HAZARDOUS MATERIALS &

WASTES
Knowledge of the proper
procedures in the special
handling, use, storage, and
disposal of hazardous materials
(HAZMATs) and wastes.

.it is difficult to avoid

hazardous waste in our
everyday lives.
TYPES OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

INFECTIOUS SUBSTANCES
Some infectious substances (such as some viruses) can be transmitted by
blood and other body fluids, equipment, containers, paper goods, glassware,
linens and by people.

RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS
These require special handling techniques to prevent exposure to personnel
and visitors.

FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS AND GASES

For example, chemicals, such as ether or alcohol, can burn or explode.

TOXIC CHEMICALS
A person may be exposed over a long period of time before effects are
noticed.
ROUTES OF ENTRY

Absorption- soaks through

skin
Inhalation- you breath it;
most common
Ingestion- you eat it
Injection- puncture wound
REMEMBER
Many hazmats are odorless, colorless and tasteless
You may be exposed before you know it
Approach safely
OSHA Hazard Communication
Update
OSHA has adopted Globally Harmonized System of
Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS)
Globally Harmonized System of
Classification and Labeling of
Chemicals (GHS); What is itor is Not?
This is not a new Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(OSHA) standard
Its a revision to the existing OSHA Hazard Communications Standard/Right-
To-Know Law
The United Nations system of labeling classification of chemicals

Implemented to improve worker understanding of labels and safety

data sheets

By December 1, 2015 all chemical manufacturers had to comply with

the new 16 label elements.
Manufacturers, employers and end users work to meet the new
requirements of the revised standard
GHS Major Changes
Container Labeling
Classification and hazard identification of chemicals
Safety Data Sheet (SDS), formerly known as Material Safety Data
Sheet (MSDS), format and content
GHS What will Not Change
We still have to keep chemical inventories

We still have to maintain safety data sheets

We still have to train new people on the potential hazards

of what they will be working with

We still have to maintain our records for 30 years, per

OSHA
Labels Are Required to have:

Pictograms
Signal Words
Hazard Statement
Precautionary Statements
Product Identifier
Supplier Identification
Supplemental Information (as required)
GHS Pictograms
Nine pictograms will be utilized in identifying hazards of ALL
chemicals

Each chemical will have AT LEAST one pictogram, often multiple

pictograms to visually convey the hazards associated with it

We need to be familiar with the meaning(s) of each pictogram

Labels and safety data sheets will not always include that
information, understanding these is critical
Post pictograms cards in work areas for future reference
GHS Pictograms
Labels Signal Words Describe the
Severity of a Hazard

Danger
This is reserved for the more severe hazards

Warning
This is used on less severe hazards

If there is no significant hazard, a signal word wont be used

Labels Hazard Statements
Phrases that describe the
nature of the hazard:

Examples:
Highly flammable liquid
and vapor
May cause liver and
kidney damage
Fatal if swallowed
Labels Examples of PPE Pictograms
Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
These are chemical fact sheets that contain all the
information an employee would need to know about a
hazardous chemical

Keep current MSDS available until new SDS are received.

Archive old MSDS as new SDS are collected.

Each SDS is broken down into 16 universal sections

Sections 1 - 11 will be of most concern

GHS Action Plan
Chemical containers, bottles, etc. will begin to arrive with the
newly-formatted labels. These new labels will include more
information than ever before. Read them thoroughly to get
used to the new format and content, even if its not the first
time youve used the product.
Be sure you understand the meanings of the pictograms that
will appear on the labels. Or an online resource such as the
OSHA website, to check if you are unsure of what something
means.
GHS Action Plan
You must keep any MSDS you already have

Watch for new GHS-compliant (16-section) SDS to arrive

They may come from the manufacturer or distributor with
a shipment of the products you order
You may go online or contact the manufacturer yourself to
get it
Replace old MSDS with new SDS in the active binder along
with your current chemical inventory. Archive old MSDS for
30 years. SDS may not be available right away from all
manufacturers.
YOUR ATTITUDE --- AND ACTIONS ---
COUNT!
You must want to do your job safely and you must
understand and use safe practices and methods.
Thats what being part of an effective safety team is all
about!
KNOW THE POTENTIAL HAZARDS

In each area of the facility

where you work:
Observe signs
Take precautions when
entering an area identified
as hazardous
Know whats inside a
container before you handle
it!
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
(PPE)
Gloves
Goggles
Masks
Respirator
Gowns
Aprons
Footwear
Good hygiene

Bottom line.PPE keeps you safe

..use it appropriately..
IN CASE OF SMALL SPILLS

Act Quickly
Contain the spill
Wear PPE
Notify proper
personnel
BE SURE TO WASH YOUR HANDS

Before entering or leaving the work area

Before and after contact with a patient
After handling items such as bedpans, dressings, etc.
After removing gloves
After using the toilet, blowing your nose or covering a
sneeze
Before eating, drinking or handling food or smoking
PREVENT INJURIES FROM SHARPS
Let falling objects fall
Practice safe handling
techniques
Dont reach into containers
Dispose of sharps carefully
IMPORTANT TIPS

Take training seriously

Avoid taking shortcuts
Report unsafe conditions
Know emergency procedures