Policy Manual sample

MDT Home Health Care Agency, Inc. OSHA’S HAZARD COMMUNICATION STANDARD THAT DESCRIBE APPROPRIATE LABELING OF HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS AND/OR MATERIALS, INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE, STORAGE AND DISPOSAL REQUIREMENTS Policy: To provide information on hazardous materials in the workplace to employers and employees. Enhanced awareness presumably results in reduced exposure to unnecessary risks and reduced injury and illness related to chemical use. This information is to be provided using: 1. Container labeling and other forms of warning 2. Material safety data sheets 3. Employee training (access to written records, list) Without an awareness that hazardous chemicals are present in the workplace, the risk of illness and injury due to occupational chemical exposures is increased. Appropriate protective measures and work practices cannot be implemented when the presence of a hazard is unknown. The meaning of the word "hazard" as it is used in this HCS is a substance, situation, or condition which is capable of doing harm. This addresses the potential of a chemical to do harm. Even if the harm is unlikely to occur when proper precautions are taken, the potential for harm is always present. You will find that many materials which are ordinarily thought of as harmless and inoffensive are classed as hazardous because of their potential. For example, handsoap used in the restroom may be considered hazardous because it is an eye irritant if it is splashed into the eyes. Most people consider this material barmless because it is unlikely to get in the eyes and, even if it does, the resulting iltjury is probably minor. This leads us to the concept of risk, and illustrates the importance of negative information. It is equally important to know what is relatively safe and what involves considerable risk. The HCS guarantees employers and employees the information they need to make the same kinds of judgements about workplace exposure to chemicals -by providing the warnings, health information, and training necessary to make such assessments and do a job safely. With this information in hand, the employee has the information necessary to decide if he wants to continue doing this job or look for other employment because he considers the risks unacceptable. On the job, it allows him to know what his risks are, how to do the job safely, and what may happen to him if he doesn't use the appropriate protective measures and procedures. Written Hazard Communication Program The written hazard communication program is a written summary of how our Agency is meeting the requirements of the HCS -- that is, describing how hazard evaluations, labels and other warnings, MSDS, employee information and training are being accomplished. This plan should include only what the employer is actually doing to communicate hazard information. Planned future programs must clearly state implementation dates. This Plan must include: 1. A chemical inventory: This is a list of hazardous chemicals present in the workplace; the list may be for the workplace as a whole or categorized by work area. Each chemical on the inventory must be referenced to the appropriate material safety data sheet. 2. A description of the hazard evaluation and review process used in creating MSDSs and labels for products the employer manufactures or imports, for hazardous materials to which employees may be exposed which are created by processes conducted in the worksite (e.g., welding fume, effluent streams, etc.), or other hazard evaluations the employer chooses to conduct. 3. A description of how we will assure the proper labeling or placarding and maintenance of labels for all hazardous material containers, tanks, etc. in the worksite and all containers leaving the worksite. 4. A description of how we will maintain and update the file of material safety data sheets (MSDSs) and how employees will gain access to the MSDSs. 5. A description of how we will train the current and future employees in the hazards of the workplace, including informing employees of the hazards of unlabeled pipes and non-routine tasks (including potential exposures resulting from hazardous materials brought on site by other employers/contractors). 6. A description of how we will retrain its employees when new hazards are introduced into the workplace, or new hazard information is obtained. 7. A description of how we will provide information to other employers (e.g., contractors) to enable them to properly inform their employees, which may be exposed to the chemicals on your worksite. Hazard Evaluation Manufacturers and importers are required to evaluate the hazards of the chemicals they manufacture or import. They must document their hazard determination procedures. As we purchasing these products, however, we are not required to reevaluate product hazards themselves unless we choose not to rely on the evaluation performed by the chemical manufacturer or importer. Health hazard evidence which is statistically significant and based on at least one positive scientific study is Home Health Agency. - - Personnel/Operations Policies B-170