A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is a document that provides comprehensive information about the potential hazards posed by a substance and how to use, handle, store, and dispose of it safely. MSHA requires all employers who use hazardous chemicals to have an effective hazard communication program in place to ensure that the employees are aware of the potential hazards of the chemicals they work with and how to protect themselves from those hazards.
The MSHA hazard communication program template can be used to develop a comprehensive program that meets the requirements of the MSHA standard and helps to ensure the safety and health of employees.
Hazard Identification and Assessment
The first step in developing a hazard communication program is to identify the hazardous chemicals used in the workplace. This can be done by reviewing the Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) for the chemicals and by conducting a workplace hazard assessment. Once the hazardous chemicals have been identified, the employer must assess the potential hazards associated with each chemical and develop appropriate control measures to minimize the risk of exposure to employees.
Control measures can include engineering controls, such as ventilation or isolation; administrative controls, such as work practices or training; and personal protective equipment (PPE), such as respirators or gloves.
The employer must also establish a system for labeling and identifying hazardous chemicals in the workplace. Labels must be legible, in English, and contain the following information:
- Product identifier
- Signal word
- Hazard statements
- Precautionary statements
- Supplier information
Employee Training and Information
Employees must be trained on the MSHA hazard communication program and the potential hazards of the chemicals they work with. Training must be conducted before employees begin working with hazardous chemicals and must be repeated annually thereafter.
Training must cover the following topics:
- The MSHA hazard communication program
- The potential hazards of the chemicals used in the workplace
- How to read and understand Safety Data Sheets (SDSs)
- How to use and maintain personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Emergency procedures
In addition to training, employees must be provided with access to SDSs for the chemicals they work with. SDSs must be readily accessible to employees at all times.
The MSHA hazard communication program template can be used to develop a comprehensive program that meets the requirements of the MSHA standard and helps to ensure the safety and health of employees.
By following the steps outlined in the template, employers can create a program that will help to protect their employees from the hazards of hazardous chemicals.
