Hazard Communication FAQ

Hazard Communication FAQ

• What is the Hazard Communications Standard?

  The Hazard Communication Standard   requires employers to establish hazard communication programs to transmit information on the hazards of chemicals to their employees by means of labels on containers, material safety data sheets, and training programs. Implementation of these hazard communication programs will ensure that all employees have the "right-to-know" the hazards and identities of the chemicals they work with, and will reduce the incidence of chemically - related occupational illnesses and injuries. This policy is enforced by OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

• What is a Material Safety Data Sheet (SDS)?

  An SDS is a written document produced by the chemical manufacturer or importer that includes important information about a chemical including:

  • The chemical identity
  • Physical and chemical characteristics
  • Physical and health hazards
  • Medical conditions which are aggravated by exposure to the chemical
  • The primary route(s) of entry into the body
  • Relevant exposure limits
  • Whether the hazardous chemical is listed in the Report on Carcinogensby the National Toxicology Program (NTP) .
  • Precautions for safe handling
  • Procedures for clean-up of spills 
  • Control measures
  • Emergency and first aid procedures
  • Date of preparation/update of the SDS
  • Name, address and telephone number of the chemical manufacturer

  For a detailed description of SDS's view the Hazard Communication Standard - 1910.1200.

• Do I need to use an SDS?

  SDS's are useful documents and should be used as reference for any questions that you may have concerning a chemical that is used in your workplace. Duke University is required to provide access to SDS's for hazardous chemicals that employees use while at work. 

• Which chemicals require an SDS?

  Every hazardous chemical that is in use in the workplace requires an SDS. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration defines a hazardous chemical as "any chemical which is a health hazard or a physical hazard ". Some materials do not require an SDS.

• Which substances do not require an SDS?

  SDS's are not required for any of the following items or chemicals:

  • Chemicals that are not considered by OSHA to be "hazardous". (Note: you will never get in trouble for having an SDS you don't need, so it is always better to be safe than sorry.)
  • "Articles" such as a carpet or chair. 
  • Hazardous waste as defined by the Solid Waste Disposal Act of 1976 (a.k.a., RCRA, Title II, Subpart D). 
  • Hazardous substances defined in the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act. (CERCLA). 
  • Pesticides defined in the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). 
  • Laboratory chemicals defined in Occupational Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals in Laboratories . (Note: if you work in a laboratory and receive an SDS when a chemical is shipped to you, you are required to retain the SDS and make it available to employees.) 
  • Food and alcoholic beverages
  • Tobacco or tobacco products
  • Wood or wood products
  • Cosmetics
  • Nuisance particulates that do not pose any physical or health hazard
  • Ionizing and non ionizing radiation
  • Biological hazards
  • Drugs in solid, final form for direct administration to the patient. (For example, tablets, pills, and capsules.)
  • Drugs which are packaged by the chemical manufacturer for sale to consumers in retail establishments or those for personal consumption such as included in first aid cabinets. 

• Do pharmaceuticals require an SDS?

  SDS are required for all drugs defined under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act except for drugs in solid, final form for direct administration to the patient (i.e., tablets, pills, capsules). 

• What should I do with SDS hard copies from a chemical manufacturer?

  Whenever you order a new chemical the chemical distributor has the responsibility to provide you with a Materials Safety Data Sheet. Keep the original copy of this document for your department's SDS collection and please fax (681-5916) or mail (Box 3914) a photocopy of the complete SDS to the Occupational and Environmental Safety Office.

• What are my SDS responsibilities?

  The Duke University Safety Manual outlines the following responsibilities regarding SDSs:

• Departments shall:

  • Develop and maintain an up-to-date inventory of all chemical products used in departmental work areas.
  • Maintain Material Safety Data Sheets for all hazardous chemicals listed on the inventory.
  • Ensure that SDS's are readily accessible to employees during all hours that employees work in the area.
  • Prepare SDS's for chemical products formulated or manufactured by their department.

• Supervisors shall:

  • Conduct site-specific on-the-job training for chemical substances used in their workplaces. Supervisors must train employees before they begin work with any new chemical: at orientation and when new chemicals are introduced into the work area.
  • Review the hazard information on all new chemical products brought into the workplace.
  • Request additional information from OESO as necessary.

• OESO shall:

  • Conduct general Hazard Communication Training as part of employee orientation.
  • Maintain a master archive of SDS's for distribution to users.
  • Assist departments in the preparation of SDS's.

• Contractors who bring hazardous chemicals onto Duke University property shall:

  • Make the Hazard Communication Program available for review at the work site.
  • Maintain an up-to-date hazardous chemical inventory, and all corresponding SDS's.
  • Be aware of all information contained in the Contractor Safety Guidebook.

• What are my labeling requirements?

  OSHA requires that the label include the identity, name and address of the manufacturer or distributor, and appropriate hazard warnings.

  The identity is any term that appears on the label, the SDS, and the list of hazardous chemicals , and thus links these three sources of information. The identity used by the supplier may be a common or trade name ("Black Magic Formula"), or a chemical name (1,1,1-trichloroethane). 

  The hazard warning is a brief statement of the hazardous effects of the chemical ("flammable," "causes lung damage"). Labels frequently contain other information, such as precautionary measures ("do not use near open flame"), but this information is provided voluntarily and is not required by the rule.

  Labels must be legible, with required information appearing in English and other languages understood by employees. Labels should be prominently displayed on the container. There are no specific requirements for size or color, or any specified text.

  If employees transfer chemicals into a secondary container, this container must also be labeled as indicated above with the following exceptions:

  • If the employee who transfers the chemical into the secondary container will use ALL of it during that work shift and before leaving the work area, the container does not have to be labeled.
  • If the container will not leave the work area, the label is required to have the identity and hazard warning but does not need the manufacturer's name and address.

• What is a list of hazardous chemicals?

  As part of the Written Hazard Communication Program, OSHA requires employers to maintain a list of the hazardous chemicals known to be present. You should use the identity that is referenced on the appropriate material safety data sheet. The list may be compiled for the workplace as a whole or for individual work areas.

• How do I find an SDS?

  • Determine the manufacturer of the substance that you are using.
  • Click on the direct link to that manufacturer if available.
  • If the manufacturer's name is not displayed then search through the additional sources list of SDSs.
  • Follow the web site search links to retrieve the SDS that you require.

• What if I cannot find the SDS that I am looking for?

  If after searching through our links you cannot find the SDS you are looking for: Submit a request on-line. If an SDS is required immediately for an SDS emergency contact the OESO at 919-684-5996.