8431 - WRITTEN HAZARD COMMUNICATION PROGRAM

Van Buren Intermediate School District

Administrative Guidelines

8431 - WRITTEN HAZARD COMMUNICATION PROGRAM

Use of these guidelines will produce a toxic hazard communication program that will be in compliance with Policy 8431. Some methods go beyond the minimum requirements of the standard to more effectively communicate hazards to staff members, for example, having them sign training statements.

General

The following written hazard communication program has been established for the District by its THP officer, the Maintenance Supervisor.

The program will be available in his/her office for review by all employees.

Hazard Determination

The THP officer will be relying on Material Safety Data Sheets from material suppliers to meet hazard determination requirements.

Labeling

The THP officer will be responsible for ensuring that:

		1.	all in-incoming labels are properly labeled;
		2.	all in-coming products are checked for identity, hazard warning, and name and address of the responsible party;
		3.	all portable containers are labeled with identity and hazard warning;
		4.	piping systems are painted at access points and every ten (10) feet where the piping is eight (8) feet or closer to employee contact.

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)

		1.	The THP officer will be responsible for compiling the master MSDS file. It will be kept in the Maintenance Office.
		2.	MSDSs will be available for review to all employees. Copies will be available upon request to the principals and other supervisors.
		3.	The originator shall make requests for MSDSs on all purchase orders. A file of follow-up letters shall be maintained for all shipments received without MSDSs.
		4.	The THP officer shall provide supervisors with the required OSHA Right to Know poster and postings notifying employees of new or revised MSDSs within five (5) days of receipt of a new or revised MSDS.

Employee Information and Training

		1.	The THP Officer shall coordinate and the Human Resources Office shall maintain records of training.
		2.	Before starting work, each new employee will attend a safety class and be given information on:

			a.	chemicals and their hazards in their work areas;
			b.	how to lessen or prevent exposure to these hazardous chemicals;
			c.	what has done to lessen or prevent workers' exposure to these chemicals;
			d.	procedures to follow if they are exposed to these chemicals;
			e.	how to read and interpret labels and MSDSs.

		3.	After attending the class each employee will sign a form stating that they received the safety training.
		4.	Before any new hazardous material is allowed in the District, appropriate employee will be given information in the same manner as during the safety class. Each supervisor will be responsible for seeing that MSDSs on the new chemical are available.