flinnsci.com SAFETY REFERENCE RIGHT-TO-KNOW LAWS
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Flinn CHP Has Helped
Thousands of Teachers
Developing a Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP) does not have to be difficult.
Thousands of schools have created their own individualized CHP starting with
the Flinn Scientific Chemical Hygiene Plan as a model or template. This multipage
CHP model plan is available free from Flinn Scientific. It contains the basic
safety laboratory regulations and procedures and is easy to alter to meet your
individual school’s needs. For a free copy of this important document, as either
a paper hard copy or a Microsoft Word® document, send your request to Flinn
Scientific, Inc., P.O. Box 219, Batavia, IL 60510. For an electronic version, please
email us at flinn@flinnsci.com and request the CHP Word document.
RIGHT-TO-KNOW LAWS OR HAZARD COMMUNICATION STANDARDS continued on next page.
Right-to-Know Laws, continued
5. Training
Many state laws are very detailed and specific in the area of training
requirements of employees. Most states require training to be done annually or
when exposure to a new hazard is anticipated. Some states require this training
to be in written form while others allow verbal training or some combination of
both types. Training includes:
a. Learning to read labels and SDSs
b. Providing the locations of hazardous materials
c. Learning the hazards, both chronic and acute, associated with the materials in
the workplace
d. Safe handling of chemicals
e. Using protective equipment (e.g., fire extinguishers, respirators)
f. Knowing first aid and emergency procedures (e.g., spills, exposure, splashes)
6. Labels and Labeling of Hazardous Materials
Most laws require that a minimum standard of labeling must be observed. This
includes:
• Chemical name, concentration, target organ, effect and date prepared.
• Hazards, both physical and health.
• Hazards identification with GHS signal word, pictograms, hazard class and
applicable hazard and precautionary statements.
• Name and address of the manufacturer.
All states indicate that if the product is purchased and the label meets the
standard, no further labeling is necessary.
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The Chemical Hygiene Plan
In May 1990, the federal government passed an extension of the Hazard
Communication Act written specifically for the research and academic laboratory.
Most states also passed a version of the Laboratory Standard. Enforcement of the
new Laboratory Standard began in January 1991. The Laboratory Standard is very
similar in many ways to the original law. The major difference is the requirement to
have a Chemical Hygiene Plan and a Chemical Hygiene Officer.
A Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP) is a written report summarizing all your safety
regulations, proper laboratory procedures for handling hazardous chemicals and
training procedures. The CHP should include:
• General laboratory rules and procedures
• Personal protective equipment requirements
• Spill and accident procedures
• Chemical storage rules and procedures
• Safety equipment requirements and inspection procedures
• Employee safety training
• Exposure and medical evaluations
• Emergency evacuation plan
The CHP’s listing of rules and procedures are your Standard Operating
Procedures. These rules and procedures must be well thought out with the principal
goal of always minimizing the exposure of employees and students to hazardous
chemicals.
Conclusion
The various state Right-to-Know laws are all very similar. The six major requirements
or provisions discussed here are always included along with minor modifications
concerning who must be trained and how and to whom you will have to send SDSs
and hazardous materials lists. The paperwork requirements (SDS and reporting
lists) can be overwhelming, but they are mandated by the laws. The science
teacher’s five major steps include:
1. Take an inventory (develop a list of hazards).
2. Acquire, update and maintain SDSs.
3. Label all chemicals properly.
4. Train.
5. Develop a Chemical Hygiene Plan.
Following these five steps will not only help you comply with your respective state’s
Right-to-Know law, but it will also improve the safety in your classroom.
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