Regulation(s)
• Ohio Revised Code ORC §4167(link is external)
• OSHA Hazard Communication 1910.1200(link is external)
• PERRP Hazard Communication(link is external)
Applies to
All Ohio State departments and employees
Purpose
The purpose of the Hazard Communication Program or the “Employee Right to Know” act is to ensure employees are aware of hazardous chemicals in the workplace. It also provides information regarding the potential hazards associated with exposure to these chemicals and information for compliance with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). The GHS is a system for standardizing and harmonizing the classification and labeling of chemicals. It is a logical and comprehensive approach to defining health, physical, and environmental hazards of chemicals; creating classification processes that use available data on chemicals for comparison with the defined hazard criteria; and communicating hazard information and protective measures on labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDS). All employees are required to have Hazard Communication Training, and every department using hazardous chemicals should have a written HazCom program.
Employee Responsibilities
To ensure chemical safety in the workplace, information about the identities and hazards of the chemicals must be available and comprehendible to all employees. Hazard Communication training is available via the EHS training website or in person by contacting EHS at 614-292-1284. If applicable, know where the Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are located and how they can be accessed.
Departmental Responsibilities
Develop and implement a departmental Hazard Communication Program. Assign someone to complete and maintain a chemical inventory. Ensure SDSs for each hazardous chemical are available, in either a departmental file or binder, or online through the EHS MSDS (SDS) search program. This assignment can be for the entire administrative unit or sub-unit, such as individual shops or laboratories, depending on size. Ensure all employees are informed of the chemical hazards in the workplace, have received proper training, understand all parts of the program, and maintain training records.