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Hazard Communication

Introduction

Employers are required to identify hazardous materials and collect or develop information relevant to health and safety considerations associated with the use or storage of such materials. Employees in areas where hazardous materials are used or stored must receive information and training to understand the potential hazards. Hazardous materials are identified as those materials that have demonstrated adverse health effects. This regulation is not applicable to laboratories (research, educational or analytical) nor to farm use of hazardous materials if following requirements of Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act. (FIFRA) Articles and consumer commodities (if used as a typical consumer does) are not considered hazardous materials.

Applicable University Policy

UM Hazard Communication Program

Applicable Regulations

• 29 CFR 1910.1200 - Hazard Communication
• COMAR 09.12.33 - Access to Information About Hazardous and Toxic Substances

Summary of Requirements

• Hazardous materials must be inventoried and compiled into a Chemical Information List (CIL).
• CILs must be made available to appropriate emergency response personnel.
• Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) must be obtained or developed for all hazardous materials. MSDSs must be made available to employees working with hazardous materials.
• Container contents must be identified at all times.
• Container labels must not be defaced unless empty.
• Pertinent warning labels must be placed on containers of hazardous materials unless used during a single shift.
• Employees working with or near hazardous materials must receive training.
• A written Hazard Communication Program must be developed.

Training

All employees working with or near hazardous materials must receive training prior to their initial assignment to tasks that involve potential exposure to hazardous materials. Training must include:

• Information about the nature of the physical and health hazards of chemicals in the work area;
• Methods and observations to detect the presence or release of a hazardous chemical in the work area;
• Appropriate work practices, control programs and preventive measures to avoid chemical exposure;
• Emergency procedures;
• Details of the Hazard Communication Program;
• Explanation of container labeling systems;
• Introduction and explanation of the MSDS.

Additional training is required when new hazards are introduced into the workplace, when procedure/equipment changes increase chemical exposures or when additional information becomes available.

Recordkeeping

• CILs must be maintained and kept current;
• Training records must be maintained;
• Exposure monitoring records must be maintained;
• CILs must be forwarded annually to the Department of Environmental Safety (DES);
• Departments must identify to DES those individuals with responsibility for Hazard Communication elements as identified in UM Hazardous Communication Program.

Written Program

A written Hazard Communication Program is required that includes:

• The locations of the Chemical Information List and Material Safety Data Sheets, and the procedures employees follow to gain access.
• A description of the labeling system and other forms of warning.
• How employees are provided with information about hazardous, non-routine tasks.
• How employees receive information about hazardous chemicals in unlabeled pipes.
• Identification of individuals responsible for provision of program elements.

University Resources

Written 5/98
Revised 4/05

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