Hazard Communication and Chemical & Laboratory Safety
Hazard Communication Program, Chemical Hygiene Plan & Laboratory Safety Manual
The purpose of these documents are to insure that Saint Joseph ’s University is in compliance with the US Department of Labor's Occupational Safety & Health Administration's (OSHA) Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) 29 CFR 1910.1200 and Laboratory Standard 29 CFR 1910.1450. Each employee of Saint Joseph’s University who has potential contact with hazardous chemicals must be apprised of the hazardous properties of chemicals they work with, and measures to take to protect themselves from these chemicals.
Employees working with chemicals should link to the Nest, then the "University Document Repository", then click on "Environmental Health and Radiation Safety" for the HH and UC Hazard Communication Programs.
However, university employees working in teaching and research laboratories are covered under, and should consult, SJU’s Chemical Hygiene Plan and Laboratory Safety Manual for use and handling information for laboratory chemicals.
The Hazard Communication Program does not apply to our laboratories that are covered under the Laboratory Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1450. SJU research and academic laboratories are covered under the Lab Standard as they meet the criteria for "lab use" and "lab scale" and exclude procedures that are part of a production process.
The Chemical Hygiene Plan and Laboratory Safety Manual may be linked below or you may contact the Department of Environmental Health and Radiation Safety.
Chemical Hygiene Plan - Hawk Hill Campus
Laboratory Safety Manual - University City Campus
The Department of Environmental Health and Radiation Safety (EHRS) is the overall coordinator of the University's programs.
Safety Data Sheets (SDS’s)
Safety Data Sheets, formerly called MSDS's, are required by OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard and Laboratory Standard, and is aligned with the Globally Harmonized System. Each Department using hazardous chemicals maintains a hard copy of SDS ‘s for each chemical they use. (In some cases electronic access to SDSs is an option if proper procedures are followed, training conducted and there is an appropriate written SOP in place (e.g., in certain labs). See "Information on Laboratory SDSs" below)
Availability
SDS's must be readily available/accessible to all employees. Contractors must supply SJU with a copy of an SDS for all products used by their employees on an SJU campus. SDS's for all housekeeping and maintenance products must be located within the Auxiliary Services offices for contractors and SJU use, or made available for use.
Procurement and Labeling
SDS’s must be received by the University either prior to, or at the time of receipt of the first shipment of any potentially hazardous chemical purchased from a vendor.
All hazardous chemicals throughout the campus must be properly labeled. Labels should list at least the chemical identity, appropriate hazard warnings, and the name and address of the manufacturer, importer or other responsible parties. Refer to the label supplied by the manufacturer or contact the Department of Environmental Health and Radiation Safety for assistance with labeling information.
Supervisors should periodically check to ensure that all containers in the area are labeled and that the labels are complete. Containers must be re-labeled if labels have been removed or are defaced (faded, washed-off, torn, etc.).
Training
Each employee working with or potentially exposed to hazardous chemicals must receive initial training on the safe use of chemicals. The training will emphasize the following:
- A summary of the standard
- Hazardous chemical properties including visual appearance, odor and the methods that can be used to detect the presence or release of hazardous chemicals;
- Physical and health hazards associated with potential exposure to workplace chemicals;
- Procedures to protect against hazards including the use of personal protective equipment, work practices, and engineering controls;
- Hazardous chemical spill and leak/emergency procedures;
- Proper labeling of containers and where SDS's are located, how to understand their content, and how employees may obtain and use appropriate hazard information.
Initial and refresher Department of Environmental Health and Radiation Safety Laboratory Safety (Chemical Hygiene) or Hazard Communication training will be announced in the SJU website, Canvas learning management system or directly to Departments. Or you may contact EHRS to request training.
On-the-job training dealing with the specific hazards or classes of chemicals/hazardous substances, signs and symptoms associated with exposure, safe use of equipment and tools, proper safety and personal protective equipment and clothing, SDSs and safety practices and emergency procedures relating to an employee's work area will be provided and documented by Departmental Supervisors.
Supervisors must ensure that training is complete before an employee begins working with a new hazardous substance and it is updated when there have been changes.
Maintain your documentation of training.
Contractors
All departments managing contractors will advise the appropriate representative of any chemical hazards which may be encountered in the normal course of their work on the premises. SJU project managers are responsible to supply SDS's for hazardous materials to be used in University Buildings.
For further information on this written programs, the hazard communication standard, and access to SDS systems contact: The Department of Environmental Health and Radiation Safety.
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