MSDSs
Hazard Communication Program
The Northwestern University Hazard Communication Program ensures compliance with federal, state, and local laws governing the use and storage of hazardous chemicals. The program at Northwestern covers all departments in the University. It is designed to provide information and instruction to faculty, staff, and students on the hazards associated with the chemicals in their workplace so that they may make informed judgments regarding the precautions necessary to protect themselves.
The senior vice president for business and finance and the vice president for research have assigned direct responsibility for compliance with the Hazard Communication Program to deans and department heads. The Office for Research Safety (ORS) has been assigned to coordinate the University's overall compliance effort.
The Hazard Communication Program is based on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration Hazard Communication Standard (OSHA HCS) and the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act, Title III (SARA Title III). These are generally referred to as "right-to-know" laws.
The OSHA HCS applies to employers and employees. The University program additionally requires that the same chemical safety information be given to students who may come into contact with hazardous chemicals in the course of their academic work. Full text of the OSHA HCS is on file in ORS and will be made available upon request.
A glossary of terms, abbreviations, and acronyms is provided in Appendix A of this document.
1.1 Occupational Safety and Health Administration Hazard Communication Standard
The OSHA HCS, Title 29 Code of Federal Regulations 1910.1200, is designed to ensure that the hazards of all chemicals produced in or imported to the United States are evaluated and that information concerning their hazards is transmitted to employers and employees. The OSHA HCS covers chemicals in all physical forms--liquids, solids, gases, vapors, fumes, and mists--whether they are contained or not. The OSHA HCS achieves its purpose by requiring chemical manufacturers and importers to evaluate the chemicals they produce or import to determine if they are hazardous. Chemicals determined to be hazardous must have a comprehensive material safety data sheet (MSDS) and warning labels for chemical containers. The MSDS and labels shall be prepared by the chemical manufacturer or importer. The MSDS and labels must accompany a hazardous chemical shipped from the manufacturer or importer.
The OSHA HCS requires the employer to develop a written hazard communication program and provide information and training to employees about the hazardous chemicals in the workplace. This document serves as the University's written hazard communication program. The OSHA HCS establishes three important informational requirements: labels, MSDSs, and employee training. Labels provide a brief statement of the hazards associated with the chemical. MSDSs provide more comprehensive technical information on the hazardous chemical. They serve as reference documents for exposed employees as well as health professionals providing services to these employees. Employee training ensures that employees understand the information provided by labels and MSDSs, know where and how to obtain this information, and are aware of the proper protective measures and emergency procedures to follow.
1.2 EPA Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act, Title III
The essential purpose of SARA Title III is to assure that information regarding hazardous chemicals is made available to emergency response agencies and the general public. See section 11.0 for more information.
Internal ORS Links: What's New | Emergency Response | Administration | Biological Safety | Chemical Safety | Hazard Communication | Laboratory Safety | New to NU? | Radiation Safety
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ORS - Evanston • 2145 Sheridan Road • Tech NG71
• Evanston, IL 60208
ORS - Chicago • 303 E. Chicago Avenue • Ward B106 W223 •
Chicago, IL 60611
Phone 847/491-5581 or 312/503-8300 • FAX 847/467-2797 or 312/503-0547
e-mail researchsafety@northwestern.edu
Last Revision 05/16/2007
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