This training video explains OSHA’s definitions of chemical hazards (health hazards such as irritants, carcinogens, sensitizers; physical hazards such as flammability, corrosiveness, explosivity), gives examples (asbestos, benzene, arsenic, chlorine, formaldehyde), and summarizes the Hazard Communication Standard (HAZCOM)/GHS obligations: proper labeling, legible permanent labels with identity/manufacturer/hazard warnings, treating unlabeled/unknown containers as hazardous, accessible Safety Data Sheets (SDSs), and worker training. It notes that SDSs contain 16 sections covering properties, hazards, personal protective measures, handling, storage, and disposal, and invites viewers to take further training that walks through each SDS section.
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OSHA defines a chemical hazard in a few different ways. One way is as a substance that poses a wide range of health or physical hazards. The term health hazard includes but is not limited to, chemicals which are irritants, carcinogens, and sensitizers. The term physical hazard includes, but is not limited to, chemicals that possess properties like flammability, corrosiveness, and explosability. A chemical hazard is also defined as an item or agent that has the potential to cause harm to humans, animals, or the environment. Some examples of chemical hazards you may have heard of include asbestos, benzene, arsenic, chlorine, and formaldehyde. OSHA's Globally Harmonized Hazard Communication Standard mandates that all workers have the right to know and understand everything they need to know about a chemical that is used or otherwise present in their workplace. It requires that all chemicals are properly labeled and stored correctly, that safety data sheets are readily accessible, and that workers are properly trained on handling the material. HAZCOM encompasses how to inform and train employees on all chemical hazards and toxic substance in the workplace. HAZCOM requires that all containers storing a hazardous substance are properly labeled and any unknown materials in a container not labeled must be treated as a hazardous substance until proven otherwise. This is important when working with a hazardous substance as well as during storage, transportation, and disposal processes. Labels must provide the chemical's identity, manufacturer information, and all appropriate hazard warnings. Both health and physical hazard warnings must be easy to read immediately via standardized pictures, symbols, words, or a combination of these three. Labels must be permanently displayed and legible. These rules apply to storage containers and portable containers that a worker may use throughout their shift. A label is limited in the information it can provide. This is why sdss, which provide much more detailed information, are required to be readily available and employees must be trained on how to access and understand the information within an sds. So I hear you ask what is an sds? A safety data sheet, often referred to as an sds, tells you everything you need to know about a chemical substance. Information found on an SDS includes the properties of the chemical, the physical and environmental health hazards, and the required personal protective measures. An SDS has a total of 16 sections. These sections provide information on many topics, including the properties of the chemical, safe handling practices, and disposal procedures. Do you need to learn more about sdss? Take our training that dives into each section of an sds. As a reminder, HAZCOM requires that you be properly trained on the specifics of a hazardous substance prior to handling it. You have the right to know and understand what you're working with.
