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Chemical Hazard Communication Program

1. Program Description

Federal and State regulations require that specific chemical hazard information is provided to any employee working with hazardous chemicals (see section 7 for important, applicable definitions).  In addition, the regulations require product labels and other forms of warning, safety data sheets, appropriate training, and a written hazard communication program are provided and readily accessible to exposed employees.  The University Chemical and Laboratory Safety (CaLS) Office has therefore written this Boise State University Hazard Communication Program to comply with this requirement campus-wide; however, individual departments and auxiliaries may also choose to use their own written programs if such programs meet or exceed the requirements set forth herein. Personnel identified as having specific responsibility for implementing the plan are department heads and/or supervisors and contractors. The Campus CaLS Office is responsible for providing consultation and specific training when needed.

Supervisors who have employees who work in areas where hazardous1 chemicals are stored, handled or used are responsible for:

  1. Creating and maintaining an inventory of all hazardous chemicals; 
  2. Ensuring proper labeling of all hazardous chemicals;
  3. Acquiring and maintaining safety data sheets (SDS) for all hazardous chemicals located in the work area;
  4. Informing employees of any operations in their work area where hazards chemicals are present, and the location and availability of the University’s written hazard communication program, The chemical hygiene plan, the chemical inventory, and safety data sheets; and
  5. Training employees about hazardous chemicals used in the work area.

Boise State University contracting officials are responsible for instructing all Boise State University contractors to contact the Campus CaLS Office for specific information about hazardous chemicals within BSU that may pose a risk to contract employees or which may cause a potential exposure to Boise State University employees.

2. Hazardous Chemicals Inventory

The supervisor, or his/her designee, is required to maintain a list of all hazardous chemicals known to be present in each work area they are responsible for (e.g. ,lab, shop area, section, etc.) and update the list as necessary. The inventory must identify each hazardous chemical by the primary name on the label and the manufacturer or distributor of the chemical. The inventory may be kept in the work area in a suitable format such as a written listing, or electronic format on a thumb-drive or accessible drive if made readily available to all campus users and non-campus personnel such as emergency responders. This inventory shall list all hazardous chemicals found in the work area for which the supervisor is responsible including, but not limited to, laboratory chemicals, janitorial supplies, compressed gases, cleaning products, materials found in the maintenance departments (such as lubricating oils, solvents, etc.), specialty chemicals used by animal caretakers, illustrators, and printers. 

3. Labeling Requirements

The supervisor must ensure that all hazardous chemicals in his/her area of responsibility are properly labeled.  Labels should list the complete, officially recognized chemical identity, appropriate hazard warnings, per the Globally Harmonized System (GHS), and the name and address of the manufacturer, importer or other responsible party.  Portable containers and “daughter bottles” of working solutions must be labeled appropriately with complete, officially recognized chemical identity, date of creation, and name of the employee who prepares them.  The contents of all vessels (containing chemicals or products such as cleaning solutions) must be identified by name on the container. 

Products that are synthesized at BSU and distributed outside of the University must be labeled in accordance with the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard [29 CFR Part 1910.1200(f)(1-5)] if they contain hazardous chemicals in concentrations greater than one percent (or 0.1% for carcinogens). It is the responsibility of the laboratory synthesizing the product to develop this label and corresponding SDS. 

Chemicals stored in bulk quantities, pipelines, and storage tanks are required to be adequately labeled. Storage tanks or drums can be labeled collectively rather than labeling individual containers if they are not removed from the labeled area and if the hazards are the same. It is the responsibility of the program ordering and using these bulk chemicals to ensure adequate labeling. 

4. Safety Data Sheets

The supervisor is responsible for acquiring and updating safety data sheets for all hazardous chemicals found in their work area. Supervisors are also responsible of ensuring that all personnel working with and around hazardous materials have read and understood the applicable SDS’s.  The SDS will be reviewed before using the chemical and kept in the work area so that they are readily accessible to all. 

To obtain specific safety data sheets, request copies from the manufacturer or distributor, or ask the Campus CaLS Office for assistance.

If you have more than one safety data sheet for a hazardous chemical from the same manufacturer, check the date and use the most current one discarding all others. To obtain further information or assistance in interpreting safety data sheets, contact the Campus CaLS Office or your own local safety authority. 

A safety data sheet must be developed and sent with those products that are synthesized at BSU and distributed outside of the University in accordance with the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard [29 CFR Part 1910.1200(f)(1-5)] if they contain hazardous chemicals in concentrations greater than one percent (or 0.1% for carcinogens). It is the responsibility of the laboratory synthesizing the product to develop and distribute the safety data sheet.

5. Employee Training and Information

A. Training

It is the responsibility of University supervisory personnel to recognize when hazardous materials training is needed for any employees under their administrative control and to arrange for such training at the time of the worker’s initial assignment and whenever a new hazard is introduced into their work area.  This training is available in several formats: video and/or interactive computer-based presentation from the Campus CaLS Office; presentation arranged or presented by the Campus CaLS Office staff, or a presentation arranged or presented by the supervisor using materials approved by the Campus CaLS Office. 

Employees must be trained on the proper safeguards, safe use, and physical and health hazards of hazardous chemicals used on the job before beginning work with those chemicals or whenever a new hazardous chemical or procedure is introduced into their work area. General lab safety refresher training is required on an annual basis.

Training shall include at least the following: 

  1. Methods and observations that may be used to detect the presence or release of a hazardous chemical in the work area (such as monitoring conducted by the employer, continuous monitoring devices, visual appearance or odor of hazardous chemicals when being released, etc.);
  2. The physical and health hazards of the chemicals in the work area;
  3. The measures employees can take to protect themselves from these hazards, including specific procedures the employer has implemented to protect employees from exposure to hazardous chemicals, such as appropriate work practices, emergency procedures, and personal protective equipment to be used; and,
  4. The details of the hazard communication program developed by the University, including an explanation of the labeling system and the safety data sheet, and how employees can obtain and use the appropriate hazard information.

All training shall be documented by recording the training session subject(s), date, attendees, and by providing a copy of the outline of the subject content.  The supervisor shall maintain these records and when requested, provide copies of all records to the Campus CaLS Office. 

B. Contractor Responsibilities

University contracting officials in any department or office are responsible for instructing all  on-site contractors that they must inform applicable University supervisory personnel on the hazards of any chemicals that they plan to use on campus properties before that work begins.  University contracting officials in any BSU office are also responsible for supplying on-site contractors information about the University’s written Hazard Communication Program and any hazardous chemicals on campus properties that may pose risks to contractor employees. 

6. Non-routine Tasks

Employees performing non-routine tasks could be potentially exposed to chemicals from unusual and unsuspected sources. At the University, these non-routine tasks may include, for example, periodic boiler parts cleaning or the replacement of seals and gaskets. Written procedures shall be developed for every non-routine task by the supervisor of the employees who will perform the task.  The information will include chemical hazards associated with the performance of the tasks and appropriate protective measures required to perform the task safely.   The procedures shall be included in the local copy of the Hazard Communication Program.  Upon request, the Campus CaLS Office will provide advice and guidance on developing such procedures. 

7. Definitions

A. Hazardous Chemical

 A hazardous chemical is defined as any chemical which is a physical hazard or a health hazard.

B. Health Hazard

“Health hazard” means a chemical for which there is statistically significant evidence based on at least one study conducted in accordance with established scientific principles that acute or chronic health effects may occur in exposed employees. The term “health hazard” includes chemicals which are carcinogens, toxic or highly toxic agents, reproductive toxins, irritants, corrosives, sensitizers, hepatotoxins, nephrotoxins, mutagens, teratogens, neurotoxins, agents which act on the hematopoietic system, and agents which damage the lungs, skin, eyes, or mucous membranes.

C. Physical Hazard

“Physical hazard” means a chemical for which there is scientifically valid evidence that it is a combustible liquid, a compressed gas, explosive, flammable, an organic peroxide, an oxidizer, pyrophoric, unstable (reactive) or water-reactive.