Communication Is Important For Safety

Having an effective hazard communication program is important both for employee safety, and for meeting OSHA rules. The following is basesd on OSHA's Hazard Communication guidelines (from OR-OSHA 440-3343(5/01).

Here's a checklist to help ensure you have an effective hazard communication system in place:

[] Have you compiled a list of hazardous substances that are used in your workplace?

[] Is there a written hazard communication program dealing with Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs), labeling and employee training?

[] Is someone specifically responsible for MSDSs, container labeling and employee training?

[] Is each container for a hazardous substance (including vats, bottles, storage tanks and drums) labeled to identify the product it contains and to provide a hazard warning that communicates the specific health and physical hazards of that product?

[] Is there an MSDS readily available for each hazardous substance used?

[] Do you inform other employers, vendors and contractors whose employees share a work area with your employees, where hazardous substances are used?

[] Do you have an employee training program for hazardous substances? Does this program include:

--- An explaination of what an MSDS is, and how to obtain and use one?

--- An explaination of "right to know?"

--- The contents of the MSDS for each hazardous substance or class of substances?

--- Information informing employees where they can review your written hazard communication program, and where hazardous substances are located in work areas?

--- Information explaining the physical and health hazards of substances in the work area, how to detect their presence, and the specific protective measures to be used.

--- Hazard communication program details including the labeling system and MSDS used in your facility?

--- How employees will be informed about hazards involved in non-routine tasks and the hazards of unlabeled pipes?