Handle Chemicals Safely with HAZCOM
At GIW Industries, we are committed to providing our employees with a safe work environment day in and day out. To achieve this high level of workplace safety, we give you the tools and knowledge you need to safely use hazardous chemicals.
One of these tools is GIW’s Hazard Communication (HAZCOM) plan, which follows OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) for ensuring chemical safety in the workplace. In addition, HAZCOM covers potential health hazards, such as irritation, sensitization, and carcinogenicity; as well as physical hazards such as flammability, corrosion, and reactivity risks.
This written plan, which is always accessible to employees, details OSHA requirements and gives information on how GIW is working to make the workplace safer. The following resources are available to help you understand HAZCOM and stay safe while handling dangerous chemicals.
- Chemical labels — According to federal law, chemical manufacturers are required to evaluate the hazards of the products they distribute and prepare labels that detail these potential risks.
- Safety data sheets — Chemical manufacturers must also obtain or develop a material safety data sheet (MSDS). Distributors are responsible for ensuring every customer is given a copy, and employers must have one MSDS on record for each chemical used at their facility.
- A written plan — This details how employers will implement and enforce OSHA’s HCS in workplaces that use hazardous chemicals.
- Training — GIW employees who may come in contact with hazardous chemicals will receive in-depth training on how to safely handle and store chemicals before their initial assignments. Whenever an employee’s role at GIW changes or there are changes with the hazardous chemicals used, training will be repeated.
By using these resources, you can get all the information you need to handle and work with hazardous chemicals safely. Feel free to look over the HAZCOM plan as often as you like, and do not hesitate to approach your manager with any questions you may have.
Stay safe during this season and in the upcoming year with all the resources HAZCOM has to offer.
