Hazard Communication Program at TSD Facilities
The written program must have a policy that ensures employees know about chemical hazards at the worksite and how to protect themselves from the hazards. The policy does not apply to hazardous waste as defined by the Solid Waste Disposal Act and amended by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976. Your hazard communication policy must meet the requirements of the hazard communication standard, 1910.1200, Subpart Z, Toxic and hazardous substances.
Summary of Requirements
- Hazard determination: Identify and maintain a current list of all hazardous chemicals at the site, including hazardous substances to which employees may be exposed during their routine and non-routine tasks, and hazardous substances in pipes.
- Labeling: Label containers of hazardous chemicals with the chemical's name and a warning about its hazards.
- Safety data sheets (SDS): A safety data sheet for each hazardous chemical used at the site must be readily accessible to employees during their work shifts.
- Employee training: Inform and train employees who work with hazardous chemicals before their assignments and whenever their assignments or work processes change.
Medical Surveillance at TSD Facilities
If employees are exposed to hazardous substances during their work, you may need to monitor their health to detect medical conditions that could harm them. Medical surveillance consists of regular medical examinations and consultations for those who may be overexposed to hazardous substances during their work. Open the link below to see requirements for employees who must have medical surveillance.
Employees Who Must Have Medical Surveillance
| Employee Category | When a Medical Exam is Required |
|---|---|
| Employees who may be exposed to hazardous substances at or above permissible exposure limits or published exposure levels for those substances 30 or more days a year Employees who wear a respirator for 30 or more days a year or who are required by 1910.134, Subdivision 2/I to wear a respirator. Members of HAZMAT teams |
Before assignment Every 12 months unless the physician recommends a longer interval (not to exceed 24 months) At termination of employment and reassignment Immediately after reporting symptoms indicating overexposure |
| Employees who show symptoms of overexposure to hazardous substances | As soon as possible after an employee reports symptoms When a physician determines that an examination is necessary |
Key points about the medical examination:
- The examination must be performed under the supervision of a licensed physician.
- The physician must have information about the employee's duties, exposure levels, and personal protective equipment.
- The employee must receive a copy of the physician's written findings.
- Keep a record of the examination, including the employee's name and the physician's written opinion regarding the employee's medical fitness to do hazardous waste work and to wear a respirator.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
3-3. When an employee at a TSD facility shows symptoms of overexposure to a hazardous substance, when is a medical exam required?
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