SANTA CRUZ COUNTY
PERSONNEL ADMINISTRATIVE MANUAL

 

Topic: HAZARD COMMUNICATION PROGRAM
Section: INJURY AND ILLNESS PREVENTION PROGRAM
Number: XX.6.C 
Date Issued: Dec. 18, 1992
Date Revised:

PURPOSE:

To establish policy and procedures to comply with California's "Hazard Communication Right to Know Act" and additional requirements under the Federal Hazard Communication Standard CFR 1910.1200. These regulations require employers to inform and train employees on the safe storage, usage and disposal of hazardous materials that may exist in the work environment.

LEGAL BASIS:

General Industry Safety Orders Title 8
"Hazard Communication Right to Know Act"

REFERENCES:

  1. General Industrial Safety Orders
  2. 29 Federal Code of Regulations 1910.134 Respiratory Protection
  3. California Code of Regulations, Title 8 Respiratory Protection

DOCUMENTS:

  1. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
  2. Hazardous Material Control Form
  3. Employee Safety Training Sign-in Sheets

POLICY:

  1. The Division of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) of the Personnel Department shall write and implement an effective hazard communication training program.

  2. Each department's safety liaison will be responsible for identifying employees within their area of responsibility who store, use, transport or dispose of hazardous substances. A list of all employees who need training will be provided to the Division of OSH by each department's safety liaison.

  3. The Division of OSH will coordinate hazard communication training and maintain all related documentation.

PROCEDURE:

The Hazard Communication Standard designates Material Safety Data Sheets as the primary means of advising users of the hazardous chemicals that may be encountered in their work environment. As a result, manufacturers and suppliers of chemicals provide Material Safety Data Sheets on their products to enable chemical users to train and inform employees of potential hazards. Therefore, the following hazard communication activities are incorporated into the County Occupational Safety and Health Program.

  1. MATERIALS INVENTORY - Chemical inventory will be updated annually in accordance with the County Environmental Health Mandated Hazardous Materials Management Plan.

  2. MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET - A current MSDS will be obtained from the manufacturer by the user for all chemical products used or tested by Santa Cruz County employees. All MSDS's will be maintained in the immediate work area. A master file for all MSDS's used within the County shall be provided by department safety liaisons to the Division of OSH.

  3. EMPLOYEE INFORMATION - Safety liaisons will advise employees that MSDS's for hazardous chemicals are available for all chemicals found in their work area. Employees shall be informed that a written program exists, describing how the County plans to meet the Cal/Fed OSHA requirements under the Hazard Communication Standard.

  4. EMPLOYEE TRAINING - All County employees who may be exposed to chemicals either through direct usage or chemical spills will be trained in MSDS's, labeling, personal protective equipment, chemical hazards, physical hazards and safe working practices.

  5. LABELING - Although MSDS's are used in training for the initial exposure to a hazardous chemical, labels are used as a continuous means of hazard warning based on the contents of the MSDS. All chemical containers require a label to include:

    1. Chemical or product name.
    2. Manufacturer name.
    3. First-aid procedures/appropriate hazard warnings.

  6. REVIEW - All information regarding the Chemical Hazard Communication Program will be presented to the County Hazardous Material/ Safety Committee for review.

  7. REQUISITION OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS - For the purpose of employee safety and compliance with this Chemical Hazard Communication Program, it is paramount that all chemicals used by County employees or chemicals used on County facilities be approved by either the Hazardous Materials Program Analyst or Occupational Safety and Health Program Manager. Requisitioners shall use a Hazardous Material Control form that will be maintained in the Personnel Department prior to the use of a new material.

  8. RESPONSIBILITIES

  1. Maintain an up-to-date list of all chemicals in their area.
  2. Ensure that all employees under their direct supervision have received appropriate training.
  3. Ensure that MSDS's are available in their work area and that employees have access to them at all times.
  4. Ensure that all chemical containers are properly labeled.

  • PURCHASING DEPARTMENT

    1. Will not purchase hazardous materials unless they have been previously approved as indicated by the master chemical inventory list.

  • CONTRACTING DEPARTMENTS

    1. Assure that contractors provide MSDS's on all chemical products brought onto Santa Cruz County Facilities.

    2. Notify contractors of hazardous materials present in areas where they are scheduled to work.

    1. HAZARDOUS MATERIALS PROGRAM ANALYST

      1. Review all requests for new hazardous materials.
      2. Maintain a master chemical inventory list.
      3. Maintain a centralized file for all MSDS'S.
      4. Coordinate chemical hazard communication training classes upon request.
      5. Issue a certificate of completion to employees who attend hazard communication training.
      6. Maintain a written copy of the Santa Cruz County Hazard Communication Program.
      7. Provide professional technical expertise to County employees on hazardous materials.