Training: OSHA Standard Precautions Policy and Procedure

Training: OSHA Standard Precautions Policy and Procedure

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Chapter DHS 83, Wisconsin Administrative Code, is the rule that defines the responsibilities and restrictions of
Community Based Residential Facilities (CBRF’s). DHS 83.20 requires all CBRF employees who may be
exposed to infectious materials in the course of their jobs to complete two-hour Standard Precautions training.
The training must be successfully completed prior to performing any task that may expose the employee to
infectious material.

Purpose:
Assisted Living Communities by Hillcrest is committed to providing a safe and healthful work environment for
our entire staff. In pursuit of this goal, the following exposure control plan is provided to eliminate or
minimize occupational exposure to blood borne pathogens in accordance with OSHA standard 29 CFR
1910.1030, “Occupational Exposure to Blood borne Pathogens”.
Blood borne pathogens are materials in blood that can spread diseases from person to person. If you are
exposed to blood containing these materials, you are at risk for serious illness or even death. Blood borne
pathogens can spread from one person to another through direct or indirect contact with blood or other body
fluids.

Policy:
The exposure control plan is a key document to assist our organization in implementing and ensuring
compliance with these standards, thereby protecting our employees. This exposure control plan includes:
 Determination of employee exposure
 Implementation of various methods of exposure control, including:
o Universal Precautions
o Engineering and work practice controls
o Personal Protective Equipment
o Housekeeping
 Hepatitis B vaccination
 Post-exposure evaluation and follow-up
 Communication of hazards to employees and training
 Recordkeeping
 Procedures for evaluating circumstances surrounding exposure incidents

Program Administration
 The Human Resources Department is responsible for implementation of the exposure control plan. HR
will maintain, review and update the exposure control plan at least annually, and whenever necessary to
include new or modified tasks and procedures.
 All employees have occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials and must
comply with the procedures and work practices outlined in this exposure control plan.
 The Human Resources Department will provide and maintain all necessary personal protective
equipment (PPE), engineering controls (ie, sharps containers), labels and red or yellow bags as required
by the standard.
 The Human Resources Department will be responsible for ensuring that all medical actions required by
the standard are performed and that appropriate employee health and OSHA records are maintained.
 The Human Resources Department will be responsible for training, documentation of training, and
making the written exposure control plan available to employees, OSHA and NIOSH representatives.

Employee Exposure Determination
The following is a list of all job classifications at our facility in which some employees have occupational
exposure:

• Job Title Department Task
• Administrator Administrative Emergency First Aid/physical contact
• Business Director Administrative Emergency First Aid/physical contact
• Administrative Staff Administrative Emergency First Aid/physical contact
• Life Enrichment Life Enrichment Emergency First Aid/physical contact
• Cook Dietary Emergency First Aid/physical contact
• Dietary Aide Dietary Emergency First Aid/physical contact
• Maintenance Supervisor Maintenance Emergency First Aid/physical contact

The following is a list of job classifications in which all employees at our facility have occupational exposure.
Included is a list of tasks and procedures in which occupational exposure may occur:

• Housekeepers Housekeeping Handling regulated waste
• LPN / CNA / PCW Nursing Wound care / MRSA exposure
• Resident personal cares
• Blood sugars/insulin
• Handling regulated waste

Methods of Implementation and Control
Universal Precautions All employees will utilize universal precautions.
Exposure Control Plan Employees covered by the blood borne pathogens standard receive an
explanation of this exposure control plan during their initial orientation. It
will also be reviewed in their annual refresher training. All employees can
review this plan at any time during their shift by contacting Human
Resources. Human Resources is responsible for reviewing and updating
the exposure control plan annually or more frequently, if necessary, to
reflect any new or revised employee positions with occupational exposure.
Engineering Controls & Engineering controls and work practice controls will be used to prevent
Work Practices or minimize exposure to blood borne pathogens. ALCBH utilizes sharps
disposal containers. Sharps disposal containers are inspected and
maintained by the Director of Resident Services every 2 weeks or
whenever necessary to prevent overfilling. ALCBH identifies the need for
changes in engineering controls and work practices through our safety
committee referrals, employee recommendations and OSHA resources.
The Human Resources Department is responsible for ensuring that these
recommendations are implemented.

Personal Protective Equipment Personal protective equipment is specialized clothing or (PPE) equipment.
Wear it to protect your skin and to prevent soiling or contamination of
your clothing from contact with blood borne pathogens. Personal
protective equipment is provided to our employees at no cost to
them. Training in the use of the appropriate PPE for specific tasks or
procedures is provided by each department manager. The types of PPE
available to employees include: gloves, masks with eye shields and gowns.
Individual PPE Kits with these items are located in each department.
Department managers are responsible for ensuring that enough supplies
are available for their department. When additional kits are needed,
contact the Administrative Assistant for re-ordering.

All employees using PPE must observe the following precautions:

 Wash hands immediately or as soon as feasible after removing gloves or other PPE.
 Remove PPE after it becomes contaminated and before leaving the work area.
 Used PPE may be disposed of in any trash container or if infectious waste is involved, in the hazard
waste container in the 1st floor nursing station.
 Wear appropriate gloves when it is reasonably anticipated that there may be hand contact with blood
or other potentially infectious material, and when handling or touching contaminated items or surfaces.
Replace gloves if they are torn, punctured or contaminated, or if their ability to function as a barrier is
compromised.
 Utility gloves may be decontaminated for reuse if their integrity is not compromised. Discard utility
gloves if they show signs of cracking, peeling, tearing, puncturing or deterioration.
 Never wash or decontaminate disposable gloves for reuse.
 Wear appropriate face and eye protection when splashes, sprays, spatters or droplets of blood or
other potentially infectious material pose a hazard to the eye, nose or mouth.
 Remove immediately or as soon as feasible any garment contaminated by blood or other potentially
infectious material, in such a way as to avoid contact with the outer surface.
Gowns, Masks with Eye Shields and Gloves are all disposable and are not to be used more than one time.

Hand Washing
Hand hygiene is the easiest and most effective way to prevent the spread of infection. Keeping your body clean,
including your hands, helps keep diseases from spreading from person to person. Hand hygiene includes both
washing with soap and water or using alcohol gel. Always use soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty,
before preparing food and after using the restroom.
Hand rub (foam or gel)
• Apply to palm of one hand
• Rub hands together until dry, covering all parts of the hand, especially fingertips and fingernails
• Use enough rub to take at least 15 seconds to dry
Hand washing (soap and water)
• Wet hands with water
• Apply soap
• Rub hands together for at least 15 seconds, covering all parts of the hand, especially fingertips
and fingernails
• Rinse hands under running water and dry with a disposable towel
• Use the towel to turn off the faucet
Fingernails
Fingernails must be kept natural and cut to about ¼ inch. Artificial or long nails harbor bacteria, take longer to
clean and can puncture disposable gloves. Artificial or nails longer than ¼ inch are not allowed.

Housekeeping
Biohazard waste (used sharps/used wound dressings) is placed in a red biohazard bag located in a container in
the nursing station, which is closable, constructed to contain all contents and to prevent leakage. This red
biohazard bag is appropriately labeled and will be closed prior to removal to prevent spillage or protrusion of its
contents during handling.
Contaminated sharps are to be discarded immediately or as soon as possible in containers that are
closable, puncture-resistant, leak proof on the sides and bottoms and appropriately labeled or color coded.
Sharps disposal containers are located on each med cart and in each nursing station.
The proper removal of our biohazard waste and our used sharps is done by the Stericycle company.
Other regulated waste (contaminated clothes or linen) should always be double bagged using yellow “infectious
linen” bags. Utilize gloves when handling any waste.
Bins and pails are to be cleaned and decontaminated as soon as feasible after visible contamination.
Broken glass that may be contaminated is only to be picked up using mechanical means, such as a brush and
dustpan, and placed in an appropriate sharps container.

Blood Spill Kit
Should a blood spill occur, clean the area with a Blood Spill Kit. These kits are located in the nursing station.
 Wear disposable gloves
 Put on face mask and eye protection to prevent splashing, spraying, etc.
 Wear protective garments where soilage of personal clothing is likely to occur
 Properly discard used kit components, potentially contaminated kit bag and other soiled materials by
placing in the bio-hazard disposal bag
 For personal hygiene, use antiseptic wipe or gel
 To clean up spills, wear personal protective equipment, sprinkle the Isolyser powder onto the liquid.
Allow 5-10 minutes for the liquid to solidify. Use the plastic scoop to pick-up the solidified liquid and
dispose of properly.
 Soiled hard surfaces can be cleaned with disinfectant spray. Read the container for specific instructions
and cautions.

Laundry
When laundering contaminated items (clothes and linens), the following requirements must be met:
 Handle contaminated laundry as little as possible, with minimal agitation
 Double bag wet, contaminated laundry using yellow “infectious linen” bags before transport.
 Wear gloves and gowns when handling and/or sorting contaminated laundry.

Labels and Signs
Our labeling methods include red bags with the biohazard label for used sharps/used wound
dressings/discontinued medications. In addition, yellow “infectious linen” bags with red lettering are used for
soiled clothes and linen. Each department manager is responsible for ensuring that the proper bags are used if
hazardous waste or other potentially infectious material is being handled. Employees are to notify their
department manager if they discover regulated waste containers, refrigerators containing blood or other
potentially infectious materials, contaminated equipment, etc., without proper labels.

Eye Wash Stations: Brillion West Haven: An Eye Wash Station is located in the kitchen.
Allouez Parkside Village # 1: An Eye Wash Station is located in the main Nurses Station.
Allouez Parkside Village # 2: An Eye Wash Station is located in the kitchen.
First Aid Kits: First Aid kits are located in each department.
Blood Spill Kits: Blood spill kits are located in all Nursing Stations.

Hepatitis B Vaccination
Hepatitis B is an infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis B virus.
OSHA requires all CBRFs to offer new employees the Hepatitis B Vaccine within 10 days of hire. You are not
required to accept the vaccine. If you decline the vaccine but change your mind, your CBRF must provide it at
that time. The hepatitis B vaccination series is available at no cost to employees, no matter when you decide to
take it.

Human Resources will provide information to employees at the time of new hire orientation regarding hepatitis
B vaccinations, addressing methods of administration, benefits and availability.
Vaccination is encouraged unless: 1) the employee has previously had the series, 2) antibody testing reveals that
the employee is immune, or 3) medical evaluation reveals that the vaccination is contraindicated.

Exposure Incident
Exposure incident means a specific eye, mouth, other mucous membrane, non-intact skin, or parenteral
(injection) contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials. Contact results from the performance of
an employee’s duties.
What to do if an exposure occurs:
• Wash exposed area with soap and water
• Flush splashes to nose, mouth or skin with water
• Irrigate eyes with water or saline
• Report the exposure to your supervisor

Post-Exposure Evaluation and Follow-Up
Should an exposure incident occur, immediately contact your supervisor, the Administrator or Human
Resources.
An immediate available confidential medical evaluation and follow-up will be conducted by Prevea WorkMed.
Following the initial first aid (clean the wound, flush eyes or other mucous membrane, etc.), the following
activities will be performed:
 Document the routes of exposure and how the exposure occurred.
 Identify and document the source individual (unless the employer can establish that identification is
infeasible or prohibited by state or local law).
 Obtain consent and make arrangements to have the source individual tested as soon as possible to
determine HIV, HCV and HBV infectivity; document that the source individual’s test results were
conveyed to the employee’s health care provider.
 If the source individual is already known to be HIV, HCV and/or HBV positive, new testing need not be
performed.
 Assure that the exposed employee is provided with the source individual’s test results and with
information about applicable disclosure laws and regulations concerning the identity and infectious
status of the source individual (e.g. laws protecting confidentiality).
 After obtaining consent, collect exposed employee’s blood as soon as feasible after the exposure
incident, and test the blood for HBV and HIV serological status.
 If the employee does not give consent for HIV serological testing during collection of blood for baseline
testing, preserve the baseline blood sample for at least 90 days; if the exposed employee elects to have
the baseline sample tested during this waiting period, perform the testing as soon as feasible.

Administration of Post-Exposure Evaluation and Follow-Up
Human Resources ensures that the health care professionals responsible for employee’s hepatitis B vaccination
and post-exposure evaluation and follow-up are given a copy of OSHA’s bloodborne pathogens standard.
Human Resources ensures that the health care professional evaluating an employee after an exposure incident
receives the following:
 A description of the employee’s job duties relevant to the exposure incident
 Route of exposure
 Circumstances of exposure
 If possible, results of the source individual’s blood test
 Relevant employee medical records, including vaccination status

Human Resources will provide the employee with a copy of the evaluating health care professional’s written
opinion within 15 days after completion of the evaluation.
Procedures for Evaluating the Circumstances Surrounding an Exposure Incident
Human Resources will review the circumstances of all exposure incidents to determine:
 Engineering controls in use at the time
 Work practices followed
 A description of the device being used (including type and brand)
 Protective equipment or clothing that was used at the time of the exposure incident (gloves, eye shields,
etc.)
 Location of the incident (resident’s room, etc.)
 Procedure being performed when the incident occurred
 Employee training

Human Resources will record all percutaneous injuries from contaminated sharps in a Sharps Injury Log.
If revisions to this Exposure Control Plan are necessary, Human Resources will ensure that appropriate changes
are made.

Employee Training
All employees who have occupational exposure to blood borne pathogens receive initial and annual training
conducted by local organizations such as Streu’s Pharmacy, Clarity Care or in-house training by an approved
trainer.

All employees who have occupational exposure to blood borne pathogens receive training on the epidemiology,
symptoms and transmission of blood borne pathogen diseases. In addition, the training program covers, at a
minimum, the following elements:
 A copy and explanation of the OSHA blood borne pathogen standard
 An explanation of our Exposure Control Plan and how to obtain a copy
 An explanation of methods to recognize tasks and other activities that may involve exposure to blood
and other potentially infectious material, including what constitutes an exposure incident
 An explanation of the use and limitations of engineering controls, work practices and PPE
 An explanation of the types, uses, location, removal, handling, decontamination and disposal of PPE
 An explanation of the basis for PPE selection
 Information on the hepatitis B vaccine, including information on its efficacy, safety, method of
administration, the benefits of being vaccinated and that the vaccine will be offered free of charge.
 Information on the appropriate actions to take and persons to contact in an emergency involving blood
or other potentially infectious material.
 An explanation of the procedure to follow if an exposure incident occurs, including the method of
reporting the incident and the medical follow-up that will be made available.
 Information on the post-exposure evaluation and follow-up that the employer is required to provide for
the employee following an exposure incident.
 An explanation of the signs and labels and/or color coding required by the standard and used at his
facility.
 An opportunity for interactive questions and answers with the person conducting the training session.

Recordkeeping
Training records are completed for each employee upon completion of training. These documents will be kept
in the employee’s personnel file.
The training records include:
• The dates of the training
• The contents or a summary of the training sessions
• The names and qualifications of the persons conducting the training
• The names and job titles of all persons attending the training sessions
Employee training records are provided upon request to the employee or the employee’s authorized
representative within 7 working days. Such requests should be addressed to Human Resources.
Medical Records
Medical records are maintained for each employee with occupational exposure in accordance with 29 CFR
1910.1020, “Access to Employee Exposure and Medical Records”.
Human Resources is responsible for maintenance of the required medical records. These confidential records
are kept in a locked cabinet in the Human Resources office for at least the duration of employment plus 30
years.
Employee medical records are provided upon request of the employee or to anyone having written consent of
the employee within 7 working days. Such requests should be sent to Human Resources at 1889 Commerce
Drive De Pere, WI 54115.
OSHA Recordkeeping
An exposure incident is evaluated to determine if the case meets OSHA’s Recordkeeping Requirements (29
CFR 1904).
This determination and the recording activities are done by Human Resources.
Sharps Injury Log
In addition to the 1904 Recordkeeping Requirements, all percutaneous injuries from contaminated sharps are
also records in a Sharps Injury Log. All incidences must include at least:
• Date of injury
• Type and brand of the device involved (insulin needle, etc.)
• Department or work area where the incident occurred
• Explanation of how the incident occurred
This log is reviewed as part of the annual program evaluation and maintained for at least five years following
the end of the calendar year covered. If a copy is requested by anyone, it must have any personal identifiers
removed from the report.
Hepatitis B Vaccine Declination This form is included in the new hire orientation packet.

Hazard Communication Program
This Hazard Communication Program is based on the requirements of the OSHA Hazard Communication
Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1200. This policy ensures that information about the dangers of all hazardous
chemicals used by ALCBH is known by all affected employees.
Under this program, you will be informed of the contents of the OSHA Hazard Communications standard, the
hazardous properties of chemicals with which you work, safe handling procedures and measures to take to
protect yourself from these chemicals.
This program applies to all aspects of our organization where you may be exposed to hazardous chemicals
under normal working conditions or during an emergency situation. All departments will participate in the
Hazard Communication Program. Copies of the Hazard Communication Program are available in the Human
Resources Department for review by any employee.
Human Resources is the program coordinator, with overall responsibility for the program, including reviewing
and updating this plan as necessary.

Container Labeling
Each department manager will verify that all containers received for use will be clearly labeled as to the
contents, note the appropriate hazard warning and list the manufacturer’s name and address.
Each department manager will ensure that all secondary containers are labeled with either an extra copy of the
original manufacturer’s label or with labels marked with the identity and the appropriate hazard warning. For
assistance with labeling, please contact Human Resources.
Each department manager will review the company labeling procedures annually and will update labels as
required.

Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
Safety Data Sheets are used to provide necessary information to employers and workers on chemicals hazards
and safety precautions.

The Housekeeping Supervisor is responsible for monitoring the company Hazard Communication Standard
(HCS) program. The Housekeeping Supervisor will ensure that procedures are followed while obtaining the
necessary Safety Data Sheets and will review for new or significant health and safety information. The
Housekeeping Supervisor will see that any new information is communicated to affected employees. Should an
SDS not be received with a shipment, the Administrative Assistant will contact the vendor to ensure receipt of
the SDS.

Copies of the SDS for all hazardous chemicals to which employees are exposed or are potentially exposed are
kept in a yellow binder in the employee break room. Safety Data Sheets are available to all employees during
each shift. If an SDS is not available, contact the department manager. Copies of SDS of products no longer in
use are kept in a file in archives.

SAFETY DATA SHEETS OVERVIEW
All Safety Data Sheets (SDS) will consist of 16-section format:
1. Identification
2. Hazard(s) identification
3. Composition / information on ingredients
4. First-aid measures
5. Fire-fighting measures
6. Accidental release measures
7. Handling and storage
8. Exposure controls/personal protection
9. Physical and chemical properties
10. Stability and reactivity
11. Toxicological information
12. Ecological information
13. Disposal considerations
14. Transport information
15. Regulatory information
16. Other information including last revision

Section 1: Identification
This section identifies the chemical on the SDS as well as the recommended uses. It also provides the essential
contact information of the supplier. The required information consists of:
 Product identifier used on the label and any other common names or synonyms by which the substance
is known.
 Name, address, phone number of the manufacturer, importer, or other responsible party, and emergency
phone number.
 Recommended use of the chemical (e.g., a brief description of what it actually does, such as flame
retardant) and any restrictions on use (including recommendations given by the supplier).

Section 2: Hazard Identification
This section identifies the hazards of the chemical presented on the SDS and the appropriate warning
information associated with those hazards. The required information consists of:
 The hazard classification of the chemical (e.g., flammable liquid, category1).
 Signal word.
 Hazard statement(s).
 Pictograms (the pictograms or hazard symbols may be presented as graphical reproductions of the
symbols in black and white or be a description of the name of the symbol (e.g., skull and crossbones,
flame).
 Precautionary statement(s).
 Description of any hazards not otherwise classified.
 For a mixture that contains an ingredient(s) with unknown toxicity, a statement describing how much
(percentage) of the mixture consists of ingredient(s) with unknown acute toxicity. Please note that this
is a total percentage of the mixture and not tied to the individual ingredient(s).

Section 3: Composition/information on Ingredients
This section identifies the ingredient(s) contained in the product indicated on the SDS, including impurities and
stabilizing additives. This section includes information on substances, mixtures, and all chemicals where a trade
secret is claimed. The required information consists of: This section identifies the ingredient(s) contained in the product indicated on the SDS, including impurities and
stabilizing additives. This section includes information on substances, mixtures, and all chemicals where a trade
secret is claimed. The required information consists of:
Substances
 Chemical name.
 Common name and synonyms.
 Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) number and other unique identifiers.
 Impurities and stabilizing additives, which are themselves classified and which contribute to the
classification of the chemical.

Mixtures
 Same information required for substances.
 The chemical name and concentration (i.e., exact percentage) of all ingredients which are classified as
health hazards and are:
o Present above their cut-off/concentration limits or
o Present a health risk below the cut-off/concentration limits.
 The concentration (exact percentages) of each ingredient must be specified except concentration ranges
may be used in the following situations:
o A trade secret claim is made,
o There is batch-to-batch variation, or
o The SDS is used for a group of substantially similar mixtures.

Section 4: First-aid Measures
This section describes the initial care that should be given by untrained responders to an individual who has
been exposed to the chemical. The required information consists of:
 Necessary first-aid instructions by relevant routes of exposure (inhalation, skin and eye contact, and
ingestion).
 Description of the most important symptoms or effects, and any symptoms that are acute or delayed.
 Recommendations for immediate medical care and special treatment needed, when necessary.

Section 5: Fire-fighting Measures
This section provides recommendations for fighting a fire caused by the chemical. The required information
consists of:
 Recommendations of suitable extinguishing equipment, and information about extinguishing equipment
that is not appropriate for a particular situation.
 Advice on specific hazards that develop from the chemical during the fire, such as any hazardous
combustion products created when the chemical burns.
 Recommendations on special protective equipment or precautions for firefighters.

Section 6: Accidental Release Measures
This section provides recommendations on the appropriate response to spills, leaks, or releases, including
containment and cleanup practices to prevent or minimize exposure to people, properties, or the environment. It
may also include recommendations distinguishing between responses for large and small spills where the spill
volume has a significant impact on the hazard. The required information may consist of recommendations for:
 Use of personal precautions (such as removal of ignition sources or providing sufficient ventilation) and
protective equipment to prevent the contamination of skin, eyes, and clothing.
 Emergency procedures, including instructions for evacuations, consulting experts when needed, and
appropriate protective clothing.
 Methods and materials used for containment (e.g., covering the drains and capping procedures).
 Cleanup procedures (e.g., appropriate techniques for neutralization, decontamination, cleaning or
vacuuming; adsorbent materials; and/or equipment required for containment/clean up).

Section 7: Handling and Storage
This section provides guidance on the safe handling practices and conditions for safe storage of chemicals. The
required information consists of:
 Precautions for safe handling, including recommendations for handling incompatible chemicals,
minimizing the release of the chemical into the environment, and providing advice on general hygiene
practices (e.g., eating, drinking, and smoking in work areas is prohibited).
 Recommendations on the conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities. Provide advice on
specific storage requirements (e.g., ventilation requirements).

Section 8: Exposure Controls / Personal Protection
This section indicates the exposure limits, engineering controls, and personal protective
measures that can be used to minimize worker exposure. The required information consists of:
 OSHA Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs), American Conference of Governmental Industrial
Hygienists (ACGIH) Threshold Limit Values (TLVs), and any other exposure limit used or
recommended by the chemical manufacturer, importer, or employer preparing the safety data sheet,
where available.
 Appropriate engineering controls (e.g., use local exhaust ventilation, or use only in an enclosed system).
 Recommendations for personal protective measures to prevent illness or injury from exposure to
chemicals, such as personal protective equipment (PPE) (e.g., appropriate types of eye, face, skin or
respiratory protection needed based on hazards and potential exposure).
 Any special requirements for PPE, protective clothing or respirators (e.g., type of glove material, such as
PVC or nitrile rubber gloves; and breakthrough time of the glove material).

Section 9: Physical and Chemical Properties
This section identifies physical and chemical properties associated with the substance or mixture. The
minimum required information consists of:
• Appearance (physical state, color etc.) • Upper/lower flammability or explosive limits
• Odor • Vapor pressure
• Odor threshold • Vapor density
• pH • Relative density
• Melting point/freezing point • Solubility(ies)
• Initial boiling point and boiling range • Partition coefficient: n-octanol/water
• Flash point • Auto-ignition temperature
• Evaporation rate • Decomposition temperature
• Flammability (solid, gas) • Viscosit
The SDS may not contain every item on the above list because information may not be relevant or is not
available. When this occurs, a notation to that effect must be made for that chemical property. Manufacturers
may also add other relevant properties, such as the dust deflagration index (Kst) for combustible dust, used to
evaluate a dust’s explosive potential.

Section 10: Stability and Reactivity
This section describes the reactivity hazards of the chemical and the chemical stability information. This section
is broken into three parts: reactivity, chemical stability, and other. The required information consists of:
Reactivity
 Description of the specific test data for the chemical(s). This data can be for a class or family of the
chemical if such data adequately represent the anticipated hazard of the chemical(s), where available.
Chemical stability
 Indication of whether the chemical is stable or unstable under normal ambient temperature and
conditions while in storage and being handled.
 Description of any stabilizers that may be needed to maintain chemical stability.
 Indication of any safety issues that may arise should the product change in physical appearance.
Other
 Indication of the possibility of hazardous reactions, including a statement whether the chemical will
react or polymerize, which could release excess pressure or heat, or create other hazardous conditions.
Also, a description of the conditions under which hazardous reactions may occur.
 List of all conditions that should be avoided (e.g., static discharge, shock, vibrations, or environmental
conditions that may lead to hazardous conditions).
 List of all classes of incompatible materials (e.g., classes of chemicals or specific substances) with
which the chemical could react to produce a hazardous situation.
 List of any known or anticipated hazardous decomposition products that could be produced because of
use, storage, or heating. (Hazardous combustion products should also be included in Section 5 (FireFighting Measures) of the SDS.)

Section 11: Toxicological Information
This section identifies toxicological and health effects information or indicates that such data are not available.
The required information consists of:
 Information on the likely routes of exposure (inhalation, ingestion, skin and eye contact).
The SDS should indicate if the information is unknown.
 Description of the delayed, immediate, or chronic effects from short- and long-term exposure.
 The numerical measures of toxicity (e.g., acute toxicity estimates such as the LD50 (median lethal
dose)) – the estimated amount [of a substance] expected to kill 50% of test animals in a single dose.
 Description of the symptoms. This description includes the symptoms associated with exposure to the
chemical including symptoms from the lowest to the most severe exposure.
 Indication of whether the chemical is listed in the National Toxicology Program (NTP) Report on
Carcinogens (latest edition) or has been found to be a potential carcinogen in the International Agency
for Research on Cancer (IARC) Monographs (latest editions) or found to be a potential carcinogen by
OSHA.

Section 12: Ecological Information
This section provides information to evaluate the environmental impact of the chemical(s) if it were released to
the environment. The information may include:
 Data from toxicity tests performed on aquatic and/or terrestrial organisms, where available (e.g., acute or
chronic aquatic toxicity data for fish, algae, crustaceans, and other plants; toxicity data on birds, bees,
plants).
 Whether there is a potential for the chemical to persist and degrade in the environment either through
biodegradation or other processes, such as oxidation or hydrolysis.
 Results of tests of bioaccumulation potential, making reference to the octanol-water partition coefficient
(Kow) and the bio concentration factor (BCF), where available.
 The potential for a substance to move from the soil to the groundwater (indicate results from adsorption
studies or leaching studies).
 Other adverse effects (e.g., environmental fate, ozone layer depletion potential, photochemical ozone
creation potential, endocrine disrupting potential, and/or global warming potential).

Section 13: Disposal Considerations
This section provides guidance on proper disposal practices, recycling or reclamation of the chemical(s) or its
container, and safe handling practices. To minimize exposure, this section should also refer the reader to
Section 8 (Exposure Controls/Personal Protection) of the SDS. The information may include:
 Description of appropriate disposal containers to use.
 Recommendations of appropriate disposal methods to employ.
 Description of the physical and chemical properties that may affect disposal activities.
 Language discouraging sewage disposal.
 Any special precautions for landfills or incineration activities.

Section 14: Transport Information
This section provides guidance on classification information for shipping and transporting of hazardous
chemical(s) by road, air, rail, or sea. The information may include:
 UN number (i.e., four-figure identification number of the substance)2.
 UN proper shipping name2.
 Transport hazard class(es)2.
 Packing group number, if applicable, based on the degree of hazard2.
 Environmental hazards (e.g., identify if it is a marine pollutant according to the International Maritime
Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG Code)).
 Guidance on transport in bulk (according to Annex II of MARPOL 73/783 and the International Code
for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk (International Bulk
Chemical Code (IBC Code)).
 Any special precautions which an employee should be aware of or needs to comply with, in connection
with transport or conveyance either within or outside their premises (indicate when information is not
available).

Section 15: Regulatory Information
This section identifies the safety, health, and environmental regulations specific for the product that is not
indicated anywhere else on the SDS. The information may include:
 Any national and/or regional regulatory information of the chemical or mixtures (including any OSHA,
Department of Transportation, Environmental Protection Agency, or Consumer Product Safety
Commission regulations).

Section 16: Other Information
This section indicates when the SDS was prepared or when the last known revision was made. The SDS may
also state where the changes have been made to the previous version. You may wish to contact the supplier for
an explanation of the changes. Other useful information also may be included here.

Employee Training and Information
Human Resources is responsible for the Hazard Communication Standard Program and will ensure that all
program elements are followed.

Everyone who works with or is potentially exposed to hazardous chemicals will receive initial training on the
hazard communication standard during orientation. Included in this orientation will be:
 An overview of the OSHA hazard communication standard
 The hazardous chemicals present in the work area
 The physical and health risks of the hazardous chemicals
 Symptoms of overexposure
 How to determine the presence or release of hazardous chemicals in the work area
 How to reduce or prevent exposure to hazardous chemicals through the use of control procedures, work
practices and personal protective equipment
 Steps we have taken to reduce or prevent exposure to hazardous chemicals
 Procedures to follow if employees are overexposed to hazardous chemicals
 How to read labels and SDS sheets to obtain hazard information
 Location of the SDS file and the written Hazard Communication program.
Prior to introducing a new chemical into any area of the organization, each employee in that section will be
given information and training as outlined above for the new chemical hazard from their department supervisor.

Hazardous Non-routine Tasks
Should an employee be required to perform a non-routine task that is hazardous, that employee will be given
information by the Human Resources or Maintenance Department about the hazardous chemicals he or she may
encounter during that activity. This information will include specific chemical hazards, protective and safety
measures the employee should use and emergency procedures.

Informing Other Employer / Contractors
It is the responsibility of the Human Resources or Maintenance Department to provide other employers and
contractors with SDS sheets for hazardous chemicals that their employees may be exposed to on location and
suggested precautions.
It is the responsibility of the Human Resource or Maintenance Department to obtain information about
hazardous chemicals used by other employers to which employees of this organization may be exposed.

List of Hazardous Chemicals
A list of all known hazardous chemicals used by our employees in kept in the front of our SDS file. This list
includes the name of the chemical, the manufacturer, the quantity used and the work area in which the chemical
is used and stored. Further information on each chemical may be obtained from the SDS file itself, located in
the employee break room.
When new chemicals are received, this list is updated within 30 days. It is the responsibility of the
Housekeeping Supervisor to compile and maintain the SDS file.

Complete the quiz below to complete your training: