On September 17, 1984, the State of Oklahoma adopted the Federal OSHA Standards, 29 CFR 1910 and 1926, to apply to the state government and its political subdivisions. Title 40 O.S sections 401-424, Oklahoma statutes as amended.
Employees of OSU have the right to know the properties and potential safety and health hazards of substances to which they may be exposed. Such knowledge is essential to reducing the risk of occupational illness and injury.
A hazardous substance is any substance that is a physical hazard or a health hazard.
(a) "Health Hazard" means any chemical, or biological substance or agent that is listed in the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration's list of Toxic and Hazardous Substance 29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart "Z". And any other substance including but not limited to chemicals that are carcinogens, toxic or highly toxic agents, reproductive toxins, irritants, corrosives, sensitizers, hematopoietic system, and agents that damage the lungs, skin, eyes or mucous membranes, and any substance for which a Material Safety Data Sheet has been provided by the manufacturer, as a hazardous material, or such substances deemed by the Commissioner, based on documented scientific evidence, that poses a threat to the health of an employee.
(b) "Physical Hazard" means a chemical that is a compressed gas, explosive, flammable, an organic peroxide, an oxidizer, pyrophoric, unstable (reactive) or water-reactive, and that is contained in the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration's list of Hazardous Materials, 29 CFR Part 1910,Subpart "H". And any substance for which a Material Safety Data Sheet has been provided by the manufacturer as a hazardous material, or such substances deemed by the Commissioner, based on documented scientific evidence that poses a threat to the safety of an employee.
Every container of hazardous substance must bear a label showing the chemical name and the Chemical Abstract Service number (CAS #) or the manufacturer's label, or the OSU identifying label. In addition, many containers will have pictorial labels suggesting the protective measures required in handling the substance.
Other labels and placards will utilize a numbering system of 0-4 to determine the seriousness or the hazard of the substance in the three categories of Health, Flammability, and Reactivity. In all cases, a 0 means the least threat while a rating of 4 means the greatest danger.
Discuss this topic with your supervisor and review your department's Chemical Information List (CIL). To determine the extent of the hazard of each substance on the CIL or protective measures required in using the chemical, locate the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for each substance. The MSDS will provide an in-depth analysis of the substance along with all precautions necessary to handle the substance safely.
Chemical Information List (CIL) is the list of all hazardous substances in a specific location. Every substance on the CIL will have a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) on file in your department and with the Hazard Communication Office.
It is very important to know how to read and understand the MSDS. It is designed and written in sections:
It is strongly suggested that you read the MSDS for every substance you come in contact with and utilize the control measures (protective measures) and the special precautions delineated on the MSDS. When in doubt, consult with your supervisor or an OSU Safety official.
Report all spills and avoid contact with substances without proper protective equipment.
If you are exposed (exposed to a substance that requires protective equipment--when you do not have the required protective equipment) to a hazardous substance, seek medical attention and make a written report of the exposure with your supervisor. The record of the exposure will be kept permanently and will be available to you.
To report emergencies, dial 911 on or off campus. The 911 number will provide access to fire, police, ambulance, or emergency services.
Chemical Information Lists (CIL) and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are the key sources to determine which substances are in the work place and how to avoid exposure to hazardous substances. CIL's and MSDS's are available from your department and the Hazard Communication section of the Environmental Health & Safety Department for Oklahoma State University. For further information, call 744-7241.
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