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 ORS - Hazard Communication

Hazard Communication Program

9.0 HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INFORMATION FOR CONTRACTORS 

The OSHA HCS requires Northwestern University to inform contractors about the University's Hazard Communication Program. The term contractor means any employer and his personnel working on a contractual basis with the University. Any work that contractors perform at the University must follow all applicable OSHA regulations. Department heads must supply contractors with a copy of the form Hazard Communication Program for Outside Contractors (Appendix D). 

9.1 Departmental Responsibilities 

Department heads must inform contractors about the hazardous chemicals used or stored in their workplace to which the contractor's employees may be exposed. Department heads must provide the following information to contractors: 

  • on-site access to an MSDS for each hazardous chemical to which the contractor's employees may be exposed while working in the department 
  • any precautionary measures that need to be taken to protect the contractor's employees during the department's normal operating conditions and in foreseeable emergencies 
  • labeling systems used in the department 

9.2 Reducing Employee and Community Risk to Chemical Exposure 

If the department head or ORS determines that the contracted work places the University or the community at risk from exposure to hazardous chemicals, contractors must adequately reduce that risk. The contractor must use the following measures to reduce faculty, staff, student, and community exposures to hazardous materials: 

  • use break-resistant containers to transport, store, and use chemicals 
  • label all chemical containers with the chemical identity and hazard warnings 
  • provide ORS and client department access to MSDSs for all chemicals used at the work site 
  • properly dispose of all hazardous waste created at the work site 
  • contact the client department for safety information specific to the work site 

[ Up ] [ 1.0 Introduction ] [ 2.0 Responsibilities ] [ 3.0 Hazardous Chemical Definition ] [ 4.0 Training and Information ] [ 5.0 Material Safety Data Sheets ] [ 6.0 Labeling and Other Warnings ] [ 7.0 Workplace Hazardous Chemical List ] [ 8.0 Hazards of Nonroutine Tasks ] [ 9.0 Hazardous Materials Information for Contractors ] [ 10.0 Laboratory Requirements ] [ 11.0 Annual Chemical Inventory ] [ 12.0 Safety Desk Book ]

Internal ORS Links: What's New | Emergency Response | Administration | Biological Safety | Chemical Safety | Hazard Communication | Laboratory Safety | New to NU? | Radiation Safety

External ORS Links: Northwestern Home | Vice President for Research | Big 10 EH&S Links | Risk Management | Employee Safety Handbook

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Last Revision 05/16/2007
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