Hazard Communication

The HCS is based on the premise that certain chemicals have inherent characteristics that pose potential safety and health hazards, and that all employees have the "right-to-know" about these hazards. To accomplish this objective, all employers must provide information to their employees about the hazardous chemicals in the workplace. This information is provided in the form of a written Hazard Communication Program (HCP), labels and other forms of warning, material safety data sheets (MSDS), and training.

A hazardous chemical is defined as: any element, chemical compound, or mixture of elements or compounds whose use could present a physical hazard or a health hazard. A physical hazard arises when use of a chemical is potentially dangerous due to the possibility of explosion, fire or violent reaction with other chemicals. A physical hazard may be a:

• Flammable or Combustible Liquid
• Compressed Gas
• Explosive
• Oxidizer
• Pyrophoric
• Unstable or Reactive
• Water Reactive

A health hazard is a chemical for which there is evidence that health effects may occur if employees are overexposed. A health hazard may be a:

• Carcinogen
• Toxic or highly toxic agent
• Reproductive toxin
• Irritant
• Corrosive
• Sensitizer
• Hepatotoxin
• 
  Nephrotoxin
• Neurotoxin
• Hemototoxin
• Agent which damages the
  • lungs
  • skin
  • eyes
  • mucous membranes

The health effects caused by the above subcategories of chemicals may be acute or chronic. An acute effect is an adverse health effect that is the result of a short-term exposure to a high concentration of a toxic material. An acute effect is usually felt immediately or with reactions occurring within two to three hours of overexposure. In the case of highly toxic materials, death may result even with prompt medical care.

As examples, the immediate reaction may be:

• Coughing, sneezing
• Tearing of the eyes
• Rash, burns

A chronic effect is an adverse health condition that occurs only after exposure to a material for a long time, usually months or years. The amount of exposure is usually low and often symptoms are not immediately noticeable.

Examples of disease from chronic exposure would include:

• Asbestosis
• Silicosis
• Black lung

There are four primary routes of entry a chemical can take to enter your body. These include:

• Through the skin
• Through the lungs
• Contact with body openings
• Through the digestive system

Some chemicals or materials are exempt from the HCS because they are regulated by other agencies. These exemptions are:

• Chemicals which are disposed as hazardous waste. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has regulations to ensure the proper handling and disposal of hazardous waste.

• Any hazardous substance that is the focus of remedial or removal action (hazardous material clean-up project). This is also the EPA's regulatory jurisdiction.

• Tobacco or tobacco products that are intended for sale to consumers. These are regulated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms.

• Wood or wood products, unless chemically treated. Wood that has been preserved with a hazardous chemical is covered by the HCS.

• Articles. An article is a manufactured item that does not have any properties of a hazardous chemical, even though hazardous chemicals may have been used in the manufacturing process. In other words, an article is a finished product that does not release toxic vapors, nor does pose a risk of fire or explosion.

• Food or alcoholic beverages which are sold, used, or prepared in a retail establishment (such as a grocery store, restaurant, or drinking place), and foods intended for personal consumption by employees while in the workplace.

• Drugs regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. This includes drugs in solid, finial form (e.g., tablets or pills); all drugs which are packaged 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). Any drug which must be processed in the workplace and therefore poses a risk of employee exposure to hazardous liquids, vapors, or dust is not exempt form the HCS.

• Cosmetics which are packaged for sale to consumers.

• Consumer products regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Consumer products are hazardous chemicals which may be present in the workplace, but are not used as a part of routine work processes, and therefore do not result in health or safety risks beyond those which consumers would encounter.

• Nuisance particulates (dust) that do not pose a physical or health hazard.

• Ionizing and nonionizing radiation, and

• Biological hazards.

The written program must address at a minimum how the following requirements will be met:

• Labels and other forms of warning for containers of hazardous chemicals.
• Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).
• Employee information and training.
• The methods the employer will use to inform employees of the hazards of non-routine task and the hazards associated with chemicals contained in unlabeled pipes in their work areas.
• The manner in which contractors in the facility will be informed of the hazards to which their employees may be exposed.

A template to assist you in developing a written HCP has been established at the University of Kentucky and is available at http://ehs.uky.edu/ohs/hcp.doc

Copies of the written HCP must be available in the work area for review by all employees.

Elements of this program are reviewed in the subsequent chapters of this training module.

This information is required to be complemented by workplace specific training provided to the employees by a representative from their work area. That training will address the hazardous chemicals located and utilized in the employee's respective work area. This training is further described in Chapter 6 of this training module.

A vast array of educational activities and research is conducted at the university, and hazardous chemicals are often an integral part of these vital functions. The cooperation of all parties involved is crucial to ensure the safety and integrity of workers, students, the community and the environment.

• Collaborating with faculty and staff to develop and implement a comprehensive, workplace - specific HCP.
• Providing general Hazard Communication training.
• Training departmental trainers about the potential hazards from chemicals used in the workspace and protective measures and work practices that may be used to reduce these hazards.
• Conducting job hazard analysis and exposure assessments upon request and on a routine basis.
• Providing technical assistance concerning PPE selection and use.
• Remaining current on rules and regulations concerning HCP requirements.

Deans, Directors, Lexington Community College President, Heads of Academic and Administrative Units have the primary responsibility for the health and safety of their staff, students, and visitors. Specific HCP responsibilities include:

• Understanding and enforcing the provisions of the HCP.
• Informing and training employees concerning chemical safety as required by the HCP.
• Ensuring that training is conducted as soon as an employee is assigned to the work area, when a new hazardous chemical is introduced into the work area, and when a non-routine task presents a chemical hazard.
• Maintaining a current inventory of hazardous chemicals in the workplace.
• Ensuring labels are provided for all hazardous chemicals as required by the HCP.
• Making MSDS's immediately available for all chemicals in inventory.
• Ensuring the availability and enforcing the use of the proper required PPE.
• Maintaining dated training records for those employees supervised.

These responsibilities include:

• Attending training provided by the supervisor and EHS
• Following all health and safety rules and regulations related to the workplace activities
• Properly wearing and utilizing required PPE
• Obtaining proper training and authorization before operating any equipment
• Reporting any unsafe conditions or activities to the supervisor immediately
• Requesting information or training when unsure how to use equipment or do a task
• Reporting any job related injury or illness to the supervisor and seeking treatment immediately http://ehs.uky.edu/ohs/accident.html

First we'll take a look at the labeling requirements for each of the four types of containers referred to in the HCS:

• Primary containers
• Secondary containers
• Stationary containers
• Portable containers

The chemical manufacturer, importer, or distributor must ensure that each container of hazardous chemicals leaving the workplace is labeled, tagged or marked with the following three elements of information:

• Identity of the hazardous chemical(s);
• Appropriate hazard warnings, including target organ effects of the hazardous chemical; and
• Name and address of the chemical manufacturer, importer, or other responsible party.

Most containers you receive directly from the manufacturer or purchase from a distributor are called primary containers. Labeling with the above information on these containers is usually adequate in communicating the hazards of the chemical.

The label is intended to be an immediate visual reminder of the hazards of a chemical. It is not necessary, however, for all detailed information about the chemical to be listed on the label. The MSDS is used for this purpose. It is the responsibility of the manufacturer, importer, or distributor to assess the hazards of the product manufacture or sell, and list the hazards on the primary container label.

It's important to understand that the hazard warning must convey the particular physical and health hazards of the chemical, including target organ effects. Employees exposed to health hazards must be apprised of both changes in body functions and the signs and symptoms that may occur to signal those changes. Statements such as "Hazardous if Inhaled," "Caution," "Danger," are precautionary statements and are not to be considered appropriate hazard warnings. If, when inhaled, a chemical causes lung damage, then the appropriate warning is "lung damage," not inhalation.

A label may not be shipped separately, even prior to shipment of the hazardous chemical, since to do so defeats the purpose of providing an immediate hazard warning. Mailing labels directly to purchasers by-passes employees involved in transporting and handling the hazardous chemical.

Below is an example of a label provided by the chemical manufacturer:

The label may be transmitted with the initial shipment itself, or with the material safety data sheet that is to be provided prior to or at the time of the first shipment. This exception to requiring labels on every container of hazardous chemicals is only for the solid material itself, and does not apply to hazardous chemicals used in conjunction with, or known to be present with, the material and to which employees handling the items in transit may be exposed (for example, cutting fluids or pesticides in grains). For example, treated lumber is covered since the lumber is not completely cured at the time of shipment and the hazardous chemical will, to a varying degree, off gas during shipment and be available for exposure to employees.

If the hazardous chemical is regulated by OSHA in a substance-specific health standard, the chemical manufacturer, importer, distributor or employer must ensure that the labels or other forms of warning used are in accordance with the requirements of that standard.

Most workplaces use the primary containers they purchase to store and use chemicals. However, they also use their own containers such as containers coffee pots, drums, plastic jugs, spray bottles, etc. to store and use smaller quantities of chemicals they purchase. These are called secondary containers.

Generally, your employer must make sure that each secondary container of hazardous chemicals in the workplace is labeled, tagged or marked with at least the following information:

• Identity of the hazardous chemical(s) contained therein; and,
• Appropriate hazard warnings, or words, pictures, and/or symbols which provide at least general information regarding the hazards of the chemicals, and which, in conjunction with the other information (an MSDS) will provide employees with the specific information regarding the physical and health hazards of the hazardous chemical.

The HCS recognizes the use of alternative in-plant labeling systems such as the HMIS (Hazardous Materials Information System), NFPA, and others which may be used. These systems rely on numerical and/or alphabetic codes to convey hazards and are generally non-specific. OSHA has permitted these types of in-plant labeling systems to be used when an employer's overall HCS program is proven to be effective despite the potential absence of target organ information on container labels. Under these circumstances, the employer should assure - through more intensified training - that its employees are fully aware of the hazards of the chemicals used. Additionally, employers must ensure that their training program instructs employees on how to use and understand the alternative labeling systems so that employees are aware of the effects (including target organ effects) of the hazardous chemicals to which they are potentially exposed. CSHO's should determine whether workers can recognize what hazards correspond to what code ratings/symbols. This can be achieved through employee interviews.

Employers using alternative labeling systems must ensure that their employees are aware of all information required to be conveyed under the HCS. OSHA will make a plant-specific determination of the effectiveness of the complete program when an inspection is conducted. Any employer who relies on one of these types of alternative labeling systems, instead of using labels containing complete health effects information will - in any enforcement action alleging the inadequacy of the labeling system - bear the burden of establishing that it has achieved a level of employee awareness which equals or exceeds that which would have been achieved if the employer had used labels containing complete health effects information (59 F.R. 6156).

The key to evaluating the effectiveness of any alternative labeling method is to determine whether employees can correlate the visual warning on the in-plant container with the applicable chemical and its appropriate hazard warnings. The alternative labeling system must also be readily accessible to all employees in their work area throughout each work shift. For purposes of this provision, the term "other such written materials" does not include material safety data sheets used in lieu of labels.

Here's an example of an alternative labeling system designed by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) that uses color, numbers and other information to convey the hazards of the chemical.

The NFPA system uses a diamond-shaped diagram of symbols and numbers to indicate the degree of hazard associated with a particular chemical or material. These diamond shaped symbols are placed on containers of chemicals or materials to identify the degree of hazard associated with the chemical or material. The diagram identifies four color-coded categories of hazard for each material. Each category is divided in levels of hazard potential with increasing numbers indicating increasing hazards. The exception is the white section that provides Special Hazards information. The abbreviated degrees of hazard in each of these categories are given as follows:

The flammability or fire hazards deal with the degree of susceptibility of the material to ignite and burn. The form or condition of the materials, as well as their properties, affects the extent of the hazard. Many hazardous materials such as acetone and gasoline, have a flash point (ignition temperature) far below freezing and will readily ignite with a spark if the vapor concentration is sufficient.

• 1 is for materials with a flash point above 200°F.
• 2 is for materials with a flash point below 200°F but above 100°F.
• 3 is for materials with a flash point below 100°F but above 73°F.
• 4 is for materials with a flash point below 73°F.

The reactivity hazards deal with the potential of a material or chemical to release energy. Some materials are capable of rapid energy release without any catalyst, while others can undergo violent eruptive or explosive reactions if they come in contact with water or other materials. Generally this rating is used to indicate the potential to react if the material is heated, jarred, or shocked.

• 1 indicates a material that may be reactive if heated and one that reacts with water.
• 2 indicates a material that may react violently without detonation.
• 3 indicates a material that may detonate or explode if subjected to a strong initiating force or heating under confinement.
• 4 indicates a material that readily detonates or explodes.

An open space at the bottom of the NFPA diagram can be used to indicate additional information about the chemical or material. This information may include the chemical or material's radioactivity, proper fire extinguishing agent, skin hazard, its use in pressurized containers, protective equipment required, or unusual reactivity with water.

• OX or OXY indicates a material that is an oxidizer.
• W indicates a material that is water reactive.
• ALK indicates a material that is alkali.
• COR indicates a material that is corrosive.
• RAD indicates a material that is radioactive.

Below are two other examples of an alternative labeling system designed by the National Paint & Coatings Association (NPCA). The labeling scheme is called the Hazardous Material Identification System (HMIS). It uses a similar system to convey the hazards of the chemical.

HMIS I & II	HMIS III

HMIS® labels can appear in a variety of formats. Some will include additional spaces to list target organ effects, a labeling requirement under the HCS, and other information, but the four colored areas shown here will always be present.

The new HMIS III label provides employees the tools to understand and handle chemicals exhibiting a variety of physical hazards with a far greater degree of precision. Although "Reactivity" has provided useful information for physical hazards, HMIS® III now provides more information about a chemical's physical hazard(s). The new HMIS III not only specifically incorporates each hazard, with specific criteria to evaluate the degree of hazard, but permits employers to identify the hazard present with an icon or symbol. Under the new HMIS® III, a worker can know immediately, for example, that a material he is handling is rated as an explosive, and that it is rated as a "3" giving him or her much more precise and useful information about the safe handling of that material.

Specific sections of an HMIS® label include the following:

Health

·  The Health section conveys the health hazards of the material. In the latest version of HMIS®, the blue Health bar has two spaces, one for an asterisk and one for a numeric hazard rating. If present, the asterisk (*) signifies a chronic health hazard, meaning that long-term exposure to the material could cause a health problem such as emphysema or kidney damage. NFPA lacks this important information because the NFPA system is meant only for emergency or acute (short-term) exposures. The numbering systems are more or less identical to NFPA, with a 0 to 4 scale where 0 indicates minimal hazard and 4 indicates an extreme hazard.

Flammability

·  For HMIS I and II, the criteria used to assign numeric values (0 = low hazard to 4 = high hazard) are identical to those used by NFPA. In other words, in this category, the systems are identical. ·  For HMIS III, the flammability criteria are defined according to OSHA standards. A 0 to 4 scale is still used.

Reactivity

·  The criteria used to assign numeric values (0 = low hazard to 4 = high hazard) were identical to those used by NFPA. In other words, in this category, the systems are identical.

Personal Protection

·  HMIS® uses the white section to indicate what PPE should be used when working with the material. HMIS® uses a letter coding system or variant for this section. Below is the lettering scheme along with a series of graphics meant to reinforce the meaning of each letter: HMIS ® Required Equipment A B     C        D              E        F           G        H                I           J                   K             L through Z Site-specific label. Ask your supervisor or safety specialist for handling instructions The main thing to remember is, the higher the rating number, the more hazardous the chemical.

Portable containers are used to transfer hazardous chemicals from labeled containers, and are intended only for the immediate use of the employee who performs the transfer. The employer is not required to label portable containers. For purposes of this section, drugs which are dispensed by a pharmacy to a health care provider for direct administration to a patient are exempted from labeling.

Labels are useless unless they accurately communicate the hazards of their associated chemicals. It's important to keep labels in good condition at all times. The employer must not remove or deface existing labels on incoming containers of hazardous chemicals, unless the container is immediately marked with the required information.
The employer must ensure that labels or other forms of warning are:

• legible, in English,
• prominently displayed on the container, or
• readily available in the work area throughout each work shift
• Employers having employees who speak other languages may add the information in their language to the material presented, as long as the information is presented in English as well.

As discussed in Chapter 4, the most immediate source for chemical information is the container label. However, the most detailed and comprehensive information is found within the MSDS. The MSDS is the cornerstone to the entire HCP. It is used to inform employees of the hazards associated with the chemical's use, storage, and disposal. It also provides information regarding procedures for first aid, spills, fires, and other emergencies. The key elements of the MSDS should be reviewed by employees prior to using hazardous chemicals. MSDS are required for each hazardous chemical in the workplace and must be available for review in the work area during the work shift.

Copies of the MSDS for most chemicals may be obtained from the web (http://www.ilpi.com/msds/index.html) or directly from the manufacturer or importer of the chemical. Paper copies of the MSDS should be maintained in a notebook or other collection device if electronic methods are not used. If access is by computer, the computer must be available during the work shift and employees must be trained in how to the use the system. A MSDS should be sent along with the chemical by the manufacturer at the time of the initial shipment of the chemical. If a MSDS is not provided, a written request to the manufacturer must be sent to the manufacturer with a copy maintained by the requesting department. See Appendix B.

The following is a section-by-section description of a typical MSDS. Although there is not a standard MSDS, they all contain the same basic information arranged in individual sections. Let us look at the "CITY CHEMICAL -- BENZENE - BENZENE, TECHNICAL MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET".

Section One: General Information
First will be the name of the manufacturer, common name of the product, and emergency phone number.

General Information

Item Name: BENZENE,TECHNICAL
Company's Name: CITY CHEMICAL CORPORATION
Company's Street: 100 HOBOKEN AVE
Company's City: JERSEY CITY
Company's State: NJ
Company's Country: US
Company's Zip Code: 07310
Company's Emergency Ph #: 201-653-6900//800-424-9300(CHEMTRE)
Company's Info Ph #: 201-653-6900/FAX -4468
Date MSDS Prepared: 27OCT95
Safety Data Review Date: 12AUG97
Supply Item Manager: CX

Section Two: Ingredients /Identity information

This lists the hazardous chemical components which make up 1% or more of the product. If there are trade secret ingredients, they may be omitted from the MSDS but must be supplied if requested in writing by a physician, industrial hygienist, or other health / safety professional. This section is important because it identifies the exposure limits (OSHA Permissible Exposure Limits, ACGIH Threshold Limits Values, etc.) for each chemical.

Ingredients/Identity Information

Proprietary: NO
Ingredient: BENZENE (SARA 313) (CERCLA)
Ingredient Sequence Number: 01
Percent: 100
NIOSH (RTECS) Number: CY1400000
CAS Number: 71-43-2
OSHA PEL: SEE 1910.1028
ACGIH TLV- TWA: 10 PPM; A2; 9596
Other Recommended Limit: NONE RECOMMENDED

What is a PEL, STEL or TLV?

• Permissible Exposure Limits (PEL) - legal limits set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) that are the maximum safe breathable exposure limits for chemicals in the air. These limits may be expressed as a time weighted average concentration (TWA) or a ceiling exposure limit (C).
• PEL-TWA - The time-weighted average concentration for a normal 8 hour work day and a 40 hour work week, to which nearly all workers may be repeatedly exposed, day after day, without adverse effect.
• PEL-C - The concentration that at no time shall be exceeded. These limits are typically preceded by the letter C.
• Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) - exposure guidelines developed by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH). They have been adopted by several Canadian governments and others as their legal limits. They are expressed as follows:
• TLV-TWA Threshold Limit Value - Time-Weighted Average: The time-weighted average concentration for a normal 8 hour work day and a 40 hour work week, to which nearly all workers may be repeatedly exposed, day after day, without adverse effect.
• TLV-STEL Threshold Limit Value - Short Term Exposure Limit: a 15 minute time-weighted average exposure which should not be exceeded at any time during a work day even if the 8 hr TWA is within the TLV. Exposures at the STEL should not be repeated more than 4 times a day and there should be at least 60 minutes between successive exposures at the STEL.
• TLV-C Threshold Limit Value - Ceiling: the concentration that should not be exceeded during any part of the working exposure

Section Three: Physical/Chemical Characteristic

This covers the product's characteristics regarding odor and appearance.

Physical/Chemical Characteristics

Appearance And Odor: CLEAR, COLORLESS LIQUID - SOLVENT ODOR
Boiling Point: 176F,80C
Melting Point: 41.9F,5.5C
Vapor Pressure (MM Hg/70 F): 74.6 @ 68F
Vapor Density (Air=1): 2.77
Specific Gravity: 0.874
Decomposition Temperature: UNKNOWN
Evaporation Rate And Ref: UNKNOWN
Solubility In Water: NEGLIGIBLE
Percent Volatiles By Volume: 100
Viscosity: UNKNOWN
Radioactivity: NOT RELEVANT
Corrosion Rate (IPY): UNKNOWN
Auto ignition Temperature: 1043F

• Boiling Point - the temperature at which a liquid changes from a liquids to a gas, at normal atmospheric pressure.
• Melting Point - the temperature at which a solid material becomes a liquid.
• Specific Gravity - the density of a liquid compared to the density of an equal amount of water.
• Evaporation Rate - the rate at which a liquid changes to vapor at normal room temperature.
• Vapor Pressure - the pressure of a vapor in equilibrium with its liquid or solid form.
• Vapor Density - the density of a vapor compared to the density of an equal amount of air.
• Solubility - the ability of a material to dissolve in water or another liquid.
• Auto ignition Temperature - the minimum temperature required to initiate or cause self-sustained combustion, in the absence of a spark or flame.

Section Four: Fire and Explosion
This section outlines the fire and explosion hazards, which are particularly important regarding the storage and use of the product. If the chemical is flammable, it needs to be used away from any heat, sparks, or any other source of ignition. This section will also cover the specific fire extinguishing equipment to use when fighting a fire involving this product.

Fire and Explosion Hazard Data

Flash Point: 12F,-11C
Lower Explosive Limit: 1.3%
Upper Explosive Limit: 8%
Extinguishing Media: DRY CHEMICAL, CARBON DIOXIDE, FOAM. WATER MAY BE INEFFECTIVE, BUT SHOULD BE USED TO COOL FIRE-EXPOSED CONTAINERS.
Special Fire Fighting Proc: WEAR FIRE FIGHTING PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT AND A NIOSH-APPROVED SELF CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUS OPERATED IN POSITIVE PRESSURE MODE.
Unusual Fire And Expl Hazards: VAPOR IS HEAVIER THAN AIR AND CAN TRAVEL CONSIDERABLE DISTANCE TO A SOURCE OF IGNITION AND FLASH BACK. CONTAINERS MAY RUPTURE DUE TO VAPOR PRESSURE BUILDUP.

• Flash Point - the lowest temperature of a liquid at which it gives off enough vapor to form an ignitable mixture of vapor and air immediately above the liquid surface.
• Explosive (Flammable) Limits - the lower explosive (flammable) limit (LEL) is the lowest concentration of vapor in air which will burn or explode upon contact with a source of ignition. The upper explosive (flammable) limit (UEL) is the highest concentration of vapor in air which will burn or explode upon contact with a source of ignition.

Section Five: Reactivity Data
This section discusses the ways in which the material will react when exposed to other substances or conditions in the work place. It is especially important to review this section before storing the material.

Reactivity Data

Stability: YES
Cond To Avoid (Stability): HIGH HEAT, SPARKS, OPEN FLAMES AND OTHER
SOURCES OF IGNITION
Materials To Avoid: OXIDIZING AGENTS
Hazardous Decomp Products: CARBON MONOXIDE, CARBON DIOXIDE
Hazardous Poly Occur: NO
Conditions To Avoid (Poly): NOT RELEVANT

Section Six: Health Hazard Data
This section is of great importance to your personal health. Here, any known health effects from working with the product will be reported. This section will also report if the chemical is a carcinogen.

Health Hazard Data

LD50-LC50 Mixture: LD50 (ORAL, RAT) 930 MG/KG
Route Of Entry - Inhalation: YES
Route Of Entry - Skin: YES
Route Of Entry - Ingestion: NO
Health Haz Acute And Chronic: TARGET ORGANS:BLOOD, BONE MARROW, EYES, CNS. ACUTE- HARMFUL IF INGESTED/INHALED/ABSORBED THROUGH SKIN. CAUSES SEVERE EYE IRRITATION. CAUSES SKIN IRRITATION. EXCESSIVE INHALATION CAN CAUSE NARCOTIC EFFECTS, CNS EFFECTS. INGESTION CAN CAUSE IRRITATION. ASPIRATION HAZARD. CHRONIC- CARCINOGEN. MAY HAVE BLOOD EFFECTS.
Carcinogenicity - NTP: YES
Carcinogenicity - IARC: YES
Carcinogenicity - OSHA: YES
Explanation Carcinogenicity: CONTAINS Benzene [71-43-2] WHICH IS LISTED BY NTP AND IARC AND REGULATED BY OSHA AS A CARCINOGEN.
Signs/Symptoms Of Overexposure: SEVERE IRRITATION, DRY SKIN, TEARING, BLURRED VISION, REDNESS, DEFATTING, DERMATITIS, HEADACHE, DIZZINESS, WEAKNESS, FATIGUE, NAUSEA, VOMITING, DIARRHEA, UNCONSCIOUSNESS, DEPRESSION, CONVULSION, DEATH, GENETIC EFFECTS
Med Cond Aggravated By Exp: INDIVIDUALS WITH PRE-EXISTING DISEASES OF THE EYE, SKIN, RESPIRATORY TRACT, CNS MAY HAVE INCREASED SUSCEPTIBILITY TO THE TOXICITY OF EXCESSIVE EXPOSURES.
Emergency/First Aid Proc: GET MEDICAL HELP IF SYMPTOMS PERSIST. IMMEDIATELY FLUSH WITH WATER FOR 15 MINUTES. HOLD EYELIDS OPEN. REMOVE CONTAMINATED CLOTHING. WASH BEFORE REUSE. ORAL:DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. IF CONSCIOUS, WASH OUT MOUTH WITH WATER. GET MEDICAL ATTENTION.

LC50 - the concentration of a material in air which causes death in 50% of a group of test animals. The material is inhaled over a set period of time, usually 4 hrs. LC stands for lethal concentration.
LD50 - the weight of material which causes the death in 50% of a group of test animals. It is usually expressed in weight of material per weight of test animal. LD stands for lethal dose.

Section Seven: Precautions for Safe Handling and Use
This section describes proper storage requirements, the procedures to follow in case of a spill, and the disposal methods to follow.

Precautions for Safe Handling and Use

Steps If Matl Released/Spill: WEAR PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT. ELIMINATE SOURCES OF IGNITION. VENTILATE AREA. REMOVE SPILL WITH PUMP/NON-FLAMMABLE ABSORBENT SUCH AS SAND/CLAY. PLACE IN CONTAINER FOR DISPOSAL. WASH SPILL SITE AFTER PICK UP IS COMPLETE. PREVENT LIQUID FROM ENTERING SEWER
Neutralizing Agent: NOT RELEVANT
Waste Disposal Method: DISPOSE OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH LOCAL, STATE AND FEDERAL REGULATIONS. MAY BE BURNED IN AN APPROVED CHEMICAL INCINERATOR EQUIPPED WITH AN AFTERBURNER AND SCRUBBER. BE EXTRA CAREFUL AS THIS MATERIAL IS HIGHLY FLAMMABLE. RCRA WASTE NUMBER: U019
Precautions-Handling/Storing: STORE IN TIGHTLY CLOSED CONTAINERS IN VENTILATED AREA AWAY FROM IGNITION SOURCES & OXIDIZERS. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.
Other Precautions: HIGHLY FLAMMABLE. USE IN WELL VENTILATED AREA/HOOD. AVOID BREATHING VAPORS. DO NOT GET IN EYES, ON SKIN/ON CLOTHING. WASH THOROUGHLY AFTER HANDLING AND BEFORE EATING OR DRINKING. REMOVE CONTAMINATED CLOTHING PROMPTLY. LAUNDER BEFORE REUSE.

Section Eight: Control Measures
Section eight informs you of the specific types of PPE that must be worn, and the need to provide special engineering controls as well as any other control measures. Consult this section when conducting PPE Hazard Assessments.

Control Measures

Respiratory Protection: IF TLV IS EXCEEDED OR FOR SYMPTOMS OF OVER EXPOSURE, WEAR NIOSH-APPROVED ORGANIC VAPOR RESPIRATOR OR AIR-SUPPLIED RESPIRATOR. IN EMERGENCY, WEAR A NIOSH-APPROVED POSITIVE-PRESSURE SELF- CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUS.
Ventilation: MECHANICAL (GENERAL AND/OR LOCAL EXHAUST, EXPLOSION-PROOF) VENTILATION TO MAINTAIN EXPOSURE BELOW TLV(S).
Protective Gloves: NITRILE RUBBER
Eye Protection: SAFETY GLASSES/CHEMICAL SPLASH GOGGLES
Other Protective Equipment: EYE WASH STATION & SAFETY SHOWERS SHOULD BE AVAILABLE IN THE IMMEDIATE VICINITY OF ANY POTENTIAL EXPOSURE. LAB COAT
Work Hygienic Practices: OBSERVE GOOD INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE PRACTICES AND RECOMMENDED PROCEDURES.

Section 9: Transportation Data
This section may not be provided on all MSDS's. This specific product has special requirements because it is considered a dangerous good. It will require special attention related to Department of Transportation Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC ) requirements.

Transportation Data

Trans Data Review Date: 97224
DOT PSN Code: BRS
DOT Proper Shipping Name: BENZENE
DOT Class: 3
DOT ID Number: UN1114
DOT Pack Group: II
DOT Label: FLAMMABLE LIQUID
DOT/DoD Exemption Number: NOT RELEVANT
IMO PSN Code: BXB
IMO Proper Shipping Name: BENZENE
IMO Regulations Page Number: 3185
IMO UN Number: 1114
IMO UN Class: 3.2
IMO Subsidiary Risk Label: -
IATA PSN Code: DBA
IATA UN ID Number: 1114
IATA Proper Shipping Name: BENZENE
IATA UN Class: 3
IATA Label: FLAMMABLE LIQUID
AFI PSN Code: DBA
AFI Symbols: 0
AFI Prop. Shipping Name: BENZENE
AFI Class: 3
AFI ID Number: UN1114
AFI Pack Group: II
AFI Basic Pac Ref: A7.3
Additional Trans Data: UN ID NUMBER PER MSDS.

The remaining sections of this MSDS are not always included on other MSDS's.

The sections described above are found on all MSDS not always in the order discussed here but the important point is that you know what sections to look under to use the product safely. Health Hazard data will always provide the carcinogenic classification of a chemical. The Control Measure section will always reflect the PPE and special precautions to follow when working with the specific chemical.

All employee must be familiar with the MSDS in their work area. They must have access to the MSDS in their work area within the time parameters of their working shift.

The departmental supervisor or their designee must provide employees with effective workplace specific training on hazardous chemicals that are located in their work area at the time of their initial assignment and whenever a new physical or health hazard is introduced into the work area. The workplace specific training is required in addition to the completion of this online training module.

The workplace specific training must inform employees of:

• How to locate a copy of the work place - specific written HCP.
• How to access the master list of hazardous chemicals.
• How to access an MSDS for each chemical in the master list.
• An explanation of the labeling system used in the work place.
• The physical and health hazards of the hazardous chemicals in the work area.
• Special precautions to follow when working with hazardous chemicals.
• How to reduce or prevent overexposure to hazardous chemicals
• Steps that the department has taken to reduce or prevent exposure to hazardous chemicals.
• Methods and observations employees may use to detect the presence of a hazardous chemical.
• Procedures to follow if employees are exposed to hazardous chemicals
• The health hazards, symptoms, first aid and emergency procedures to follow, in case of overexposure
• Procedures to follow when a spill or leak occurs.
• How and when to use PPE. http://ehs.uky.edu/ohs/ppe_assess.html
• How to provide outside contractors the information about chemical hazards in the work place.
• The potential hazards associated with non routine tasks, and the control measures used to ensure worker safety. Non routine tasks are those which are not a part of the normal day-to-day activities.

After attending the workplace specific training, each employee shall sign a verification of training form stating that they received and understood the training material presented. http://ehs.uky.edu/ohs/verify.html

The verification of training form shall be kept for the employee's duration of employment. It should be maintained along with the certificate associated with this training module.

• Knowing how to work with the material safely
  This is the reason for safety training, safety discussions, written programs and procedures to follow when working with chemicals. The employee has a responsibility to use these resources as well as the skills and knowledge of the job they have. The most important rule is to ask your supervisor if you do not know or are not sure how to work with a hazardous material.
• Product substitution
  If possible, select chemicals that are less hazardous yet can do the same job.
• Follow safe work practices as recommended by the manufacturer
  Use the product in an area that is well ventilated without spark hazards. Do not mix chemicals unless you are sure they are compatible. Review the MSDS to determine appropriate working conditions and compatibility with other chemicals.
• Use proper engineering controls
  An example would be to utilize local exhaust ventilation to remove chemicals out of your breathing zone.
• Use the proper PPE as it is intended to be used
  Remember, PPE is only protective if the right type is used at the correct time and in the correct manner. PPE is the last resort in working safely with most hazardous chemicals.

Before PPE is issued, a PPE Hazard Assessment must be conducted by the supervisor with an explanation on the use and care of the PPE. Information and forms to conduct this assessment are located at http://ehs.uky.edu/ohs/ppe_assess.html

PPE including gloves, safety glasses, aprons, and other protective clothing is available from the employee's supervisor.

Proper use of PPE is essential to prevent many of the health hazards. Supervisors must instruct employees as to what PPE must be worn. Aprons, gloves, eye protection and other protective clothing must be maintained in good condition, e.g., protective clothing must be free from holes and tears. If PPE becomes contaminated it should be washed for reuse, if possible, or properly disposed of.

All PPE should fit well and be comfortable. PPE comes in a variety of sizes. One size does not necessarily fit all.

If the use of respirators is required for specific tasks, employees must be medically qualified, fit-tested and given specific instructions about the use, care, and limitations of their respirators. Contact OHS at 257-7600 or our website at http://ehs.uky.edu/ohs/respgate.html for information on respiratory protection.

Another type of safety equipment not normally considered PPE are emergency shower / eyewash units. These units are located in specific areas throughout the campus. Contact your supervisor to determine the nearest location. Supervisors must demonstrate how to use emergency shower / eyewash units as part of the employees' training program. It is important that rinsing and washing of contaminated skin last for at least 10 to 15 minutes. When hazardous material gets into the eyes, the water stream from the emergency eyewash must be allowed to rinse under the eyelids for at least 10 to 15 minutes. The emergency shower and the eyewash are required to be located within a travel distance no greater than 50 feet from the hazard.

Spills and releases of hazardous materials in other than insignificant amounts should be reported to the HMM office. If the spill or release also involves a radioactive material, then the Radiation Safety office should be notified, too. Steps to take when chemicals are spilled or released can be found at http://ehs.uky.edu/hmm/chap6.html.

Additionally, an opportunity for employees to receive medical consultation must be provided under the following circumstances:
• If an employee develops any symptoms thought to arise from chemical overexposure
• After an event such as a major spill, leak or explosion which may have resulted in an overexposure
• The departmental or institutional safety officer identifies an overexposure as the result of an evaluation.

Accident Reporting

Any on the job injury must be reported following these accident reporting procedures. Any employee whether a student, staff or faculty receiving pay, that require medical evaluation should follow the procedure for reporting an accident.(Hot Button to the accident reporting page) The supervisor should be informed and then UK Workers' Care should be contacted by calling 1-800-440-6285. The Form IA-1 (Workers' Compensation First Report of Injury) will be completed at the time of the call by UK Workers' Care. All claims must be reported and recorded by UK Workers' Care.

If an employee is injured and DOES NOT SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION at this time, an Accident-Occupational Injury/Illness Report, Form-6, should be completed.
Note: Any medical examination required by this Plan must be provided without cost to the employee, without loss of pay and at a reasonable time and place. Records of any medical examination will be maintained at the medical facility providing service or with appropriate medical personnel at the University.