Hazard Communication
Employers are required by Cal/OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (8 CCR §5194) to provide information to their employees about the hazardous substances to which they may be exposed to. It is the employer’s responsibility to provide this information to their employees and ensure that they understand it, before working with or being exposed to hazardous substances.
Environmental Health and Safety Department (EH&S)
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Develop, implement, and monitor the Hazard Communication Program (HCP).
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Provide consultation to all levels of CSUSB staff and faculty regarding program compliance.
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Assist Departments in complying with HCP requirements including labeling, Safety Data Sheet (SDS), employee information and training, and record-keeping.
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EH&S will monitor the Risk and Safety Solutions Software to ensure compliance.
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EH&S will conduct periodic program reviews at least once every three years.
Departments
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Develop and maintain written departmental procedures to ensure effective compliance with the HCP.
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Ensure that all requirements of the HCP have been met before employees are exposed to hazardous chemicals under normal conditions of use or in a foreseeable emergency.
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Develop and maintain an inventory of hazardous chemicals present in all work areas within departments.
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Complete a chemical hazard Risk Hazard Analysis using the Risk and Safety Solutions (RSS) Software as needed.
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Maintain a chemical inventory for each space that stores/ uses chemicals in the RSS.
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Provide employees with information and training on hazardous chemicals in their work area at the time of their initial assignment, and whenever a new hazard is introduced in their work area.
Employees
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Each employee assigned to work with a hazardous substance shall read and comply with all HCP procedures (written or oral) while performing assigned duties.
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Each employee will attend established training sessions and be expected to understand and comply with all applicable HCP requirements. Failure to comply with established HCP guidelines may be reflected in performance evaluations and may lead to disciplinary action.
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Every employee is responsible for asking questions of their supervisors when there is concern about an unknown or potentially hazardous substance.
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Employees are responsible for conducting themselves in a manner, which promotes safety and avoids safe or unhealthful conditions.