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Security and Public Safety >Environmental Health and Safety Policies > Hazard Communication  

Purpose 

It is Lake Forest College's purpose in issuing this program to further ensure a safe workplace based on the following formal, written procedures regarding working with or around hazardous chemicals. This program will be reviewed and updated as needed to comply with OSHA regulations, new practices, and as business practices demand. The Director of Security & Public Safety is the program coordinator and is responsible for its overall implementation.

 

It is the responsibility of the Director, Manager, Supervisor or the Department Head of each department to ensure that their department complies with the procedures outlined in this program.

 

Any concerns regarding this program or specific responsibilities outlined in this program should be brought to the Department Head or the Director of Security & Public Safety.

 

Copies of the written program may be obtained at the Office of Security & Public Safety or the Business Office of Lake Forest College.

 

Application 

This program applies to all work operations at Lake Forest College where employees may be exposed to hazardous chemicals under normal working conditions or during an emergency situation. Employees whose normal work routine will take them into or around the laboratories should also comply with the Lake Forest College Chemical Hygiene Plan (for laboratories). Employees who may on occasion be exposed to hazardous chemicals in the laboratories, but their normal duties are not in the laboratories should comply with the Hazard Communication Program.

 

Hazard Evaluation Procedures 

Each department is responsible for maintaining a list of all hazardous chemicals used within that department. A copy of each department's hazardous chemical list should be kept in that department and a copy should be forwarded to the Department of Security & Public Safety. Any additions to the lists should be added immediately upon receipt of the new chemical and those additions should be forwarded to the Department of Security & Public Safety.  The hazardous chemical lists should be made available to all employees of Lake Forest College upon request.

 

Any questions or concerns by employees about hazardous or possible hazardous chemicals should be directed to that employee's supervisor, manager, department head, or the Director of Security & Public Safety.

 

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) 

MSDSs are fact sheets for chemicals that pose a physical or health hazard and contain specific information detailing those hazards.

 

Each department is responsible for maintaining a file of MSDSs for all chemicals on their hazardous chemical list. Those MSDSs should be available to employees during normal business hours upon request.

 

Container Labeling 

All hazardous chemical containers must be labeled. Labels must contain at least the chemical identity, appropriate hazard warnings, and the name of the manufacturer. Manufacturer labels are acceptable if they contain this information. This information is necessary to cross-reference between the chemicals, the hazardous chemical lists, and the MSDSs. If a chemical is transferred to a secondary container, the secondary container must be appropriately labeled. If an employee is transferring chemicals from a labeled container to a portable container that is intended for that employee's immediate use, no label is required on the portable container.

 

Any room that is primarily used for the storage of chemicals shall be labeled with the words "Chemical Storage."  Any area that is specifically used for the storage of hazardous chemicals (i.e. shelving units) should be labeled in such a manner to ensure that all persons with access to that area will be aware that it is a chemical storage area. It is also encouraged that NFPA (National Fire Protection Agency) hazard warning diamonds be used where extremely hazardous chemicals are stored.

 

Training 

Every employee who works with or who may potentially be exposed to hazardous chemicals during their normal work routine should receive the initial training on the Hazard Communication Standard. The initial training course will be the Iprax Courseworks computer based training module. This module will be accessible from multiple locations across campus.

 

This training program will cover these items:

  • An overview of the Hazard Communication standard
  • How to identify hazards
  • MSDSs
  • Labels and labeling
  • Employee information and training required by the standard 

The Director, Manager, Supervisor or the Department Head of each department is responsible for:

  • Determining if additional training is necessary for their employees based on the employee's potential exposure.
  • Advising their employees of the location of the MSDSs for their department.
  • Advising their employees of any existing or new extremely hazardous chemicals.
  • Advising their employees of the procedures to follow when working with or around specific hazardous chemicals and the appropriate personnel protective equipment to be used.

Non-Routine Tasks 

When an employee is required to perform a hazardous non-routine task that may potentially expose that employee to hazardous chemicals, the supervisor should inform the employee of the hazards and any precautionary measures to be taken.

 

Reporting 

Any spills, possible health concerns, or accidents, involving hazardous chemicals should be reported to the Department of Security & Public Safety Immediately.

 

Outside Contractors 

All outside contractors or vendors maintain responsibility to comply with all OSHA regulations regarding the Hazardous communication standard.

 

Additional Information 

Occupational safety and health is of paramount importance to Lake Forest College. Any comments, concerns, questions, or suggestions that may improve the safety policies and or practices at the College are welcome and should be presented to the Director of Security & Public Safety.