NUECES COUNTY

Risk Management Department

Right to KnowRight to Know

Training ContentsTraining Contents

• Understanding MSDS’s

• Labeling

• Physical Hazards

• Health Hazards

• Protecting yourself

• Bloodborne Pathogens

What is MSDS?What is MSDS?

Material Safety Data Sheet

They provide pertinent information to employees about

hazardous materials and chemicals in the workplace.

What information does a MSDS show?What information does a MSDS show?

• Manufacturer information

• Chemical synonyms

• Physical and/or chemical properties

• Spill response

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Acute and Chronic effects of exposure

RTK law requires that….RTK law requires that….

MSDS’s be readily available in the work areas where potentially hazardous chemicals are used.

LabelingLabeling

• A manufacturer’s label (on a container) is the first place to look for information.

Basic Chemical Container LabelsBasic Chemical Container Labels

• Chemical labels are not a substitute for a MSDS.

• Some chemicals pose little danger, others are deadly.

• Remember - Hazardous chemicals are everywhere!

Basic LabelsBasic Labels

ToxicChemicals

High Voltage

Acid Irritant

BioHazard Harmful

Chemical container labels information includes…

Chemical container labels information includes…

• Health hazards

• Specific chemicals in product

• How to protect yourself

• Manufacturer’s name and contact information

Color Coded LabelsColor Coded Labels

• Many chemical manufacturers use color coded labels so that incompatible materials and chemicals with different hazard characteristics can be properly segregated from each other.

NFPA Color-Coded Labeling System

NFPA Color-Coded Labeling System

• Developed by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

• Higher the number the greater the risk

Water, oxidizing

Color-code System explained

Color-code System explained

• Corrosive = destroys living tissue on contact

• Toxic = hazardous to your health

• Flammable = readily catch fire

• Reactives = react violent with materials in otherwise stable situations

Specific Labels Specific Labels

Labeling RequirementsLabeling Requirements

• All hazardous chemicals introduced into the workplace need to be in labeled containers that meet the requirements of OSHA

• Two types of containers and labels:

Primary label Secondary label

Primary Container and Label

Primary Container and Label

• Prepared by the manufacturer of the chemical

• Affixed to all containers before shipped to buyers

• Label must include: Identity of chemical Appropriate hazard warnings Name & address of the manufacturer,

distributor, or responsible party

Secondary Container & Label

Secondary Container & Label

• May only be used in that facility

• Labels include: Identity of chemical Appropriate hazard warning

This should be labeled.

Hazard WarningsHazard Warnings

Acute Hazards(Immediate)

• Flammability• Reactivity

Oxidizer Explosive

• Corrosive

Chronic Hazards (Long-Term)

• Cancer

• Birth defects

• Targets organs

• Body systems affected

Physical vs. Health Hazards

Physical vs. Health Hazards

Physical Hazards are

• Flammable

• Oxidizers

• Explosive

• Compressed gas

Health Hazards are

• Health issues

• Corrosive

• Poison

• Biological

• Radioactive

Hazard PotentialHazard Potential

2 things to consider:

• Dose is the amount of exposure.

• Toxicity is the degree to which a chemical is harmful.

Health Hazards - DosageHealth Hazards - Dosage

• Toxic effects increase as exposure increases.

• ALL CHEMICALS EXHIBIT A TOXIC ALL CHEMICALS EXHIBIT A TOXIC EFFECT WITH A LARGE ENOUGH EFFECT WITH A LARGE ENOUGH DOSE!DOSE!

Potential Routes of EntryPotential Routes of Entry

1. Absorption (touching)

2. Ingestion (eating or dirty hands)

3. Inhalation (breathing)

4. Injection (Poke or stick)

Types of Health Hazard Effects

Types of Health Hazard Effects

ACUTE EFFECTSACUTE EFFECTS

• Quick onset

• Health effects that occur after a single exposure

• Usually reversible

CHRONIC EFFECTS

• Takes a long time to start

• Health problems occur after repeated or long exposure

• Usually can not be reversed

Protection MethodsProtection Methods

• Product substitution Use a less or non-hazardous material

• Safe Work Practices Proper chemical storage Refer to MSDS’s Work in pairs

• Engineering Controls Chemical fume hoods or enclosures

• Personal Protective Equipment Respirators, aprons, safety glasses

Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)

Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)

• Eye and face protection

• Respiratory protection

• Body protection

• Hand protections

Employer RequirementsEmployer Requirements

• Have MSDS’s available

• Train employees annually

• Have a poster of who to contact for information

Employees RightsEmployees Rights

• You have the right to know what chemicals/materials are being used in your school building.

• You have the right to refuse to work with a product if your employer cannot provide information about its safety.

• You have the right to requests a copy of a MSDS for a chemical/material.

QuestionsQuestions

• Contact the Risk Manager or Emergency Risk Management Specialist:

• lance.esswein@co.nueces.tx.us• martha.sanchez@co.nueces.tx.us

• 361-888-0401 Office• 361-888-0403 FAX