Safety Focus: Hazard Communication

When using chemicals, it’s important to understand the hazards associated with the chemicals and how to properly store them.

Hazard communication is designed to ensure that information about chemical hazards and instructions for safe use and storage are shared. We do this in two ways – by providing a safety data sheet (SDS) for all chemicals used in each facility AND by clearly labeling hazardous material.

SDS lists information relating to the health and safety of chemical products. SDS will include instructions for use and potential hazards associated with the use of a particular material or product, along with spill-handling procedures. The SDS will also communicate what PPE is required to safely use the chemical product.

Substances must also be labeled using standard symbols that clearly identify the hazard associated with the contained substance on the chemical, health or environmental risk. When we transfer a chemical from the original container to a new container, we must duplicate the chemical name and hazard information on the new container.

Learn more at chemicalsafety.com or reach out to your division’s Safety Contact with questions specific to your division.

Safety First. Always. And, it starts with me.