Hazard Communication Program (RMS-4, Rev. 2)CIT Y O F DE L R AY BEA C H
EM P LO YEE SAFETY MAN UAL
DEPARTMENT:
SUBJECT:
REVISION:
APPROVED BY:
PURPOSE
Risk Management
Hazard Communication Program
POLICY NUMBER:
SUPERSEDES:
VE DATE:
RMS-4
RMS-4 Rev.1
05/24/2023
Terrence R.Moore,ICMA-CM,City Manager
The following Hazard Communication Program,more commonly known as Right-To-Know,has been established
to ensure that effective procedures are maintained to safeguard employees who handle "hazardous chemicals".
Hazardous chemicals are any liquids,solids or gases which pose a health hazard (i.e.,if inhaled or absorbed
through the skin)or a physical hazard (i.e.,acids or caustics).All Departments whose employees handle
hazardous chemicals will participate in this Program.A copy of this written Program is available online on the
City's website.
POLICY
A.Each Department Head is responsible for the administration of this Program as it applies to the Department's
various Divisions.This includes the development and maintenance of procedures which are specific to the
various Divisions'operations and adhere,at a minimum,to the requirements of this Program.
B.Each Department Head will designate a Program Coordinator for the Department or for each Division.The
Program Coordinator(s)will then be trained in all aspects of this Program by the City's Safety Coordinator
and will subsequently be responsible for ensuring that the requirements of this Program are met.The
Program Coordinator(s)will conduct their activities in concurrence with the Department Heads,Division
Heads,and their supervisors,and with the assistance of the City's Safety Coordinator as warranted.
C.For the convenience of the Program Coordinator(s),appendices are attached to allow for compliance with
the requirements of this Program.Any Department/Division may use other (existing)documentation
providing it meets the intent of these appendices.
PROCEDURE
A.HAZARDOUS CHEMICAL LISTS
1.From an inventory list of all chemicals handled within a Department/Division (see attached Chemical
Inventory List -Appendix "A"),the Program Coordinator(s)is responsible for the development and
maintenance of current listings of the hazardous chemicals handled by employees within their respective
Divisions -see Appendix "B"(Hazardous Chemical List)attached.The chemical or common names of
the hazardous chemicals and the names and phone numbers of the chemical manufacturers must be
indicated on the hazardous chemical lists.
Hazardous chemicals can be identified by reviewing the chemical containers'labeling,the chemical
suppliers'invoices and especially the chemicals'SOS (Safety Data Sheets).The Health Hazard section
of the SOS should provide the information necessary to make this determination, as will be explained in
the next section. If difficulty is encountered in making this determination, the City's Safety Coordinator
shall be contacted for assistance. If at this point there is still doubt, the chemical will be treated as being
hazardous.
2.To maintain current lists, supervisors will inform the applicable Program Coordinator regarding any new
chemicals that are received as soon as possible, preferably the same day that the chemicals are received.
The Program Coordinator will then review the SOS, etc. for these chemicals to determine if they are
hazardous, adding those chemicals that are hazardous to the hazardous chemical lists. Likewise, the
Program Coordinator will delete from the lists any hazardous chemicals which are no longer used.
C.HAZARD COMMUNICATION STANDARD
The federal Hazard Communication Standard, revised in 2012, now requires chemical manufacturers,
distributors, and importers to provide new Safety Data Sheets (SOS) in a uniform format that includes the section
numbers, headings, and associated information below.
Section 1 - Identification identifies the chemical on the SDS as well as the recommended uses. It also provides
the essential contact information of the supplier.
Section 2-Hazard(s) identification includes the hazards of the chemical and the appropriate warning information
associated with those hazards.
Section 3 -Composition/information on ingredients identifies the ingredient(s) contained in the product indicated
on the SOS, including impurities and stabilizing additives. This section includes information on substances,
mixtures, and all chemicals where a trade secret is claimed.
Section 4 - First-aid measures describes the initial care that should be given by untrained responders to an
individual who has been exposed to the chemical.
Section 5 - Fire-fighting measures lists recommendations for fighting a fire caused by the chemical, including
suitable extinguishing techniques, equipment, and chemical hazards from fire.
Section 6-Accidental release measures provides recommendations on the appropriate response to spills, leaks,
or releases, including containment and cleanup practices to prevent or minimize exposure to people, properties,
or the environment. It may also include recommendations distinguishing between responses for large and small
spills where the spill volume has a significant impact on the hazard.
Section 7 - Handling and storage provides guidance on the safe handling practices and conditions for safe
storage of chemicals, including incompatibilities.
Section 8 - Exposure controls/personal protection indicates the exposure limits, engineering controls, and
personal protective equipment (PPE) measures that can be used to minimize worker exposure.
Section 9 - Physical and chemical properties identifies physical and chemical properties associated with the
substance or mixture.
Section 10 - Stability and reactivity describes the reactivity hazards of the chemical and the chemical stability
information. This section is broken into 3 parts: reactivity, chemical stability, and other.
Section 11 -Toxicological information identifies toxicological and health effects information or indicates that such
data are not available. This includes routes of exposure, related symptoms, acute and chronic effects, and
numerical measures of toxicity.
Section 12 -Ecological information provides information to evaluate the environmental impact of the chemical(s)
if it were released to the environment.
Section 13-Disposal considerations provides guidance on proper disposal practices,recycling or reclamation
of the chemical(s)or its container,and safe handling practices.To minimize exposure,this section should also
refer the reader to Section 8 (Exposure Controls/Personal Protection)of the SDS.
Section 14-Transport information includes guidance on classification information for shipping and transporting
of hazardous chemical(s)by road,air,rail,or sea.
Section 15-Regulatory information identifies the safety,health,and environmental regulations specific for the
product that is not indicated anywhere else on the SOS.
Section 16-Other information indicates when the SOS was prepared or when the last known revision was made.
The SOS may also state where the changes have been made to the previous version.You may wish to contact
the supplier for an explanation of the changes.
HazCom/GHS (Globally Harmonized System Pictograms)
Health Hazard Flame Exclamation Mark
@>@>
Aspiration Toxicity Emits Flammable Gas Irritant (Skin &Eye)
Carcinogen Flammables Acute Toxicity (Harmful)
Mutagenicity Organic Peroxides Narcotic Effects
Reproductive Toxicity Pyrophorics Skin Sensitizer
Respiratory Sensitizer Self-Heating Respiratory Tract Irritant
Target Organ Toxicity Self-Reactive Hazardous to Ozone Layer
Non-Mandatory for HazCom)
Corrosion
Skin Corrosion /Burns
Eye Damage
Corrosive to Metals
Skull &Crossbones
Acute Toxicity
Fatal or Toxic)
Gas Cylinder
Gases Under Pressure
Flame Over Circle
Oxidizers
Exploding Bomb
Explosives
Self-Reactives
Organic Peroxides
Environment
Non-Mandatory for HazCom)
Aquatic Toxicity
D.SAFETY DATA SHEETS
1.Program Coordinators are responsible for the development and maintenance of their respective
Department's/Division's current,master SOS file for all hazardous chemicals handled by employees
within their DepartmenUDivision.If a chemical is received without an SOS,the applicable Program
Coordinator will request one from the chemical supplier or the chemical manufacturer.
2.Program Coordinators will first ensure that the SOS for all incoming chemicals are properly identified with
the corresponding chemical or common names that appear on the chemical products'container labels.
Program Coordinators will then evaluate the SOS to determine if the chemicals are hazardous.If the
chemicals are hazardous,Program Coordinators will then review the SOS to make sure that they clearly
explain the hazards presented by the chemicals and the safety precautions which must be taken by
employees who handle the chemicals.See attached Appendix "C"(Safety Data Sheets)for information
concerning the use of same.Program Coordinators will then ensure that the SOS are given to each
applicable division and that the hazards and safety precautions information (including requirements for
personal protective equipment)is communicated to all employees via the employees'supervisors within
those Divisions.Hazardous chemicals must not be handled by employees until they have received and
read this information.
3.Program Coordinators will ensure that SOS are maintained in a separate binder by each Division within
their respective Department for all chemicals listed on the Division's hazardous chemical list.
4.A copy of all applicable SOS will be readily accessible in each Division for review by all employees during
each work shift.If an SOS is not available for a chemical that is being handled,the applicable Program
Coordinator must be promptly notified.
E.CONTAINER LABELING
1.Program Coordinators,in conjunction with the applicable supervisors,will ensure that each incoming
hazardous chemical container (primary container)is clearly labeled as to its contents,is identified with
the proper hazard warnings and that the label and hazard warnings are not removed or defaced.
2.Program Coordinators and applicable supervisors will also ensure that each secondary hazardous
chemical container (containing a chemical dispensed from a primary container)is labeled and identified
in a similar manner by either attaching a copy of the primary container's label and hazard warnings,or
attaching a National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)704 Diamond Label with the appropriate hazard
rating information and applicable chemical or common name noted -see Appendix "D"(Container
Labeling Information)attached.The hazard ratings,if not included in the primary container labeling
information,can be obtained from the applicable SOS.Program Coordinators and applicable supervisors
will further ensure that the label and hazard warnings on each secondary container are not removed or
defaced.Exception -A secondary container need not be labeled if the chemical in the container is
intended only for the immediate use of the employee who dispensed the chemical into the container.
3.Program Coordinators will ensure that all container labeling information is given to each applicable
Division and that the hazards and safety precautions information on the labels is communicated to all
employees via the employees'supervisors within those Divisions.Hazardous chemicals must not be
handled by employees until they have received and read this information.
F.HAZARDOUS NON-ROUTINE TASKS
On occasions,some employees may be required to perform hazardous non-routine tasks.Examples of such
tasks include confined space entry (see the City's Confined Space Entry Program)for various repair or
maintenance activities;tank cleaning;and,structure or vessel painting,etc.When the need arises to conduct a
hazardous non-routine task,the applicable supervisors will meet with all affected employees,prior to any work
activity,to inform the employees of any hazardous chemicals they will use or may encounter.During this
meeting,the supervisors will provide details concerning the hazardous chemicals,the safety procedures that will
be utilized,the personal protective equipment that will be used and what special precautions that will be taken
to eliminate or reduce the hazards associated with the task.To maintain good channels of communication,each
Program Coordinator will maintain on file,by Division,cumulative listings of these hazardous non-routine tasks
see Appendix "E"(Hazardous Non-Routine Tasks)attached.
G.CHEMICALS IN PIPES
1.At various times,employees may perform work on pipes and related equipment (pumps and valves,etc.)
which transfer chemicals.Prior to starting work on this equipment,affected employees must contact their
respective supervisors for information concerning the chemicals in the pipes,the potential hazards
associated with these chemicals and specific safety precautions that must be taken by the employees.
2.Piping and related equipment which transfer "hazardous chemicals"must be conspicuously labeled as to
their contents.If there are any questions regarding such piping,employees must not begin work until the
piping contents have been properly identified and the employees have met with their respective
supervisors.
H.INFORMING CONTRACTORS
Program Coordinators are responsible for the communication of information concerning this Program to
Contractors who may occasionally work at City facilities.This information must include a list of hazardous
chemicals that Contractors may expect to encounter,the SOS for these chemicals,a description of the City's
container labeling system and special precautions that should be taken by the Contractors to protect their
employees.Likewise,Contractors are required to provide the City's Program Coordinators with similar
information concerning their use of hazardous chemicals which are needed to do the contracted work and their
Hazard Communication Programs,so that this information can be passed on to affected City employees and
other affected Contractors.
I.EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
Program Coordinators,in conjunction with the applicable supervisors,are responsible for the development and
maintenance of emergency procedures for such incidents as:employee overexposure;chemical spills or
releases;and chemically induced fires or explosions.Emphasis will be placed on employee safety by making
employees knowledgeable concerning:The presence of chemical spills or releases (via odor,color and
appearance);When and how to seek medical attention if the symptoms of chemical overexposure are felt;and,
What emergency procedures (getting out of harm's way,etc.)to follow in the event of a chemical spill/release or
a chemically-induced fire/explosion.Safety of the general public and the preservation of property will also be
emphasized.The information on the hazardous chemicals'container labeling and the SOS will be used as a
basis for the development of these procedures.Program Coordinators and applicable supervisors will
communicate these procedures to all affected employees.
J.EMPLOYEE TRAINING
1.All employees who handle hazardous chemicals will be trained initially in the following areas:
An overview of the requirements contained in this Hazard Communication Program.
A listing of the hazardous chemicals handled in the employees'work area.
A description of the health and physical hazards associated with these chemicals.
The symptoms of overexposure to these chemicals.
How to interpret hazardous chemical container labels and SOS to obtain hazard and first aid
information,etc.
Methods by which employees can recognize the presence or release of hazardous chemicals in the
work area such as the visual appearance or odor of hazardous chemicals when being released.
Methods to use to prevent or reduce the exposure to hazardous chemicals such as the use of safe
work practices,personal protective equipment,and emergency procedures.
Emergency procedures to follow in the event of employee overexposure,hazardous chemical
spills/releases,or chemically induced fire/explosions.
How employees can access this Program and applicable SOS.
2.Program Coordinators will ensure that the above-mentioned training is provided,via verbal instruction
and the use of a provided training video,for all employees who handle hazardous chemicals.See the
attached Employee Training Outline and Training Documentation Form (Appendix "F"and "G",
respectively}.
3.Periodically thereafter,at the discretion of the Program Coordinators,this Programs'requirements should
be reviewed with such employees.
K.REFERENCE
OSHA Standard 1910.1200 is a federal government regulation which can be referenced for Hazard
Communication information.
Appendix
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
HAZARD COMMUNICATION PROGRAM
APPENDICES"
Contents
Chemical Inventory List
Hazardous Chemical List
Safety Data Sheets
Container Labeling Information
Hazardous Non-Routine Tasks
Employee Training Outline
Training Documentation Form
Employee Quick Reference
Depart m ent:
Program Coordinator:
Appendix "A"
CITY OF DELRAY BEACH
Hazard Communication Program -Right-To-Know
Chemical Inventory List
I Division:
I Date:
C hem ical or Com m on Nam e Division(s)Hazardous Chemical
Yes/No
The chemical or common name that appears on the product's container label.For cross-referencing purposes,this name must be
indicated on the corresponding SDS.
Department:
Program Coordinator:
Appendix "B"
CITY OF DELRAY BEACH
Hazard Communication Program -Right-To-Know
Hazardous Chem ical List
I Division:
I Date:
Chemical or Common Name Manufacturer
Name/Phone Number
The chemical or common name that appears on the product's container label.For cross-referencing purposes,this name must be
indicated on the corresponding SOS.
Appendix "C"
CITY OF DELRAY BEACH
Hazard Communication Program -Right-To-Know
Safety Data Sheets
Safety data she ets (SD S)pro vid e info rm atio n that the m an ufa cturer of a chem ical pro duct co nsiders necessary
fo r the em p lo yer to determ in e w hat che m icals are in the pro duct and w hat steps to take to pro tect em ployees
w ho hand le the pro d u ct.
A ltho ug h SD S fr o m diff erent so u rces m ay loo k very diff erent,they all co ntain the sam e basic type of info rm atio n.
W h ile SD S m ay lo o k co m p licated (they contain a lot of techn ical language and data),the info rm atio n you need
to id e ntify an d un d e rstan d is relatively easy to interpret.
SD S are divid e d into sectio ns no rm ally beginning w ith the chem ical and com m o n nam es of the product.
A n im p o rtant sectio n to be aw are of is usually called Health Hazards.This secti o n info rm s you of any health
dan gers asso ciated w ith the pro d u ct usage and w hat occurs if you are overexpo sed to the pro duct.
The First A id secti o n is also im p o rtant since it co nveys the em e rgency steps to take if you or another em ployee
sho u ld be aff ected by th e che m icals in the prod uct.
Reco m m e nd ati o ns fo r perso n al safety eq uip m ent and pro cedu re usage are listed in the Pro tective Equipm ent
secti o n .This secti o n tells yo u ho w to protect yourself fr o m overexposure w he n w o rking w ith or near the
pro d uct.
O the r secti o n s tell yo u w hat the pro duct lo o ks,sm e lls,and feels like,how to safely hand le or store the pro duct
an d w hat hap pe n s to the pro d u ct in the event of a fire.
By takin g ti m e to read an SD S,yo u can find the info rm ati o n that you need to und erstand the product's associated
hazards an d ho w to pro tect yo u rse lf w hile using the pro d uct.
Flam m ab ility
He alth
Reacti vity
Sp eci al No ti ce
Co lo r Coding
Red -Flam m ab ility
Blue -Health
Yello w -Reacti vity
W hite -Speci al N o ti ce
Appendix "D"
CIT Y O F D EL RA Y BEA CH
Hazard Com m unication Program -Right-To-Know
Container Labeling Information
SA M PLE)
N FP A 704 D IA M O N D LA B EL
Hazard Rating
4 -Extrem e
3-Serious
2-M oderate
1-Slight
0 -M inim al
Department:
Program Coordinator:
Appendix "E"
CITY OF DELRAY BEACH
Hazard Communication Program -Right-To-Know
Hazardous Non-Routine Tasks
I Division:
I Date:
Task Chemical Exposure
Appendix "E"
CITY OF DELRAY BEACH
Hazard Communication Program -Right-To-Know
Em p lo ye e T ra in in g O u tline
I:Explain the reason for a Hazard Communication Program and the City's policy.
II:Show the provided video.
Ill:Provide each employee with a copy of this Program (with appendices)and the Department's and/or Division's
procedures for Hazard Communication.
IV:Review this Program's requirements:
A.Hazardous Chemical Lists:
Explain why and how hazardous chemical lists are developed.
Review the manner by which the lists are maintained current.
Show the employees lists of hazardous chemicals handled within their Divisions.
B.Safety Data Sheets (SDS):
Provide each employee with a copy of Appendix "C"(Safety Data Sheets).
Give each employee a copy of all SDS for hazardous chemicals handled within their respective Division.
Review each SDS emphasizing the information which would be most helpful to employee's health hazards,
flammability,reactivity,recommended personal protective equipment,recommended safety procedures
and first aid activities.
Explain the symptoms of overexposure to the above noted hazardous chemicals.
C.Container Labeling:
Stress the importance of hazardous chemical primary and secondary container labeling (a valuable source
of information regarding health and physical hazards,recommended safety procedures and personal
protective equipment use,etc.).
Provide each employee with a copy of container labels for all hazardous chemicals handled within their
respective Division and review all important labeling information.
Give each employee a copy of Appendix "D"(Container Labeling Information).Review the sample NFPA
704 Diamond Label to include color coding and hazard rating information.
D.Hazardous Non-Routine Tasks:
As described in this Program and the Department's/Divisions'procedures,review the activities that are
required prior to conducting hazardous non-routine tasks.
Stress that employees must attend a pre-task meeting with their supervisors.
E.Chemicals in Pipes:
Review the requirements,as summarized in this Program and the Department's/Divisions'procedures,
for working in areas where hazardous chemicals are transferred through pipes.
F.Emergency Procedures:
Explain the methods used to detect the presence of chemicals (odor,color,and appearance,etc.).
Review the Department's/Division's procedures for such emergencies as:employee overexposure to
hazardous chemicals;chemical spills or releases;and chemically induced fires or explosions.Stress the
importance of these procedures from the standpoint of employee safety,safety of the general public and
the preservation of property.
G.Emphasize the Following Rules:
Employees must never handle or work in the immediate vicinity of chemicals unless they have:received
instructions from you or their supervisor regarding the hazards associated with the chemicals and the
appropriate safety precautions to take;and have reviewed the container labels and SDS for the subject
chemical products.
Employees must always follow established safety procedures and use appropriate personal protective
equipment when handling or working in the immediate vicinity of hazardous chemicals.
V.Review the Department's/Division's procedures for hazard communication.
VI.Summarize.
VII.Give each employee a copy of the Employee Quick Reference sheet (Appendix "H").
VIII.Allow time for questions and answers.
Appendix "G"
CITY OF DELRAY BEACH
Hazard Communication Program -Right-To-Know
Training Documentation Form
Department:
Instructor (Program Coordinator):
I Division:
I Date of Training:
Topic Discussed:Hazard Communication Program
Employees in Attendance:
Name (print)Signature
Appendix "H"
CITY OF DELRAY BEACH
Hazard Communication Program -Right-To-Know
Employee Quick Reference
Note:The information in this Appendix is for reference only.Employees must be already
trained and knowledgeable concerning each bulleted item.
Prior to handling or working near chemicals
Your supervisor will instruct you regarding the safety procedures and personal protective equipment to use.
Read the chemical containers'labels and the chemicals'material safety data sheets for information regarding
hazards and precautionary measures.
Double-check with your supervisor if you are in doubt.
While handling or working near chemicals
Follow established safety procedures and use appropriate personal protective equipment.
Be aware of the presence of chemicals (spills or release)via odor,color,and appearance.
Contact your supervisor and/or seek medical attention if you feel symptoms of chemical overexposure.
In the event of an emergency incident such as a chemical spill,a chemical release or a chemically induces
fire/explosion,get out of harm's way and follow emergency procedures.
Hazardous non-routine tasks
Contact your supervisor and attend a pre-task meeting.
Use safety procedures and personal protective equipment recommended at the meeting.
Chemicals in pipes
Prior to working on pipes and related equipment (pumps and valves,etc.)which transfer chemicals,contact
your supervisor for information concerning the chemicals in the pipes,the hazards associated with these
chemical and specific safety precautions that must be taken.
IMPORTANT:Never handle or work in the immediate vicinity of chemicals before you have spoken to your supervisor or
the Program Coordinator regarding the property safety procedures and personal protective equipment to use and have
reviewed the chemicals'labeling information and safety data sheets.Always follow established safety procedures and
use recommended personal protective equipment.