ethecs and compliance final

What is the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (HCS)?

A: OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200) ensures employees know about hazardous chemicals in the workplace through:

• Chemical labeling

• Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

• Employee training

• Hazard inventories

Why is HazCom called the "Right-to-Know" law?

Because employees have the right to know:

• What hazardous chemicals they work with

• Health hazards

• Protective measures

• Emergency procedures

What are the major components of HazCom?

1. Written Hazard Communication Program

2. Chemical inventory

3. Container labels

4. SDS (formerly MSDS)

5. Employee training

 What is TWA

Time waited Average exposure to a substance over an 8-hour workday and 40-hour workweek.

Example: If exposure fluctuates during the day, TWA calculates the average amount inhaled.

What is STEL?

Short-Term Exposure Limit, Maximum concentration a worker may be exposed to for:

• 15 minutes

• No more than 4 times per day

• At least 60 minutes between exposures

 What is PEL?

Permissible Exposure Limit, OSHA's legally enforceable limit for worker exposure to hazardous substances.

Purpose:
Protect workers from adverse health effects.

What is formaldehyde?

A colorless, strong-smelling chemical used in:

• Preserving specimens

• Embalming

• Manufacturing

Health effects of formaldehyde exposure?

Short-term:

• Eye irritation

• Nose irritation

• Skin burns

• Breathing difficulty

Long-term:

• Asthma

• Sensitization

• Cancer

What OSHA standard covers formaldehyde?

OSHA Formaldehyde Standard:
29 CFR 1910.1048

What is an Action Level?

Exposure level that triggers specific OSHA requirements before the PEL is reached.

Purpose:

• Medical surveillance

• Monitoring

• Training

Formaldehyde action level?

0.5 ppm TWA over 8 hours.

What are Universal Precautions?

Treat all human blood and certain body fluids as if infectious.

Why use Universal Precautions?

To prevent transmission of:

• HIV

• HBV

• HCV

• Other bloodborne pathogens

What is an exposure incident?

Specific contact with blood or potentially infectious materials through:

• Needle stick

• Splash to eyes

• Splash to mouth

• Broken skin exposure

What should happen after exposure

1. Wash area immediately

2. Report incident

3. Medical evaluation

4. Documentation

5. Follow-up care

 What is the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard?

OSHA regulation 29 CFR 1910.1030 designed to protect workers from infectious materials.

Major requirements?

• Exposure Control Plan

• Universal Precautions

• PPE

• Training

• HBV vaccination

• Sharps safety

• Recordkeeping

What is an irritant

Chemical causing temporary inflammation.

Examples:

• Ammonia

• Formaldehyde

• Symptoms:

  • Red eyes

  • Coughing

  • Skin irritation

What is a sensitizer?

Substance causing allergic reaction after repeated exposure.

Examples:

• Latex

• Formaldehyde

Symptoms:

• Asthma

• Skin rash

What is a corrosive?

Chemical that destroys tissue on contact.

Examples:

• Sulfuric acid

• Sodium hydroxide

Effects:

• Burns

• Permanent eye damage

What information is maintained in training records?

• Employee name

• Training dates

• Instructor qualifications

• Training content

 Why are training records important

• OSHA compliance

• Proof of employee education

• Documentation during inspections

What is a sharps container?

Special container for disposal of:

• Needles

• Scalpel blades

• Broken contaminated glass

Characteristics of sharps container

• Puncture resistant

• Leak proof

• Labeled biohazard

• Closable

What does IDLH mean        

Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health

A: Atmosphere that:

• Threatens life

• Causes irreversible health effects

• Prevents escape

What was SDS?

Safety Data Sheet.

Purpose of SDS?

Provides information about:

• Hazards

• Safe handling

• PPE

• First aid

• Emergency procedures

 How many sections are in SDS?

16 standardized sections.

Important sections:

1. Identification

2. Hazards

3. First Aid

4. Exposure Controls/PPE

5. Toxicological Information

 What is a chronic health hazard?

Health effect resulting from repeated or long-term exposure.

Difference between acute and chronic?

Acute = immediate effect

Chronic = develops over time

What are engineering controls?

Remove hazard at its source.

Examples:

• Ventilation systems

• Biosafety cabinets

• Fume hoods

• Safety-engineered sharps

What is PPE?

Personal Protective Equipment

Equipment worn to reduce exposure to hazards.

Examples:

• Gloves

• Gowns

• Face shields

• Safety glasses

• Respirators

 Employer responsibilities?

• Provide PPE

• Train employees

• Ensure proper use

 What is an OSHA standard

: A legally enforceable workplace safety requirement.

What is PEL?

Maximum legal amount of a substance workers may be exposed to

What is HBV?

Hepatitis B Virus

Virus that infects the liver.

 Is there a vaccine to HBV

Yes. OSHA requires employers to offer the Hepatitis B vaccine to employees with occupational exposure.

What is a preparation room?

Area where specimens are prepared, dissected, embalmed, or stored.

What are employee medical records?

Records concerning employee health and workplace exposure.

How long must records be maintained?

Duration of employment + 30 years (OSHA requirement for many exposure records).

What is a carcinogen?

Substance capable of causing cancer.

 What is the OSHA Act?

Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970.

Ensure safe and healthful working conditions for workers.

What rights do employees have under the OSHA Act

• Safe workplace

• Training

• Access to records

• Report hazards

• File complaints without retaliation

What responsibilities do employers have?

• Provide safe workplace

• Follow OSHA standards

• Train employees

• Provide PPE

• Correct hazards