Hazardous Substance
Issue # 67
August, 11, 2008
Section 5194 of the General Industry Safety Orders addresses Hazard Communications and requires all employers to provide information to their employees about the hazardous substances tow which they may be exposed. This section applies to any hazardous substance which is known to be present in the work place in such a manner that employees may be exposed under normal conditions of use or in a reasonably foreseeable emergency resulting from work place operations.
Consumer Products
I am often asked if the type of products typically found under the sink qualify as a hazardous substance. When reading this section, it says that it does not apply to:
"Consumer products packaged for distribution to, and use by, the general public, provided that employee exposure to the product is not significantly greater than the consumer exposure occurring during the principal consumer use of the product".
Written Program
Employers should be aware that this section requires them to "develop, implement, and maintain at the workplace a written hazard communication program for their employees which at least describes how the criteria specified for labels and other forms of warning, material safety data sheets, and employee information and training will be met".
Employee Information and Training
This section goes on to say that "Employer shall provide employees with effective information and training on hazardous substances in their work area at the time of their initial assignment, and whenever a new hazard is introduced into their work area".
Kempkey Insurance Services goes beyond insurance by designing and implementing risk management programs for growth oriented businesses. We help our clients maximize the value of their insurance dollars and minimize their potential for unwanted surprises. Ed Kempkey can be contacted at (888) 536-7539 extension 2188, or at ed@kempkey.com .