OBJECTIVES:

1. Identify the requirements of a HAZCOM program.

2. State the location(s) of the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).

3. Discuss interpretation of an MSDS.

4. Describe the use of warning labels.

HAZCOM

Because we all work around hazardous substances, it is important for us to know more about how to read & interpret warning labels. In the event of a spill or contact with hazardous material it is also important to know how to read a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) outlines safety guidelines for handling hazardous substances in the workplace. Put these guidelines into practice. 

Some hazardous substances are invisible, such as radiation or medical gases (ever seen oxygen?), but still pose a risk. Some hazardous materials may be safe until disturbed, like asbestos. Knowing the hazards & following your training can keep you safe & possibly save your life. 

Janet Campbell, Safety Officer

THE MSDS

MMH keeps a manual of MSDS for hazardous substances. Each department has the MSDS for substances found in that department. The safety officer may be contacted for any MSDS used at MMH. Any employee working in another facility (like the prison or Fenton’s) must contact their safety officer or appropriate administrator to determine the location of MSDS in that facility. 

The MSDS tells you how to use, handle and store each substance safely. Emergency and first aid procedures are listed as well. Each MSDS may look a little different, but all give you the same basic information, which includes: 

�� Chemical identification

�� Hazardous ingredients

�� Physical/chemical characteristics

�� Fire & Explosion hazard data

�� Reactivity data

                                           �� Health Hazard Data

                                           �� Precautions for safe handling & use

                                           �� Control measures

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as gowns, gloves, masks, etc., is provided in each department. If you are an MMH employee working in another facility, you must contact the Safety Officer or appropriate administrator to locate your PPE. 

Prevent injury & illness by reading the container label and warning label for each hazardous substance you use. There should always be a label on the container, if not, don’t use it. You don’t know what is in the container. If you have questions after reading the container label or warning label, check the MSDS. The MSDS is the most detailed source of information for the hazardous substance.

Always check the container label before handling any substance. All container labels list basic warnings. Others may give more detailed precautions. Container labels may have information such as the following: 

�� Description of the substance

�� Main ingredients

�� PPE recommended while using the substance

�� List of warnings, such as “Avoid contact with skin”

�� Directions for safe use

�� What to do if your eyes or skin come in contact with the substance

�� Safe storage recommendations

�� Manufacturer’s name & address

�� Proper disposal of the container

WARNING LABELS & NFPA LABELING SYSTEM

You may see a warning label on a container or box of containers, such as a case of chemical jugs. These labels provide the most important information you need to know about the substance you are handling. 

The NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) labeling system is used by the hospital to identify chemicals transferred from original containers to portable or temporary containers. These labels are made available through the Housekeeping Department. The following is an example of the label.

 NFPA Label

The Material Data Safety Sheet (MSDS)

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

61032713          MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET              Page 1 of 2

                        MEDICAL EMERGENCIES ONLY (24 hour Service):  1-800-328-0026

                        Medical Calls from Outside of the USA:                         1-612-851-8162

PROFESSIONAL PRODUCTS                        ECOLAB INC.

370 WABASHA STREET NORTH

ST. PAUL MN 55102

1.0        IDENTIFICATION /

1.1               Product Name: QUIK-CARE

1.2               Product Type: Aerosol Alcohol Hand Sanitizer

Substances Subject to SARA 313 Reporting are Indicated by “#”

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2.0        HAZARDOUS COMPONENTS  /                                             (mg/m3)

                                                                        CAS No.             %         PEL                 TWA

2.1        Ethanol  (ethyl alcohol)              64-17-5             57         1900                 1880

3.0               PHYSICAL DATA  /

3.1        Appearance: Clear colorless liquid; alcohol odor

3.2        Solubility in Water:         Mixes with water in all proportions

3.3               pH: Not determined

3.4               Initial Boiling Point: Not determined       

4.0               FIRE AND EXPLOSION DATA / 

4.1        Special Fire Hazards: Flammable liquid. Vapors heavier than air

            can travel to ignition source.

4.2               Fire Fighting Methods: Use dry chemical, foam or carbon dioxide

4.3               Flash point: -20 deg C (-4F) for aerosol; 13 C (55F) for alcohol

5.0               REACTIVITY DATA / 

5.1        Stability: Stable under normal conditions of use and handling

6.0        SPILL OR LEAK PROCEDURES /     WEAR PROPER PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT 

6.1               Cleanup: Remove all ignition sources; ventilate. Recover free

Liquid. Add absorbent to spill area.

6.2               Waste Disposal: Do not puncture or incinerate container. Consult

State/local authority for limits on chemical waste disposal. Unused

Product is RCA ignitable (D001).

________________________________________________________________________________________________________  

901103                                                                                      Page 2 of 2

Product:   QUIK-CARE

PROFESSIONAL PRODUCTS                        ECOLAB INC.

7.0        HEALTH HAZARD DATA       /

7.1               Effects of Overexposure to Concentrate:

Eyes: Causes irritation

Skin:  Frequent or prolonged exposure may cause irritation or

Dermatitis.

If swallowed: ASPIRATION HAZARD. Small amounts of this product

aspirated into the lungs during ingestion or vomiting may cause

mild to severe pulmonary injury

If inhaled:  High air concentrations may cause breathing difficulty,

8.0        FIRST AID   /

8.1        Eyes:   Flush at once with cool running water. Remove contact lenses

            and continue flushing for 15 minutes.

8.2               If Swallowed:  Rinse mouth; then drink 1 or 2 large glasses of

Water. DO NOT induce vomiting. NEVER give anything by mouth to

an unconscious person.

8.3               If Inhaled: If affected, move to fresh air. If breathing is

difficult, administer oxygen.

IF SWALLOWED, IMMEDIATELY CALL THE MEDICAL EMERGENCY NUMBER,

1-800-328-0026, A POISON CONTRAOL CENTER, OR A PHYSICIAN

9.0               PROTECTIVE MEASURES  /

9.1        FOR CONCENTRATE:

            Eyes:  When changing aerosol canisters, eye protection recommended.

10.0            ADDITIONAL INFORMATION  /

10.1      Purpose of 05/10/1999 issue: System conversion, editorial update.

            Replaces February 9, 1999 issue.

KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN 

The above information is believed to be correct with respect to the

Formula used to manufacture the product. As data, standards, and

regulations change, and conditions of use and handling are beyond our

control, NO WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, IS MADE AS TO THE COMPLETENESS

OR CONTINUING ACCURACY OF THIS INFORMATION.