Hazard Communication Guide

Right-To-Know is a generic term for laws, which are effective across the United States. These laws establish basic legal rights of employees to be informed about hazardous materials on the job. The Federal regulation is called "Hazard Communication." Copies of both regulations are available at the Department of Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S). EH&S coordinates implementation of the Right-to-Know program on campus. The written Right-to-Know program details how The University will comply with the requirements of both the New York State and Federal Right-to-Know regulations. A copy of the written Right-to-Know program has been supplied to each department at the University. At Stony Brook University, all employees will be provided with information or training to become familiar with the campus Right-to-Know program and, if applicable, the nature of the hazardous chemicals and practices which exist in their workplace(s). There are several sources for hazardous information, which are explained in this fact sheet.

Employers are required to identify hazardous materials and collect or develop information relevant to health and safety considerations associated with the use or storage of such materials. Employees in such areas where hazardous materials are used or stored must receive information and training to understand the potential hazards. Hazardous materials are identified as those materials that have demonstrated adverse health effects. This regulation is not applicable to laboratories (research, educational or analytical) nor to farm use of hazardous materials if following requirements of Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) Articles and consumer commodities (if used as a typical consumer does) are not considered hazardous materials.

Applicable University Policy

EH&S Policy 4-1: Hazard Communication Right-to-Know Program

Summary of Requirements

• Hazardous materials must be inventoried and compiled into a Chemical Information List (CIL).
• CILs must be made available to appropriate emergency response personnel.
• Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) must be obtained or developed for all hazardous materials. MSDSs must be made available to employees working with hazardous materials.
• Container contents must be identified at all times.
• Container labels must not be defaced unless empty.
• Pertinent warning labels must be placed on containers of hazardous materials unless used during a single shift.
• Employees working with or near hazardous materials must receive training.
• A written Hazard Communication Program must be developed.

Training

All employees working with or near hazardous materials must receive training prior to their initial assignment. Training must include:

• Information about the nature of the physical and health hazards of chemicals in the work area.
• Methods and observations to detect the presence or release of a hazardous chemical in the work area.
• Appropriate work practices, control programs and preventive measures to avoid chemical exposure.
• Emergency procedures.
• Details of the Hazard Communication Program.
• Explanation of container labeling systems.
• Introduction and explanation of the MSDS.

Additional training is required when new hazards are introduced into the workplace, when procedure/equipment changes increase chemical exposures or when additional information becomes available.

Recordkeeping

• CILs must be maintained and kept current.
• Training records must be maintained.
• Exposure monitoring records must be maintained.

Written Program

A written Hazard Communication Program is required that includes:

• The locations of the Chemical Information List and Material Safety Data Sheets, and the procedures employees follow to gain access.
• A description of the labeling system and other forms of warning.
• How employees are provided with information about hazardous, non-routine tasks.
• How employees receive information about hazardous chemicals in unlabeled pipes.

Applicable Regulation

• 29 CFR 1910.1200: Hazard Communication

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