Right to know
"Right to know", in the context of United States workplace and community environmental law, is the legal principle that the individual has the right to know the chemicals to which they may be exposed in their daily living. It is embodied in federal law in the United States as well as in local laws in several states.
What is an employer’s responsibility for hazardous chemicals?
Employers shall provide employees with effective information and training on hazardous chemicals in their work area at the time of their initial assignment, and whenever a new chemical hazard the employees have not previously been trained about is introduced into their work area.
When should employees be trained to work with hazardous chemicals?
It's important to understand that employees must be trained at the time they are assigned to work with a hazardous chemical. The intent of the training is to inform employees prior to exposure to prevent the occurrence of adverse health effects. Of course, this intent cannot be met if training is delayed until a later date.
What information do you need to know about hazardous chemicals?
Information. Employees shall be informed of: Any operations in their work area where hazardous chemicals are present; and, The location and availability of the written hazard communication program, including the required list (s) of hazardous chemicals, and safety data sheets required by this section. Training.
What information should be included in hazard information and training?
Information and training may be designed to cover categories of hazards (e.g., flammability, carcinogenicity) or specific chemicals. Chemical-specific information must always be available through labels and SDSs. More on this later.
Who is required to make written hazard communication program available?
Who determines the hazard classification?
What is occupational safety and health?
What is the purpose of 1910.1200?
What is a drug in the federal food and drug law?
When classifying mixtures they produce or import, what information do they rely on?
Is wood a hazardous material?
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Which is a requirement of the employer regarding a chemical hazard?
Employers are required to develop and implement an effective written HazCom Program that conveys the information contained on the SDSs and labels to employees exposed to the chemicals, along with guidance on how to control exposures to these chemicals.
Which of the following may be used by employers to inform workers about hazardous chemicals?
Maintain Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) – Safety Data Sheets are the source of detailed information on hazardous chemicals. Employers must maintain copies of SDSs for all hazardous chemicals present in their workplaces and must ensure that SDSs are readily accessible to workers in their work areas during their work shifts.
What are your employer's responsibilities regarding the hazardous chemical inventory?
Your employer is also responsible for informing you where to find the Hazardous Chemical Inventory at your workplace, and who is responsible for maintaining the inventory.
Who is responsible for informing employees about chemical workplace hazards?
Employers that have hazardous chemicals in their workplaces are required by OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (HCS), 29 CFR 1910.1200, to implement a hazard communication program.
Is effective employee information and training on hazardous chemicals required?
(1) Employers shall provide employees with effective information and training on hazardous chemicals in their work area at the time of their initial assignment, and whenever a new chemical hazard the employees have not previously been trained about is introduced into their work area.
Is hazard communication training required annually?
The standard does not require refresher training at specified intervals. However, providing initial training and expecting employees to remember everything for years might not be realistic. If your employees cannot answer questions about the training previously delivered, then refresher training may be a good idea.
What are the requirements for informing other employees of hazardous materials in the workplace?
HCS was developed to protect employees from exposure to hazardous products and chemicals. This standard requires all employers to develop a written program addressing labeling and warning requirements, material safety data sheets (MSDSs) and employee training on hazardous materials.
Is an OSHA standard regarding an employee's right to know about chemicals in the workplace?
OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (HCS), 29 CFR 1910.1200, is designed to ensure that employees are informed of the hazards associated with exposure to hazardous chemicals used in the workplace.
What standard requires employers to identify hazards in the workplace and train employees how do you recognize those hazards?
Hazard Communication Standard All employers with hazardous chemicals in their workplaces must have labels and safety data sheets for their exposed workers, and train them to handle the chemicals appropriately.
Who mandates that employers are responsible for training workers who may be exposed to chemical hazards?
OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (HCS), 29 CFR 1910.1200, creates obligations for employers using hazardous chemicals in the workplace. These requirements inform employees about the chemical hazards present in the workplace.
When a new hazardous chemical is introduced into the workplace?
If your workplace has hazardous chemicals present, HAZCOM requires that your employer train you (1) when you're initially assigned, and (2) whenever a new or different product is introduced into the workplace which represents a new hazard.
What is required for every hazardous chemical on a job site?
Your employer must have an SDS for every hazardous chemical in the workplace.
Which of the following requires employers to provide appropriate equipment to protect employees from hazards?
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that employers protect their employees from workplace hazards that can cause injury.
Which standards require employers to provide employees with information about physical and health hazards to chemical use in the workplace?
1910.1200 - Hazard Communication. Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
Is an OSHA standard regarding an employee's right to know about chemicals in the workplace?
This is an employee-right-to-know law—employees have the right to know about the standard, the hazardous chemicals and products found in the workplace, and the methods of protecting themselves from chemical exposure.
Which of the following methods must the employer not use to eliminate the hazards which the employees are exposed to?
PPE, work practice controls, and administrative controls are considered the least effective hazard controls. These methods don't get rid of the hazard.
Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) Update
OSHA’s HCS Updated HCS in 2012 to align with Revision 3 of the GHS Provided changes to: –Hazard Classification –Labels –Safety Data Sheets
HAZARD COMMUNICATION: Hazard Classification Guidance for Manufacturers ...
HAZARD COMMUNICATION Hazard Classification Guidance. for Manufacturers, Importers, and Employers. OSHA 3844-02 2016
§ 1910.1200 29 CFR Ch. XVII (7–1–07 Edition)
rfrederick on PROD1PC67 with CFR VerDate Aug<31>2005 08:07 Aug 01, 2007 Jkt 211113 PO 00000 Frm 00470 Fmt 8010 Sfmt 8002 Y:\SGML\211113.XXX 211113 § 1910.1200 § 1910.1200 Hazard communication. (a) Purpose. (1) The purpose of this section is to ensure that the hazards of
29 CFR Part 1910 - OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARDS | CFR | US ...
Subpart A - General (§§ 1910.1 - 1910.9) Subpart B - Adoption and Extension of Established Federal Standards (§§ 1910.11 - 1910.19) Subpart C [Reserved]
eCFR :: 29 CFR Part 1910 -- Occupational Safety and Health Standards
The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) is the official legal print publication containing the codification of the general and permanent rules published in the Federal Register by the departments and agencies of the Federal Government. The Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR) is a continuously updated online version of the CFR. It is not an official legal edition of the CFR.
Who is required to make written hazard communication program available?
The employer shall make the written hazard communication program available, upon request, to employees, their designated representatives, the Assistant Secretary and the Director, in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1910.1020 (e).
Who determines the hazard classification?
For each chemical, the chemical manufacturer or importer shall determine the hazard classes, and, where appropriate, the category of each class that apply to the chemical being classified. Employers are not required to classify chemicals unless they choose not to rely on the classification performed by the chemical manufacturer or importer for the chemical to satisfy this requirement.
What is occupational safety and health?
This occupational safety and health standard is intended to address comprehensively the issue of classifying the potential hazards of chemicals, and communicating information concerning hazards and appropriate protective measures to employees, and to preempt any legislative or regulatory enactments of a state, or political subdivision of a state, pertaining to this subject. Classifying the potential hazards of chemicals and communicating information concerning hazards and appropriate protective measures to employees, may include, for example, but is not limited to, provisions for: developing and maintaining a written hazard communication program for the workplace, including lists of hazardous chemicals present; labeling of containers of chemicals in the workplace, as well as of containers of chemicals being shipped to other workplaces; preparation and distribution of safety data sheets to employees and downstream employers; and development and implementation of employee training programs regarding hazards of chemicals and protective measures. Under section 18 of the Act, no state or political subdivision of a state may adopt or enforce any requirement relating to the issue addressed by this Federal standard, except pursuant to a Federally-approved state plan.
What is the purpose of 1910.1200?
1910.1200 (a) Purpose . 1910.1200 (a) (1) The purpose of this section is to ensure that the hazards of all chemicals produced or imported are classified, and that information concerning the classified hazards is transmitted to employers and employees .
What is a drug in the federal food and drug law?
301 et seq .), when it is in solid, final form for direct administration to the patient ( e.g., tablets or pills); drugs which are packaged by the chemical manufacturer for sale to consumers in a retail establishment ( e.g., over-the-counter drugs); and drugs intended for personal consumption by employees while in the workplace ( e.g., first aid supplies);
When classifying mixtures they produce or import, what information do they rely on?
When classifying mixtures they produce or import, chemical manufacturers and importers of mixtures may rely on the information provided on the current safety data sheets of the individualingredients, except where the chemical manufacturer or importer knows, or in the exercise of reasonable diligence should know, that the safety data sheet misstates or omits information required by this section.
Is wood a hazardous material?
Wood or wood products, including lumber which will not be processed, where the chemical manufacturer or importer can establish that the only hazard they pose to employees is the potential for flammability or combustibility ( wood or wood products which have been treated with a hazardous chemical covered by this standard, and wood which may be subsequent ly sawed or cut, generating dust, are not exempted);
Why is it important to tell your employer about hazards?
Your employer is required by law to tell you about hazards in the workplace. This includes exposure to chemicals and other dangerous situations. If you are a worker who works repeatedly in conditions where radiation or chemicals are present, this may increase your risk of diseases, which is something you should always understand as an employee.
What is written hazard communication?
They must then inform their employees on this program as well as how to handle themselves in a workplace that involves hazardous materials. This must include the implementation of a hazardous chemical inventory that lists the chemicals that are used in that location. The written communication program will specifically spell out warning methods, provide lists of all chemicals that are present, and detail the methods that an employer can use to inform employees of the hazards in their work areas.
What should new employees be able to show proof they received specific training on the hazardous substances to which they would be exposed?
New employees should be able show proof they received specific training on the hazardous substances to which they would be exposed in their new jobs. General information, such as OSHA Hazard Communication requirements, could be expected to remain with employees from one position to another. However, the employer is responsible for ensuring that new employees are adequately trained and are equipped with the knowledge and information necessary to conduct their jobs safely.
Who must train their employees exposed to hazardous substances?
The employer must train their employees exposed to hazardous substances.
What is an employer's training program?
An employer's training program is to be a forum for explaining the who, what, where, why and when (the education) to employees of the hazards of the chemicals in their work area, but also how (the training) to work safely using safe procedures as required by the hazard communication program.
What are the measures employees can take to protect themselves from these hazards?
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.
What is the role of a host employer in a temporary employee?
Host Employer. The host employer is responsible for training on the company's HCS program including specific labeling, chemical hazards and safe work procedures in their workplace. Temporary Agency.
Why is it important to train employees to work with hazardous chemicals?
The intent of the training is to inform employees prior to exposure to prevent the occurrence of adverse health effects.
What is a temporary agency?
Temporary Agency. The temporary agency, in turn, maintains a continuing relationship with its employees and would be expected to inform employees of the general requirements of the HCS standard.
Who is required to make written hazard communication program available?
The employer shall make the written hazard communication program available, upon request, to employees, their designated representatives, the Assistant Secretary and the Director, in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1910.1020 (e).
Who determines the hazard classification?
For each chemical, the chemical manufacturer or importer shall determine the hazard classes, and, where appropriate, the category of each class that apply to the chemical being classified. Employers are not required to classify chemicals unless they choose not to rely on the classification performed by the chemical manufacturer or importer for the chemical to satisfy this requirement.
What is occupational safety and health?
This occupational safety and health standard is intended to address comprehensively the issue of classifying the potential hazards of chemicals, and communicating information concerning hazards and appropriate protective measures to employees, and to preempt any legislative or regulatory enactments of a state, or political subdivision of a state, pertaining to this subject. Classifying the potential hazards of chemicals and communicating information concerning hazards and appropriate protective measures to employees, may include, for example, but is not limited to, provisions for: developing and maintaining a written hazard communication program for the workplace, including lists of hazardous chemicals present; labeling of containers of chemicals in the workplace, as well as of containers of chemicals being shipped to other workplaces; preparation and distribution of safety data sheets to employees and downstream employers; and development and implementation of employee training programs regarding hazards of chemicals and protective measures. Under section 18 of the Act, no state or political subdivision of a state may adopt or enforce any requirement relating to the issue addressed by this Federal standard, except pursuant to a Federally-approved state plan.
What is the purpose of 1910.1200?
1910.1200 (a) Purpose . 1910.1200 (a) (1) The purpose of this section is to ensure that the hazards of all chemicals produced or imported are classified, and that information concerning the classified hazards is transmitted to employers and employees .
What is a drug in the federal food and drug law?
301 et seq .), when it is in solid, final form for direct administration to the patient ( e.g., tablets or pills); drugs which are packaged by the chemical manufacturer for sale to consumers in a retail establishment ( e.g., over-the-counter drugs); and drugs intended for personal consumption by employees while in the workplace ( e.g., first aid supplies);
When classifying mixtures they produce or import, what information do they rely on?
When classifying mixtures they produce or import, chemical manufacturers and importers of mixtures may rely on the information provided on the current safety data sheets of the individualingredients, except where the chemical manufacturer or importer knows, or in the exercise of reasonable diligence should know, that the safety data sheet misstates or omits information required by this section.
Is wood a hazardous material?
Wood or wood products, including lumber which will not be processed, where the chemical manufacturer or importer can establish that the only hazard they pose to employees is the potential for flammability or combustibility ( wood or wood products which have been treated with a hazardous chemical covered by this standard, and wood which may be subsequent ly sawed or cut, generating dust, are not exempted);
