Hazard Communication Program

Hazard Communication Program Notice

Free Geek has developed a Hazard Communications Program in compliance with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1200. The program is intended to provide information relevant to potentially toxic substances or harmful agents that Free Geek staff or volunteers may be exposed to during normal working conditions or during emergency situations.

The Receiving and Recycling Department Manager is responsible for the implementation and maintenance of the Hazard Communication Program, and performs annual reviews.

Hazard Communication Rules

Oregon's OSHA hazard communication rules affect all Oregon workplaces that have employees who may be exposed to hazardous chemicals. The purpose of this rule is to ensure that workers who use hazardous chemicals know why the chemicals can harm them and how to handle chemicals safely.

• OSHA review form

The list of potentially toxic substances with corresponding Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) will be maintained and updated if new substances are introduced to the workplace.

Identifying hazardous chemicals

Oregon OSHA's hazard communication rule, 1910.1200, defines a hazardous chemical as "any element, chemical compound, or mixture that is a physical hazard or health hazard". The Hazardous chemicals list identifies all hazardous chemicals used at this workplace. Detailed information about the physical and health effects of each chemical is included in a material safety data sheet; the identity of each chemical on the list matches the identity of the chemical on its material safety data sheet. Free Geek provides training to all staff when initially hired and when new substances are introduced.

The material safety data sheets are updated and managed by the Receiving and Recycling Department Manager. If a material safety data sheet is not available for a hazardous chemical, immediately notify responsible manager.

• Sample letter request MSDS
• Sample letter request Correction MSDS

Training employees about chemical hazards

Before they start their jobs or are exposed to new hazardous chemicals, employees must attend a hazard communication class that covers the following topics:

• An overview of the requirements in Oregon OSHA’s hazard communication rules.
• Hazardous chemicals present in their workplace.
• The written hazard communication plan, and where it may be reviewed.
• How to read labels and review material safety data sheets.
• Physical and health effects of the hazardous chemicals.
• Methods used to determine the presence or release of hazardous chemicals in the work area.
• How to reduce or prevent exposure to these hazardous chemicals through use of control/work practices and personal protective equipment.
• Steps we have taken to reduce or prevent exposure to these chemicals.
• Emergency procedures to follow if an employee is exposed to these chemicals.
• After attending the training, employees will sign a form verifying that they understand the above topics and how the topics are related to the hazard communication plan.

Informing employees who do special tasks

Before employees perform special (non-routine) tasks that may expose them to hazardous chemicals, an Safety Committee member will inform them about potential chemicals’ hazards. The Safety Committee member also will inform them about how to control exposure and what to do in an emergency. Examples of special tasks that may expose employees to hazardous chemicals include the following:

• sorting batteries
• cleaning up a CFL/fluorescent light spill
• cleaning up a mercury spill from household item
• moving a CRT monitor with compromised glass, cleaning up spilled glass

Warning Labels