TEXAS AGRILIFE EXTENSION SERVICE PROCEDURES

24.02.02.X1.12 HAZARD COMMUNICATION PROGRAM
Approved: December 6, 1999
Revised: October 5, 2001
Supplements System Policy 24.02 and System Regulation 24.02.02 with its additional requirements

A Hazard Communication Program will ensure compliance with the Texas Health and Safety Code - Chapter 502, "The Texas Hazard Communication Act", and Chapter 506, "The Public Employer Community Right to Know Act." The purpose of these Acts is to provide information to employees, emergency responders, and the Commissioner of Health regarding hazardous chemicals at the workplace.

Those units located on the Texas A&M University campus will follow the Texas A&M University Hazard Communication Program which is administered by the Environmental Health and Safety Department.

Those units located off of the Texas A&M University campus will develop a written program to be implemented at each site. The written program must describe how the unit will comply with the requirements of sections 2.0 – 8.0 described in this procedure.

A. Identify employees who will work with or may be exposed to hazardous chemicals during the normal course of duties.

B. Provide chemical safety training for identified employees before work with hazardous chemicals begins. Identify the person or position responsible for providing the training.

C. This training shall include the following topics:

1. Identity of hazardous chemicals known to be present in the employee’s work area and to which the employee may be exposed.

2. Information on interpreting Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and labels, and the relationship between the two methods of hazard communication.

3. Location of MSDS at the workplace and methods to obtain a MSDS.

4. Hazards associated with chemical hazard groups (e.g. flammables, corrosives, toxics, and reactives) including acute and chronic effects from exposure.

5. General safety instructions on the handling, cleanup procedures, and disposal of hazardous chemicals.

6. Location and proper use of personal protective clothing and equipment necessary to minimize exposure to hazardous chemicals.

7. First aid treatment to be used with respect to the hazardous chemicals.

D. Document the chemical safety training including the following:

1. the date of the training

2. name(s) of employee(s) attending the training session

3. a list of the specific topics covered in the training

4. name of the instructor

E. Maintain training records for at least five years. Indicate where the training records are kept.

Post an official Texas Department of Health "Notice to Employees" at each unit where notices are normally posted.

A. The Texas AgriLife Research (AgriLife Reseearch)/ Texas AgriLife Extension Service (Extension) Safety Coordinator will provide a Workplace Chemical Inventory Form to be completed each year.

B. Complete the form to include hazardous chemicals present at the unit in quantities greater than 55 gallons or 500 pounds in non-laboratory areas such as shops, fuel tanks, chemical storage rooms, etc.

C. The form must be signed and dated by the person responsible for completing the inventory.

D. Return the completed form to the AgriLife Research/Extension Safety Coordinator to file a Texas Tier Two Report with the Texas Department of Health for those units with reportable quantities.

E. A copy of the Texas Tier Two Report will be sent to each unit, as applicable, for distribution to the Local Emergency Planning Committee and local fire department.

Keep a copy of the Workplace Chemical Inventory and the Texas Tier Two Report for 30 years. Indicate where these documents are kept.

A. All containers of hazardous chemicals must be properly labeled. If the label on a primary container is removed or illegible, a new label must be applied. This label must indicate the identity of the chemical, pertinent hazard warnings (e.g., flammable, corrosive, poison), and the manufacturer’s name and address.

B. Secondary containers of hazardous chemicals must be labeled to identify the chemical and appropriate hazard warnings.

C. Except for laboratory chemicals, any container of hazardous chemical that was acquired prior to the effective date of the Texas Hazard Communication Act (January 1, 1986) must be labeled as described in 5.A.

A. Maintain a legible, current Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for every hazardous chemical present at the unit.

B. The MSDS must be accessible to employees. Electronic access to MSDS is acceptable.

C. Indicate the location of the MSDS.

D. Provide MSDS to emergency responders as soon as possible upon request.

Provide employees with appropriate personal protective equipment (e.g., gloves, respirator, lab coat) and training pertaining to the correct care and use of such equipment to allow hazardous chemicals to be handled with adequate protection. Ensure that the PPE fits the individual employee.

Any incident caused by exposure to a hazardous chemical which results in a fatality or the hospitalization of five or more employees must be reported to the Texas Department of Health (1-800-452-2791), the Director, and the Extension Safety Coordinator (979- 862-4038 or FAX 979-845-1348) within 48 hours.

An employer may not discharge, cause to be discharged, otherwise discipline, or in any manner retaliate against an employee because the employee has:

A. Filed a complaint;

B. Assisted a Texas Department of Health inspector who may make or is making an inspection;

C. Instituted or caused to be instituted any proceeding under or related to the Texas Hazard Communication Act;

D. Testified or is about to testify in a proceeding under the Act; and

E. Exercised any rights afforded under the Act on behalf of the employee or on behalf of others.

An employee’s pay, position, seniority, or other benefits may not be lost as the result of the exercise of any right provided by the Act.

A waiver by an employee of the benefits or requirements of the Act is void. An employer’s request or requirement that an employee waive any rights under the Act as a condition of employment is a violation of the Act.

Compliance with the Hazard Communication Program will be monitored periodically during facility inspections performed by either the Environmental Health and Safety Department or the Extension Service Safety Coordinator.

Questions regarding this procedure should be referred to the AgriLife Research/Extension Safety Coordinator at 979-862-4038.