The Hazard Communication Standard was created by OSHA to protect employees by educating them about hazards they may face on the job and how to protect themselves. Progress Industries is responsible to tell all employees about the hazard communication standard, and to explain how it is being put into effect in their workplace.
Safety Data Sheets & Hazard StatementsAll P.I. employees are responsible to read safety data sheets (SDS), and follow any instruction and warnings provided about hazardous chemicals. SDS (safety data sheets) are located on PI's website, under Employee Resources.
Question 1. The Hazard Communication Standard was created to protect you.
Safety (SDS) will have a specified 16 section format:
Section 1 – Identification of the chemical and of the supplier
Section 2 – Hazard(s) identification
Section 3 – Ingredients and Composition
Section 4 – First Aid Measures
Section 5 – Fire-fighting measures
Section 6 – Accidental release measures
Section 7 – Handling and storage
Section 8 – Exposure controls/personal protection
Section 9 – Physical and chemical properties
Section 10 – Stability and reactivity
Section 11 – Toxicological information
Section 12 – Ecological information
Section 13 – Disposal considerations
Section 14 - Transportation information
Section 15 - Regulatory information
Section 16 - Other information
Hazard Ratings will be changed to rate #1 as most hazardous to #4 as least hazardous.
Question 2. SDS include:
Beginning March 2012 through June 1, 2016, a Globally Harmonized System of labeling chemicals was implemented in the U.S. This system aligns U.S. standard guidelines with the United Nations system. Chemical manufacturers and importers will provide labels that include:
1. A signal word (Danger or Warning)
2. Hazard statement based on hazard classification
3. Precautionary statements must also be provided
4. Pictogram defining hazards
Hazard Ratings will be changed to rate #1 as most hazardous to #4 as least hazardous.
Hazard Statements will be used to indicate how the product should be handled to minimize risk to the user. Hazard Statements are designated with a code starting with "H". Examples are:
1. H225 – Highly Flammable liquid and vapor
2. H302 – Harmful if swallowed
3. H312 – Harmful in contact with skin
4. H319 – Causes serious eye irritation
5. H332 – Harmful if inhaled
Five Types of Precautionary Statements will be used to advise about correct handling – General, Prevention, Response, Storage, and Disposal. Precautionary Statements are designated by a code starting with "P" and can be a combination of multiple statements. Examples are:
1. General Precautionary P103 – Read label before use
2. Prevention Precautionary 280 – Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protections/face protection
3. Response Precautionary P352 – Wash with soap and water
4. Storage Precautionary P412 – Do not expose to temperatures exceeding 112F
5. Disposal Precautionary P501 – Dispose contents to container to…
QUESTION 3: Five types of precautionary statements will be included on hazardous chemicals-general, prevention, response, storage and disposal.
Nine Pictograms will be used to convey health, physical and environmental hazards:
Question 4. A pictogram of a skull and crossbones means that the chemical
There are four ways a substance may be considered hazardous:
1. Toxic/Poisonous
2. Corrosive/Eats through things. For example, battery acid.
3. Flammable/Explosive (catch fire easily). For example, hairspray.
4. Reactive -Chemicals that burn, explode or release toxic vapors if exposed to other chemicals, heat, air or water.
Question 5. How can a substance be hazardous?
Some hazards are acute (shows up right away) and others are chronic (they develop over time). Chemicals can take three routes of entry into your body that can create health hazards.
1 - Skin and eye contact. This can cause burns, rashes, allergies, or other reactions, as well as vision problems or blindness.
2 - Inhaling. This can cause dizziness, headaches, nausea and damage to your lungs, throat or respiratory system.
3 - Swallowing. This can occur if you eat or smoke after handling chemicals without washing first.
Question 6. How can chemicals get into your body?
If someone has been exposed to a hazardous chemical call the experts. The poison control number is posted at each location. Have the chemical with you and follow basic first aid listed. If it is required to flush eyes with water, this must be done for at least 15 minutes. If a hazardous substance was inhaled move the victim to fresh air. If required, remove contaminated clothing and wash exposed skin with water for at least 15 minutes. If the chemical was swallowed immediately call the poison control center or 911 and follow directions.
Question 7. How long should you flush your eyes if exposed to chemicals?
Personal Protective Equipment
All P.I. employees are responsible to use personal protective equipment (PPE) when needed, Personal Protective Equipment will be provided to employees by Progress Industries and includes the following:
Gloves -to be worn any time employees are dealing with any type of bodily fluid or applying any type of topical med, lotion, etc. to another person. Gloves will also be worn when cleaning with certain chemicals.
Eye protection should be worn when mowing and anytime employees are dealing with chemicals when there is a chance the chemical could splatter.
Aprons will be worn while transporting any soiled linens, etc.
Question 8. Gloves should be worn when providing personal care involving bodily fluids, applying topical ointment and using chemicals.
Incident Identification and Reporting
All person served incidents will be recorded on GER’s by the employee witnessing or employee who first become aware of the incident, citing the event, the date, the individuals concerned, and the action taken. The GER must be filled out immediately upon knowledge of the incident for each individual involved. Immediately means "at the first opportunity" following such an accident or injury but no later than the end of the next calendar day after the incident for major incidents, and within 72 hours for minor incidents. For staff injuries, the incident form is completed electronically at the first opportunity following accident or injury (within in 24 hours).
Question 9: Incidents involving persons served should be:
A Minor Incident is any occurrence involving persons served that
-Results in bruising,
-Results in seizure activity
-Results in injury to self, to others, or to property,
-Constitutes a prescription medication error,
-Causes destruction of building or property,
-Constitutes an illness (for example, a temperature over 102 degrees F.)
-For ICF-ID only, all unknown incidents (bruises, cuts, missing client, a behavior that is newly exhibited and could be a danger to self or others, etc.).
-Results in the application of basic first aid.
Question 10: Minor incidents include:
Workers Compensation
If a staff member is hurt at work it must be reported to the manager and Human Resources immediately. Medical treatment must be done through one of our Workers Compensation clinics or approved hospitals. If it is an emergency or after business hours, take the person to Iowa Methodist Hospital Emergency Room in Polk County, or Mercy One Emergency Room in Jasper County. If it is not an emergency, call the nurse triage for medical care.
Workers Compensation Insurance is provided for all staff during work hours. It pays for lost time from work following a work-related accident or injury. Progress Industries will pay for the remainder of your shift on the day you are injured. The next two days, before Workers Compensation becomes available, may be used as personal leave days or vacation days. Workers Compensation begins after being off three days and is prorated based upon the person served previously established weekly wage record or a staff's weekly pay. Once Workers Compensation is available the staff may not claim any personal leave benefits.
Question 11: Workers Compensation benefits begins after being off three days.
Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders
OSHA requires all employees to be trained in ergonomic hazards to eliminate or control WMSD (work-related musculoskeletal disorders). Examples of WMSD are: sitting improperly at your desk, improper position when using your computer, etc. Signs and symptoms of WMSD are: stiff joints, sore muscles, etc while doing your work. If you experience a WMSD you are encouraged to fill out the Ergonomic and Hazard Report and turn it in to the safety committee. The safety committee will investigate and provide a response and recommended actions within 48 hours of receiving notification. The safety committee may need to do a JHA (job hazard analysis) in investigating the concern. Progress Industries will make available prompt and effective medical management whenever an employee has a WMSD, at no cost to the employee.
The safety committee is responsible for providing overall safety quality assurance. The safety committee will be responsible for policy and procedure development, provide safety training, conduct tests of safety procedures, arrange for facility inspections from persons with appropriate expertise in the safety area, and review corrective action taken. The safety committee consists of 5 employees from the bargaining unit and 5 employer representatives. Meetings are held on a monthly basis. All 24 hour sites and P.I. office buildings are inspected each quarter. Each site has access to all safety policies and procedures, which are updated annually.
Question 12. The safety committee is responsible for providing safety training and safety inspections.
