Chemical Hazard Communication (HazCom)

• Classifying and assessing department chemicals and use

• Ensuring a chemical inventory is entered into the online MyChem chemical inventory system and that SDSs are attached for each chemical in the inventory

• Ensuring staff have ready access to SDSs in the work area, either through the online MyChem system or printed copies

• Reviewing the inventory and hazards of each chemical with employees

• Determining proper engineering and administrative controls, work practices and personal protective equipment (PPE) to implement when employees work with specific chemicals

• Ensuring proper labeling of all chemical containers, storage cabinets and work areas as needed

• Ensuring development of SDS and labels for any chemical manufactured and distributed by UW personnel

• Providing training to employees and affected individuals in HazCom elements, including chemicals used in the area and their potential hazards and SDS

• Conducting job hazard analysis (JHA) and/or develop standard operating procedures (SOP) for processes and chemical use in the area that describes the hazards and safeguards

• Providing personal protective equipment PPE for employees and other individuals, where applicable

• Retraining employees and other individuals when new chemicals or procedures are introduced to the work area

• Informing contractors of chemicals and potential hazards they may encounter in their work; ensuring proper procedures are followed

• Informing contractors that they must provide UW with chemical information and SDS about chemicals they are bringing onsite to complete their work

• Reporting any accidents or injuries using the Online Accident Reporting System (OARS) 

• Asking EH&S for help if needed

• Maintaining the HazCom program, auditing it annually and updating it as needed.

• Maintaining the online MyChem chemical inventory system and centralized library of safety data sheets.

• Providing advice on chemical assessments, developing standard operating procedures and/or job hazard analyses that describe hazards and safeguards, safe use practices when working with chemicals, and personal protective equipment selection and use

• Providing training on basic HazCom; advising on area-specific HazCom training

• Conducting air and other monitoring for workplace chemicals to determine potential for exposures; if chemical concentrations exceed regulated limits, working with areas to make corrective actions and maintain exposure records

Any element, chemical compound, or mixture of elements and/or compounds; exposure to chemicals can be in a variety of forms such as: solids, liquids, gases, vapors, dusts, mists or fumes.

A chemical for which there is statistically significant evidence that acute or chronic health effects may occur

A workplace where relatively small amounts of hazardous substances are used on a nonproduction basis

A document developed by a chemical manufacturer, distributor or importer that contains hazard information for the chemical user, formerly known as MSDS, or material safety data sheet; the information includes: product identification, use restrictions, hazards identification, chemical ingredients, first-aid measures, fire-fighting measures, accidental release measures, handling & storage information, physical & chemical properties, stability and reactivity information, and toxicological information. SDSs are in a standardized, 16-section format and found online in the UW MyChem inventory system, and can also be obtained on the internet from chemical suppliers.