Hazard Communication & Chemical Safety

The purpose of this document is 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. 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. University employees working in research laboratories should consult SJU’s Chemical Hygiene Plan for use and handling information for laboratory chemicals. The Chemical Hygiene Plan may be obtained from the Department of Health, Safety and Environment or in the Nest.

Saint Joseph's University Chemical Hygiene Plan

The Department of Health, Safety and Environment is the overall coordinator of the University's program.

Safety Data Sheets, formerly called MSDS's are required by the newly revised Hazard Communication System, now called The Global Harmonization System. Each Department using hazardous chemicals maintains a hard copy file of SDS ‘s for each chemical they use. 

MSDS Finder

SDS's must be readily available to all employees. Contractors must supply SJU with a copy of an MSDS for all products used by their employees on the SJU campus. A file of SDS's for all housekeeping and maintenance products must be located within the Auxiliary Services offices for contractors and SJU use.

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 the Department of Health, Safety and Environment for labeling information.

Supervisors should periodically check to ensure that all containers in the area are labeled and that the labels are complete.

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 emergency procedures;
• Hazardous chemical spill and leak procedures;
• 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 Health, Safety and Environment chemical safety training sessions will be announced in the SJU website and directly to all Departments. Supervisors must ensure that training is complete before an employee begins working with a new hazardous substance.

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 program, the hazard communication standard, and applicable SDS's contact: The Department of Health, Safety and Environment, 610-660-3037

REFERENCES

• OSHA 29 CFR 1910.132 Personal Protective Equipment