" and include such items as: correction fluid, glass cleaner, and dishwashing liquid. Note: Use of a product (e.g. bleach) in excess of the amount used in a household is not exempt. • Manufactured items that remain intact are exempt from the rule. ❖ Manufactured items that are fluids or in the form of particles are not exempt from the rule. WAC 296- 800 -17055 gives a more definitive list and explanations of exemptions. Administrative Order 286 - Hazardous Chemical Communication Program Attachment A