The Texas Hazard Communication Act

Certification and Recertification Seminar

2006

Training Materials• Trainer’s manual

• Texas Safety Standards (3rd edition)

• MSDS CD-ROM

• HAZCOM Activities

• Model Written HAZCOM Program

• Compliance Checklist

• Workshop Masters

Purposes of the Hazard Communication Act (HAZCOM)

• to reduce the incidence of chemically related illness and injury

• to provide a means for public employees to learn about chemical hazards in the workplace.

Texas Hazard Communication Act

• modeled after OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard

• enforced by the Department of State Health Services

• became effective January 1, 1986

• revised in 1993

HAZCOM requires employers to:

• notify employees of their rights under the law• compile workplace chemical lists• provide professional development on the

hazards of chemicals in the workplace• maintain file of Material Safety Data

Sheets• provide personal protective equipment

Hazard Communication Rules

Provide guidance needed for employers and employees to comply with the Texas Hazard Communication Act

HAZCOM Rules include:

• Workplace Chemical List• Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)• Labeling of Containers• Written Hazard Communication Program• Employee Education and Training Program• Complaints and Investigations• Employee Notice and Rights

Office of the Attorney General

Opinion No. DM-239

Answers the question…

“Does the law require students to betrained on HAZCOM?”

Activity: HAZCOM Rules

Understanding the requirements in the Texas Hazard Communication Act

Eye Protection Laws

• Protective Eye Devices in Public Schools

• Guidelines for Selection and Use of Face

and Eye Protection in Public Schools

Activity 2: Protective Eye Devices

Purpose is to understand requirements in the law concerning the protection of students, teachers, and visitors duringscience laboratory activities.

Material Safety Data Sheets must…

• accompany chemicals purchased

• conform to OSHA standards

• be maintained by school district

• be accessible same day requested

• be replaced within 30 days

• be readily available in workplace

And… do not use chemicals without MSDS

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)

Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)

*HMIS (Hazardous Materials Industrial Standards)

MSDS Sections

MSDS Glossary

The first aid procedures for a chemical in its MSDS should have similar information as found on the chemical’s label.

Activity 3: Material Safety Data Sheets

Purpose of the activity is to learn to read and understand the information found on an MSDS.

Chemical Labels

Hazard Warning

First Aid24-Hour

Emergency Number

Hazard Signage

Chemical Abstract Number(CAS) Specifications

Hazard Rating

Hazard Class & Packing Number

Primary Container Label

• Name of material—solution concentration

• Name of components and mixture concentrations

• Appropriate warning signage

• Potential hazards

• Immediate first aid measures

Temporary Container Labels

• Name of chemical

• Appropriate hazard warnings

What is an example of a hazard warning?

Storing Chemicals According to Their Compatibility

Using the Incompatible Chemicals list, sort the labels according to the

chemical’s compatibility.

Activity 4: Chemical Labels

Purpose is to be able to read andunderstand the information on a chemical label.

Chemicals: What’s in?What’s out?

Science Safetyin the News

Fire Extinguishers

What type is needed for science laboratory rooms?

Class A Fire Class B Fire Class C Fire Class D Fire

Common combustibles

Flammableliquids

Electricalfires

Flammablemetals

Type ABC fire extinguisher for science laboratory roomsType D fire extinguisher for chemical storage rooms

Classes of Fires and Types of Fire Extinguishers

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

Hazard Rating Diamond

Flammability Hazard

Health Hazard ReactivityHazard

Special Hazard

Hazard Rating4 Severe5 Serious6 Dangerous7 Minor0 Slight

30 1

OX OX means the chemical readilycombines with oxygen.

What does this NFPA Diamond mean?

32

W4

Activity 5: NFPA Hazard Rating

Purpose is to recognize and understandthe parts of an NFPA Hazard Diamond.

Employee Education

Employee Rights

Notices must be posted whereemployees usuallysee other posted announcements.

District-level HAZCOM Program

A district-level program for science teachers that could be used to bring your district into compliance with the components of the Texas Hazard Communication Act must include the following:

interpret information on chemical labels interpret information on MSDS location, effects, and safe handling of chemicals proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) first aid treatment if exposed to chemicals handling, cleanup procedures, disposal of chemicals

Documentationand

Record Keeping

Appendices

Appendix A: HAZCOM Fact SheetsAppendix B: Checklists and Safety SymbolsAppendix C: Laws, Rules, and RegulationsAppendix D: Keys to Activities

James W. CollinsCharles A. Dana Center

The University of Texas at Austin

2901 North IH-35Suite 2.200

Austin, TX 78722(512) 232-6002

jwcollins@mail.utexas.edu