Hazard Communication Standard

• Purpose
  
  
• Method
  
  
• Program
1. Hazardous Chemical Inventory
2. Material Safety Data Sheets
3. Information Availability
4. Labels and Other Warnings
5. Training
6. Non-routine Tasks
7. Contractors
   
   
• Appendix A - Summary of HMIS Ratings
• Appendix B - HMIS label
• Appendix C - MSDS location poster
• Appendix D - MSDS New or Revised poster
• Appendix E - HMIS Label Hazard Index & PPE Index
• Appendix F - Sample MSDS (pdf)

PURPOSE:

This hazard communication program is intended to provide Hope College employees with information concerning the hazardous chemical(s) they may encounter during the course of their work.

METHOD:

The Health and Fire Safety Department along with the Chemistry Lab Director will implement the program. Each supervisor, (faculty or staff) will be responsible for assuring that their employees have received the proper training regarding chemicals and hazards they may encounter in their work environment.

A copy of the written hazard communication program shall be made available to each employee upon initial assignment, training, or upon request. Copies can be obtained from the Health and Fire Safety Department.

PROGRAM:

1. Hazards Chemical Inventory
   
   
   1. An inventory of all hazardous chemicals on campus shall be conducted and maintained by each department head or office representative as follows:

      Art Department
      Biology Department
      Chemistry Department
      Maintenance Dept.
      Theater Department
      Transportation Dept.

   2. Lists of hazardous materials for each department shall be periodically updated. Updated information shall be made available by posting the information on the New and Revised MSDS Poster and by updating the MSDS in the MSDS book.
      
      
   3. Hope College shall rely on Material Safety Data Sheets from material suppliers and distributors to meet hazard determination requirements.

2. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
   
   
   1. MSDS's for each hazardous chemical at Hope College shall be requested from the manufacturer or distributer and filed in each of the departments MSDS file.
      
      
   2. A MSDS request for new or re-ordered hazardous chemicals shall accompany purchase orders if a current MSDS is not on file.

3. Information Availability
   
   
   1. Each office shall post and maintain in each work area the required MIOSHA " Right to Know" posters, and the "new or revised MSDS" posters.
      
      
   2. MSDS shall be accessible to employees for review during their work shift.
      
      
   3. Employees may verbally request to review and discuss hazardous material information, the written program, and hazardous chemical lists with their supervisor or a representative from the Health and Fire Safety Department.

4. Labels and Other Warnings
   
   
   1. All incoming hazardous chemicals will be properly labeled with Hazardous Materials Information System (HMIS) labels. These labels shall be checked by the person marking the container for proper identity, hazard warnings, and appropriate personal protective equipment. (Refer to Appendix E)
      
      
   2. The following departments will be responsible for ensuring that incoming chemicals received at the college are properly labeled in their work areas.
      
      

      Art Department	-	Depree Art Center
      Biology Department	-	Biology area in Schaap Science Center
      Chemistry Department	-	Chemistry area and chemical stock room in Schaap Science Center.
      Maintenance Dept.	-	Maintenance Dept, Custodial Closets on campus, Mechanical rooms, and storage rooms for maintenance, grounds, or custodians.
      Theater Department	-	Dewitt Theater area
      Transportation Dept	-	Bus Garage on 19th street.

      
      
      
   3. Each supervisor, lab director, and department head shall be responsible for ensuring that all portable containers used in their work area are properly labeled.

5. Training
   
   
   1. All employees who work with hazardous chemicals, in any form, shall be advised of the Hope College Hazard Communication Program.
      
      
   2. Employees shall receive mandatory training regarding the hazardous nature of chemical materials that they may encounter while working at Hope College.
      
      
   3. Hazardous Material Training shall include:
      
      
      1. The location and availability of the written hazard communication program, the list of hazardous chemicals, and the MSDS's.
         
         
      2. The hazardous chemicals in the work area and the hazards associated with these chemicals.
         
         
      3. The methods and observations used to detect the release or presence of hazardous chemicals in the work area.
         
         
      4. The measures taken by Hope College and the measures to be taken by each employee to prevent or lessen exposure.
         
         
      5. Procedures to follow if exposure should occur.
         
         
      6. The interpretation of labels and MSDS.

6. Non-routine Tasks
   
   
   1. Supervisors shall be responsible for ensuring that employees who perform non-routine tasks are informed and properly trained for the hazards associated with non-routine tasks.

7. Contractors
   
   
   1. Before contractors begin work, the contract administrator (Hope College employee in charge of the work) shall ensure that they supply the contractor with the Written Hazard Communication Program, and a list of chemicals that are hazardous which they may be exposed to.
      
      
   2. Contractors shall ensure that their employees are provided any necessary personal protective equipment, and required information and training.
      
      
   3. Contractors shall inform their Hope College contact administrator before bringing hazardous chemicals onto Hope College Property.

Health and Fire Safety Manual

Office of Occupational Health and Fire Safety, Hope College, 178 East 11th street, Holland, MI 49423

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Updated 1/17/2007 -csg