Section 1: Scope

---

1. The Program meets appropriate requirements by ensuring that all receptacles containing hazardous substances are clearly and properly labeled, and that Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and other hazard data are available to all employees in their respective work areas. In addition employee training on hazardous substances is made available.
2. Outside contractors and their employees will be informed of the presence of hazardous substance on campus that may be encountered in the performance of their work. Similarly WNC employees will be notified of the hazardous substances that outside contractors may bring to our campuses.
3. This procedure does not apply to wood products, food, medications, cosmetics, or other items intended for personal consumption or use.
4. The hazards can be either a physical hazard or a health hazard:
   1. Physical Hazard - Any chemical or substance that is a combustible liquid, compressed gas, explosive, flammable, organic peroxide, oxidizer, unstable (reactive) or water reactive.
   2. Health Hazard - Any chemical or substance that has proven to have an adverse health effect on vital body organs and systems of any human exposed to it. This includes chemicals that are known carcinogens, toxic agents, irritants, corrosives, or sensitizers.
5. This Hazard Communication Program applies to all WNC campuses and to all areas where hazardous chemicals are used.

Section 2: Labeling

---

1. The Department Directors or Supervisors responsible for any given college areas will ensure that all chemical containers received for use are clearly labeled as to contents, signal word, Globally Harmonized System (GHS) hazard warnings, and list the name and address of the manufacturer or other responsible party.
2. Secondary containers not designated for immediate use will be clearly labeled as outlined above. 
3. Manufacturer labels will not be removed or defaced while material is in use. In a classroom setting, when small bottles are used from a rack or a tray, the rack or tray can be labeled with the required hazard warning information above, in lieu of labeling the individual bottles when contents are identical. However, each individual bottle must be labeled with the identity of its contents.
4. When consumer products are purchased in quantities compatible with home use, they shall be used as they would be used in the home. Accordingly, they shall have manufacturer consumer warning labels. All edible products must have an additional label warning "Not for Human Consumption". 

Section 3: Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

---

1. Copies of SDS and other data for hazardous chemicals that employees may be exposed to will be kept in a SDS binder in close proximity to where the chemicals are stored, if possible. SDS will be available to all employees to review during each work shift and copies may be obtained on request.
2. All new chemicals will be logged in the SDS binder with the chemical name, manufacturer information, amount purchased, and storage location. New SDS shall be sent to EH&S and a copy placed in the SDS binder. In addition, old or outdated SDSs shall be sent to EH&S for required record retention.

Section 4: Employee Training and Information

---

1. The employees immediate supervisor will be responsible for familiarizing each new employee on the correct methods of handling hazardous chemicals that may be part of the employee's task. This training will include the following:
   1. A knowledge of hazardous substances present in the workplace, the physical and health effects of each, and safety emergency procedures to be followed if any undue exposure to them occurs;
   2. The location of SDS and other hazard data;
   3. Methods and observation techniques used to determine the presence or release of hazardous substances in the workplace;
   4. Proper meaning of GHS labels and SDS hazard information to lessen the danger of exposure to hazardous substances in the workplace;
   5. Proper work practices and required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and other safety measures to be followed when handling hazardous substances; and
   6. The availability of this Hazard Communication Program.
2. Each new employee with potential exposure to hazardous chemicals will receive instruction in this Hazardous Communication Program from the Environmental Health and Safety Department.
3. Every employee and supervisor should request information and guidance when needed, concerning workplace hazards. Please contact the Environmental Health and Safety Department with these requests.

Section 5: Student Training and Information

---

1. Each instructor is responsible for advising their students on the nature of hazardous chemicals that may be used in the classroom. Students should be made aware of this program and the SDS and the hazard data for chemical hazards in their classroom.

Section 6: Outside Contractors

---

1. Before work at the college is commences by outside contractors and their employees, the Facilities Manager will be responsible for providing the contractor with information on hazardous substances used by the college that may affect the contractor's work.
2. This Information includes:
   1. The type of hazardous substances they may be exposed to while working at certain locations;
   2. Protective safety measures that may be taken to reduce exposure risks;
   3. Steps that the college has taken to reduce exposure risks;
   4. The location of SDS for hazardous substances that they may be exposed to;
   5. Procedures to follow in case of undo exposure to a hazardous substance
3. Similarly, college personnel must be informed of the potential hazards that an outside contractor may bring to campus. This above information must be made available to all affected college employees and students. 

Section 7: Non-Routine Tasks

---

1. Occasionally employees may be asked to perform non-routine tasks or spend time in an area other than their usual working area; i.e. maintenance in an area where new hazardous materials will be used.
2. Prior to beginning these tasks, the supervisor of the work area being entered must review the hazards of the non-routine tasks with the employee assigned the non-routine task. This is to ensure the employee(s) develop safe work habits and use effective precautionary measures.

---