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GHS The Final Countdown: Common Misconceptions About Compliance

by Julianne Bass 05/05/2016

It’s been a long road to compliance; the updated Hazard Communication Standard (GHS) process officially started in 2009 and is set to wrap up this June 2016. A fully compliant GHS facility will bring with it improved quality and consistency of hazard information provided throughout the workplace, better comprehension for workers, quicker and more efficient access to SDS for workers, and a ton of money saved across industries.

With that being said some safety managers are still having trouble understanding a couple of areas of GHS that perhaps aren’t as cut and dry. Read on to get some clarity on these lingering misconceptions in GHS compliance.

Q: The containers within my facility vary in size and some of them are tiny, what is the minimum required information for small bottle GHS labeling?

A: There has been some debate on the minimum required information for small bottles. Initially, OSHA stated that labels must include all the required information. If the container is too small to print everything legibly on the label, then an extended content label would be necessary.

Added cost will not be an acceptable excuse for noncompliance.

There has been recent discussion that the following is the minimum you’re required to print on the small labels.

Product identifier • Appropriate pictograms • Manufacturer’s name and phone number • Signal word • A statement indicating the full label information for the chemical

This might mean you can avoid the added cost of an extended content label.

Q: If there are 3 red squares on a label but I only need two pictograms can I keep the third one blank?

A: No. You either need to use a label template with the exact number of pictogram diamonds you’ll need or you’ll need to completely black out the unnecessary pictogram with black ink. If you’re printing your labels on-demand with a Brady Printer, this will not be an issue. Be advised that if a blank red frame is not fully covered and filled in, the label will not be in compliance.

Q: What is the major change between old HazCom Labeling and New GHS labeling?

A: The Old Hazcom standard was not universal and all business had their own system. Under the New GHS Standard all chemical manufacturers and importers are required to provide a universal GHS labels that includes a harmonized signal word, pictogram, and hazard statement for each hazard class and category. Precautionary statements must also be provided.

Q: Are any chemicals exempt from the GHS regulation?

A: No. GHS covers all hazardous chemicals. There are no complete exemptions from the scope of GHS for a particular type of chemical or product. The term “chemical” is used broadly to include substances, products, mixtures, preparations, or any other terms that may be used by existing systems. The goal of the GHS is to identify the intrinsic hazards of chemical substances and mixtures and to convey hazard information about these hazards.

For more information on the GHS regulations, click here.

Top 10 Most Important Workplace Hazard Safety Signs for Any Facility

by Julianne Bass 02/04/2016

“I saw the sign, and it opened up my eyes…” Ace of base really was on to something with that one hit wonder. Signs are all around us and yet we still miss their messages at times. In the workplace, not being aware of these critical alerts can lead to disastrous situations. While signs outside of work may struggle to stand out amongst the clutter and confusion, a workplace should have streamlined, cohesive approach to how messages are posted, reserving safety signage for the most important safety messages. Here is a rundown of the top 10 most important safety signs every facility should have.

The Exit Sign

Any time you enter a facility, the first thing you should look for is how to exit that very same facility. In any building that is in compliance with OSHA and NFPA regulations there should be clearly marked exits and unobstructed routes to get to them. You never know when an emergency may occur or just the urge to get out of there!

The Authorized Personnel Only Sign

Everyone has their nosy moments, wanting to see what goes on behind the scenes and out of view; however at times that can go against your best interests when it comes to safety. If there are areas within a facility that should be kept off limits to most, and should only be deemed accessible by people with particular credentials, post authorized personnel only signage at the entry points of those areas and take further steps to secure them from the general public. An area where an authorized personnel sign could be needed could include and HR department where there are private documents or any area where there is lab testing or hazardous chemicals.

The PPE Sign

When entering into an area of a facility where there are hazards that pose a threat to a workers well being, it is important to alert them to the proper precautions they should take before entering to protect themselves against harm. Areas like this could include a construction site, or a manufacturing floor where there could be flying objects or moving parts.

The Danger Flammable Sign

Anywhere there is a substance that is capable of ignition or causing a fire, there should be a Danger Flammable sign. Often automotive garages that have extra oil and gasoline lying around these signs can be found. In addition, any areas that are used to store chemicals, even cleaning products; should be labeled with this warning as well. Any liquid or gas that is combustible poses a clear and present threat.

The Biohazard Sign

The biohazard sign can be found in areas where harmful biological substances are present. Biohazard signs are very common in healthcare settings where bodily fluids are commonly dealt with, that could pass on germs and perhaps disease to others if not properly handled or disposed of.

The Electrical Safety Sign

Electrical safety is an ongoing hot button issue in workplace safety. It holds 3 of the top 10 most cited violations for OSHA, and takes countless lives each year due to improper safety precautions when workers come in contact with it. High voltage signs should be posted anywhere the threat of contact with dangerous electrical current is present. This is a very serious area of concern in all workplaces that it affects, signage is a great first step in getting a workers’ attention and alerting them of an electrical hazard in their area.

The Danger Confined Space Sign

A confined space is not intended for continuous occupancy by workers by definition, however at times, it is required for workers to enter confined spaces for maintenance and other tasks. By posting confined space signage at these points of entry, this alerts workers that these areas and the tasks associated with them are only for workers who have been properly trained in working in confined spaces and should only be entered by those who have permits and have gone through the proper alerting processes as it pertains to letting coworkers know of the work they are performing, where, when , and for how long so that they are accompanied by the right personnel for assistance.

The Machine Safety Sign

When working in the presence of heavy duty machinery it is important to know the functions of each machine to ensure that your workers stay out of harm’s way. A machine that can start up without warming poses a major threat to a worker when it comes to caught-in injuries, lacerations, and amputations. Posting this sign with help to remind an employee about the machine that they are working around however when performing maintenance on a machine the proper lockout tag out procedures should always be followed.

The Forklift Safety Sign

Maintaining a safe flow of traffic around a facility that incorporate forklifts and foot traffic within the same area can come with its own set of difficulties and safety hazards. When operating a forklift around a bustling floor many things can go unheard due to noise or unseen due to blind spots. While the pedestrian should always have the right of way, if a person is unseen and unheard, this is where the danger rises. Posting forklift traffic signs in these areas can help make all workers more aware.

The Slips, Trips and Falls Sign

Everyday slips trips and falls are some of the most common and also some of the most costly when it comes to workplace safety injuries. All it takes is an uneven surface, a step down, a box that falls out of place or a chord in a walkway to cause serious injury. If there are known areas within your facility where tripping incidents or near misses consistently occur consider posting a caution sign.

While every workplace safety hazard cannot be solved by safety signage, providing the right alert messaging starts your workplace safety program off on the right foot. When clear, consistent, and cohesive messaging is present, it will provide a strong safety foundation for any workplace to incorporate into their procedures for a sustainable workplace safety strategy.

Eliminating The Top 10 OSHA Safety Violations from Your Workplace in 2016

by Julianne Bass 01/20/2016

Every year on the last week of September the NSC Conference has a big unveiling of the year’s 10 OSHA Top Violations, but when you look at the hard facts, much of those top ten OSHA safety violations have remained unchanged for quite a few years running. If these are the most troubling violations leading to injury and death year over year, why hasn’t there been more of an effort to make a change? Why wouldn’t we eliminate these workplace safety hazards from continuing to be a danger to workers? Where is the ball being dropped? Is it with OSHA, or with individual companies?

Here are some helpful tips that will help you eliminate top 10 OSHA safety violations from your workplace in 2016.

Fall Protection (29 CFR 1926.501), 7,402 total violations

Fall protection has been at the top of OSHA’s list for 5 years in a row, with much concern and attention paid to the impact it has on the safety of workers specifically in the construction industry. When working at heights of 10’s or even 100’s of feet in the air it is critical to ensure that your workers not only have the right fall protection supplied to them but that they also know how to properly use it before any work begins. Incorrect implementation of safety precautions and fall protection safety signs are just as dangerous if not worse than having none at all.

Want to learn more about fall protection? Read Don’t Fall Out Of Compliance: What You Need To Know About Fall Protection

Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200), 5,681 total violations

2016 will bring with it the final GHS deadline in June 2016. While it has been a long and difficult process to implement protocols all the way up the supply chain and stick to deadlines, once all is said and done, GHS compliance will have a great impact on osha safety standards and safety for workers who interact with dangerous substances on a regular basis. Through cost reductions, productivity improvements and decreased instances of injury and illness GHS will begin saving a total of $745 million annually across all industries it has impacted.

Want to learn more about GHS?

Scaffolding (29 CFR 1926.451), 4,681 total violations

In another issue specific to the construction industry, 72 percent of workers injured in scaffold accidents identify the planking or support giving way or slipping, or being struck by a falling object. Ensuring that scaffolding is erected properly before work begins goes a long way in protecting workers in addition to having regularly scheduled assessments, proper implementation of osha safety signs and fall protection guardrails in place for those who will be working on or around scaffolding areas. Enforcing PPE rules for those who will be working in these areas is also crucial when it comes to preventing struck by hazards caused by falling objects.

Respiratory Protection (29 CFR 1910.134), 3,626 total violations

2016 may become a year of big changes when it comes to respiratory protection as it concerns permissible exposure limits and the passing of OSHA’s workplace safety long awaited Silica rule. Outside of reducing the levels of acceptable exposures, when it comes to providing protections against chemicals that cannot be eliminated from work processes, selecting the proper respiratory protection can prove to be tricky. The most important step to selecting the correct respiratory solution for your workplace starts with have a good understanding of the substance you are trying to protect against. Not all respiratory protection is created equally and each workplace safety hazards come with its own rules and solutions for protecting your workers against them. Choose wisely and make sure your solutions properly fit your workers.

Want to learn more about respiratory protection? Read up on Respiratory Protection: Compliance Myths

Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout) (29 CFR 1910.147), 3,308 total violations

Number 5 on the 10 OSHA Top violations, Lockout Tagout often is an area that can easily become overwhelming for those in charge of keeping their procedures up to snuff. If one little thing changes, the whole procedure may need rewriting. However, never fear technology is on your side with many different procedure writing software’s and services available it is easy to get someone out to your facility and assist you in creating a plan that is sustainable and can be easily maintained.

Want to learn more about Lockout/Tagout? Read Are You Creating Effective Lockout Tagout Procedures?

Powered Industrial Trucks, General Industry (29 CFR 1910.178), 3,004 total violations

Forklift safety is only one piece of the pie when it comes to creating an effective powered industrial trucks safety plan. Realizing that these trucks are interacting with humans the battle of man -vs- machine is important to keep in mind (HINT the loser is always man). When creating a game plan to keep all workers safe consider the physical conditions of your facility; how pedestrian traffic will interact with truck traffic, and also if there are any hazardous areas that should be deemed off limits to forklifts such as areas that are enclosed or have little ventilation. Lastly, make sure that OSHA safety signs are properly implemented in your facility.

Want to learn more about forklift safety? Read Forklift Safety Best Practices: How Workplace Conditions Affect Safety Operations

Ladders (29 CFR 1926.1053), 2,732 total violations

Ladder safety seems like a no brainer when you get down to it. Make sure it is in working order, that it is clean, and that it has secure placement before use. However, there is no way to account for the unexpected. A number of things could go wrong while climbing to heights at which a fall could prove fatal. Ladder safety should not be overlooked and starts with having a clear understanding of the basic principles. But a workplace should always have fall protection safety signs in place and a backup plan when unexpected hazards emerge such as wind, flying objects, animals, ladder malfunction etc.

Want to learn more about ladder safety? Read Step up: Best Practices of Ladder Safety

Electrical (Wiring) (29 CFR 1910.305), 2,624 total violations

The misuse of cord and cables, uninsulated wiring and extension cords are where this violation saw the most offenders, with the silver lining being the number of total incidences for this standard are trending downward from 2014 to 2015. Other good news from OSHA shows that they are revisiting these OSHA safety standards for updates after 40 years of being untouched and on the books. Changes made to this 40 year old rule are thought to be able to save an additional 20 lives per year while preventing 118 other injuries.

Want to learn more about Electrical (Wiring)? Breaking Down the Regulation

Machine Guarding (29 CFR 1910.212), 2,540 total violations

Losing an arm or eye because of exposure to blades, getting caught in a machine, or particles flying off of a machine are all causes for concern when it comes to machine guarding. When production timelines are tight, these are the times that machine guarding accidents are most likely to occur. When chaos ensues workers are more likely to begin to cut corners and could land themselves in a very dangerous situation. With the proper OSHA safety signs implementation and guarding in place facilities are able to eliminate the possibility of these life altering injuries from occurring. Protecting workers from points of exposure and improving anchoring of a fixed machine are two ways to improve any machine guarding safety plan.

Want to learn more about machine safety? An Introduction to Machine Guarding

Electrical, General (29 CFR 1910.303), 2,181 total violations

Improper installation or use of tolls and equipment are main concerns for the Electric Standard to round out the 10 OSHA top violations. As with the wiring regulations, OSHA is also putting a fresh set of eyes to this standard as well in hope to continue to drive incidents and violations because of this standard down.

Want to learn more about Electrical Safety? Preventing Facility Hazards: Electrical Safety Tips You Need to Know

It goes without saying that OSHA will have a busy year ahead of it in 2016 and with fines increasing by 80% and inspectors performing longer and more comprehensive audits, it is in the best interest of all facilities to do everything within their power to comply before OSHA safety violations occur or even worse—before injury or fatality occurs.

Need help assessing the safety needs around your facility? We can help. Click here.

GHS Compliance Clock Ticking Away

by Julianne Bass 10/05/2015

Another year, another deadline. We’ve been talking about GHS for the past 3 years, and less than 1 year from now the final deadline will go into effect. June 1, 2016 marks the date that all U.S. employers are expected to be in full GHS compliance with the 2012 final rule revising the Hazard Communication standard dubbed with the ‘right to understand’ slogan.

By this date all companies should have the proper labeling processes in place and all workers should be properly trained from beginning to end on how to interact with the chemical hazards that are present throughout their workplaces.

OSHA has made a wealth of information about the new standard available on its website, everything from a “Steps to an Effective Hazard Communication Program for Employers That Use Hazardous Chemicals” to a side-by-side comparison of the old and new standards, and much more.

It’s time to start taking these deadlines seriously, before time runs out. OSHA does not take kindly to companies who have blatant disregard for the implementation of safety measures.

Read the source article at Occupational Health & Safety

How to Control Workplace Hazards

by Julianne Bass 06/16/2015

Noise, heavy loads, chemicals, vibration, machinery, electricity, and even fellow workers; All of these elements found in workplaces can result in serious injury and workplace hazards. Knowing the devastating effects an injury or worse can have not only directly but indirectly on your business, all areas at risk of workplace hazards should be addressed when brainstorming effective ways to control hazards throughout your facility.

Once you have identified the hazardous areas around your workplace, finding a suitable means for controlling them will be easier. Performing an assessment on all positions held at your workplace will help you understand the tasks of your workers and where danger lies. Analyzing the risk of each workplace safety hazards found during your assessment will lead you to where to begin implementing controls first. While all workplace hazards should be addressed, ones that are most likely to cause harm, to the most amount of people, in the nearest future should be handled first.

After prioritizing your plan of attack now the real hard work starts. How exactly to handle these hazards without seriously compromising your business productivity and output? The hierarchy of controls is a good place to begin. Ask yourself:

What kind of control will help with each workplace hazard?
Are hazard communication labels needed to better address the problem?
Where should controls be used? The source, the path, the worker?
Are there any commonly used solutions like hazard signs to combat a particular hazard?
What is the most effective, easiest to install control, and will it work?

While it seems like a daunting undertaking, many facilities already have procedures in place for more if not all workplace hazards. however every playbook needs a refresher more often than not. Don’t wait until enforcers of OSHA workplace standards come in and cite where your disparities lie; a much less costly alternative is doing it yourself. Don’t have time, call on an outside vendor to help assess and work with you to put together a workplace safety solution that works for your facility. Once you get the process started you’ll quickly realize it isn’t as bad as it seems, and when your employees feel safe and satisfied their work will show it.

For more information on hazard warning signs, prevention and control click here

Top Safety Concerns in Manufacturing “On the Floor”

by Julianne Bass 11/06/2014

The manufacturing industry has many hazards both obvious and unique to each facility. Managing an operation with a broad range of responsibilities is daunting if you aren’t well versed in what you should be paying close attention to. While each environment is different there are areas of the job that have safety managers worried across the board.

Restricted Access:

With so many people circling in and out of a large facility on a daily basis it is hard to keep track of who is in the building, what they are doing there, and if they are following the correct protocol required throughout different areas of the building. Restricting access to those who do not need to be in all areas of your facility will go a long way instantaneously in curbing workplace injury. Those who are not aware of the hazards they are walking into are more often than not ill prepare in protecting themselves or unaware in how to properly do so. If employees require training before they start their job, restrict access to all of those who do not have proper training as much as possible.

Mechanical Hazards:

Machines that have many moving parts such as gears, pulleys, sprockets, rotating shafts etc. pose an immediate threat to employees. Any machines that have sharp edges put workers in harm’s way when it comes to cuts, punctures or severe decapitation. The potential for trip and fall accidents is also present around cables and hoses. To reduce the risks always have proper machine guarding in place in addition to proper signage to alert workers of the hazard and proper procedures to be adhered to.

Chemical Exposures:

Depending on the chemical and the amount of exposure, breathing in toxic fumes can lead to many long lasting illnesses and diseases including respiratory problems, reproductive problems, physical disabilities, seizures, cancer, coma or even death. While chemical exposure limits are getting a lot of attention from OSHA and changes are being debated to the current regulations, make it a priority to make sure that you are properly protecting your employees from both known and potentially toxic fumes. In some cases just because it is compliant doesn’t mean it is enough.

PPE

61 percent of eye injuries occur in the manufacturing, trade and construction industries. Machines can throw dust, metal, concrete and other particles that injure the eyes. Machines can also produce loud noise well over the allowable threshold of 80 decibels per 8 hours of work. Having the correct PPE program in place is only half of the battle. Making sure that your workers have protective gear that properly fits them, that is in useable condition and is being worn when it should be are all common areas where lapses can occur. Make sure that top managers are setting a proper example throughout the facility so that application becomes second nature.

Ergonomics:

Ergonomics is becoming a more talked about issue as of late. While effects might not be instant, over a prolonged period of time your workers will start to feel the lasting effects. If they are performing repetitive movements or those unusual to the regular body motion, the slightest workplace improvement or engineering fix could make the world of difference. These small changes can have significant impacts on the reduction of workplace injuries, increased workplace morale and even higher workplace productivity.

Training/Closing the Skills Gap

Manufacturing is highly technical and requires understanding and proficiency in a wide variety of competencies. The current demand for highly skilled workers comes at a time when the industry is facing the retirement of a large percentage of its workforce and an incoming generation of workers who lack the skills and technical knowledge needed for U.S. manufacturing. Make sure that your workers both new and old are all properly trained in the intricacies necessary to perform their tasks..

Some of these areas may be a quicker fix while others may require more time and outside resources. While a perfect safety culture doesn’t happen overnight you can start taking the necessary step for improvement today. One little change could make all the difference in your workplace.

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Why Has Lock-out/Tag-out Remained an OSHA Top 10 Violation?

by Julianne Bass 10/30/2014

Failure to establish program(1910.147(c)(1)), Failure to develop procedures for energy control(1910.147(c)(4)(i)), Failure to conduct employee training(1910.147(c)(7)(i)), Failure to conduct periodic inspections(1910.147(c)(6)(i)), and Failure to have adequate procedures(1910.147(c)(4)(ii)). Year over year lock out tag out has remained one of the most cited violations by OSHA, so why do you continue to make the same mistakes expecting a different outcome? Perhaps the root cause of the continued noncompliance is as simple as not knowing what exactly it takes to become compliant. Let’s break it down a litte further.

When creating a compliant lock out tag out program for your facility you should pay close attention to:

Clearly and specifically outlining the scope, purpose, authorization, rules, and techniques to be utilized for the control of hazardous energy, and the means to enforce compliance
Outline proper procedures for each machine individually
Steps for shutting down, isolating, blocking and securing machines
Steps for the placement, removal and transfer of lockout devices
Specific requirements for testing a machine or equipment to determine and verify the effectiveness of lockout devices
What hardware will be provided by the employer for isolating, securing or blocking of machines or equipment from energy sources.
All Lockout devices and tagout devices are specified for a singular use

With such an intricate system it is easy to over look a step within the process. As a means of double checking your work, make sure that after you have created an effective plan for your facility that you seek out additional opinions from employees, an OSHA consultation, or other managers. Be sure to train your employees thoroughly on the protocol you have put into place and keep a regular routine of reviewing and updating your procedures to make sure you never fall behind with new updates to compliance regulations.

For more information on lock out tag out standards visit: https://1.usa.gov/1F3Inny

Want more workplace safety information and regulation news? Subscribe to the Emedco Safety Blog today, Your #1 Solution for workplace safety!

Workplace Safety News Roundup

by Julianne Bass 10/28/2014

A lesson in chemicals workers breathe in the workplace and their lasting effects

OSHA devotes most of its budget and attention to responding to here-and-now dangers rather than preventing the silent, slow killers that, in the end, take far more lives. Over the past four decades, the agency has written new standards with exposure limits for 16 of the most deadly workplace hazards, including lead, asbestos and arsenic. But for the tens of thousands of other dangerous substances American workers handle each day, employers are largely left to decide what exposure level is safe. As a result, many workers have been put at risk and have suffered long lasting effects from their daily tasks reaching far beyond the workplace.

OSHA cites Company over LOTO and Confined Space violations leading to long time workers death

A 48-year-old supervisor was fatally injured when he was struck by a metal door while performing maintenance at a Miamisburg company. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited the company for 10 serious violations, many involving OSHA’s confined space and lockout/tagout standards* for the control of machinery and moving parts.

OSHA continues outreach campaign to educate employers to reduce struck by vehicle incidents

In the past five years, 15 percent of all workplace fatalities investigated by the Kansas City Regional Office of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration have involved vehicle accidents that struck employees in the workplace. Struck-by injuries and fatalities are caused by conventional vehicles, forklifts, semi trucks and other moving industrial equipment, such as cranes and yard trucks. OSHA is continuing its Regional Emphasis Program in Missouri, Iowa, Kansas and Nebraska with the goal of educating employers and workers about the hazards associated with these vehicles and preventing tragic incidents.

Lack of Qualified workers, What can be done?

It may seem hard to believe but, despite national unemployment rates that often hover near double digits, many industries are experiencing worker shortages; workers who are well-trained and qualified. Some industries report that, despite an abundant labor pool, they still have positions for which they can’t find qualified candidates to fill.

Want more workplace safety information and regulation news? Subscribe to the Emedco Safety Blog today, Your #1 Solution for workplace safety!

A Quick Guide on the Essentials of Flammables and Combustibles

by Julianne Bass 10/17/2014

Flammable and combustible liquids are similar, but not quite the same. They differ in how hot they must become before they catch fire and explode. This is called the flash point. In most cases, combustible liquids don’t reach their flash point until they reach a very high temperature. To get a bit more technical, the flash point means the lowest temperature at which enough vapors collect at the liquid’s surface to catch fire in the presence of a source of ignition.

How to tell if a chemical is dangerous

To determine whether you are dealing with a flammable or combustible, take a look at the container. If the chemical is dangerous, there will be a warning label indicating that the contents are flammable or combustible. This means that you must use extreme caution in handling the chemical because the threat of fire or explosion is high. If there is any question as to whether a particular liquid is a flammable or combustible, treat it as though it is until you know for sure. Assuming that a liquid is just water or some other nonthreatening substance can result in a tragic accident.

Always Follow Storage Instruction

Have storage areas that are clearly marked as storage throughout your facility. However, do not assume there is no danger just because the liquids are tucked away in one of these locations. The designated areas will decrease the danger of an explosion, but can’t completely eliminate the possibility. Make sure you know where these storage areas are located, and do not go into them unless you have received special training. Only authorized employees should enter and interact with flammable or combustible liquids. Keep all ignition sources away from these areas including but not limited to lit cigarettes, sparks from tools and equipment, welding or cutting operations, and portable heating units, and even static electricity.

Use approved containers

Whenever you are getting one of these liquids for immediate use, use an approved container and labeling system that is in compliance with GHS regulations. Never use plastic jugs, jars, or buckets. Open containers can spill. Glass containers can break. Unless the container you plan to use has been approved for use with flammables and combustibles, it is not allowed. When you are not using the container to obtain a liquid, keep it closed to prevent fumes and vapors from escaping.

Good housekeeping is a vital step in this process, keep areas where flammables and combustibles are present clean at all times. If the unthinkable happens and a spill or fire occurs, the less clutter that can burn and accelerate the damage the better.

Handle with Care: 10 Tips for Safer Hazardous Material Handling

by Julianne Bass 09/02/2014

When handling a wide variety of hazardous materials on a daily basis it is important to employ the proper safety policies to keep accidents and injuries at bay.

Here are ten safety practices to keep in mind when you come into contact with hazardous materials:

Proper training and education of all employees who will come in contact with hazardous materials in any way is essential
Assume all chemicals are hazardous when handling them
Take necessary precautions when working with and storing chemicals including proper pressure and temperature requirements
Eliminate the hazard through engineering controls, personal protective equipment, and administrative procedures when at all possible
If not possible to eliminate the chemical look for safer substitutions
Establish a universal documentation system for what your facility has on hand
Keep an up to date inventory of all hazardous materials
Make the availability of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS’s*) known to all employees on all shifts and in all locations
Review and update your safety processes on a regular basis and make necessary changes
Do not assume all precautions protect against all chemicals. Each chemical comes with its own unique set of ways to protect against them. Thoroughly assess working conditions and apply the proper protection accordingly.

*The transition from old MSDS formats to the new GHS styled SDS is a big part of GHS adoption and there are three major challenges organizations that traffic in SDSs must face: SDS authoring, SDS management and SDS training. Download our GHS Adoption Timeline Checklist for a roadmap to compliance.