Hazard Communications Standard Application
The HCS 2012 applies to any chemical which is known to be present in the workplace in such a manner that employees may be exposed under normal conditions of use or in a foreseeable emergency.
Let's take a closer look at some of the components of this statement.
"Foreseeable emergency" means any potential occurrence such as, but not limited to, equipment failure, rupture of containers, or failure of control equipment which could result in an uncontrolled release of a hazardous chemical into the workplace.
The phrase "known to be present" is important. If a hazardous chemical is known to be present by the chemical manufacturer or the employer, it is covered by the standard.
"Hazardous chemical" means any chemical which is classified as a physical hazard or a health hazard, such as a simple asphyxiant, combustible dust, pyrophoric gas, or hazard not otherwise classified.
"Employees," such as office workers or bank tellers who encounter hazardous chemicals only in non-routine and isolated instances are not covered. For example, an office worker who occasionally changes the toner in a copying machine would not be covered by the standard. However, an employee who operates a copying machine as part of her/his work duties would be covered by the provisions of the HCS.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
1-3. The HCS 2012 applies to any chemical which is known to be present in the workplace in such a manner that employees _____.
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