Analyzing the Workplace
Initial Assessment
Now that you have reviewed the scope of the Hazard Communication Rule and employer responsibilities, it's time to get down to business.
The first task is to determine what chemicals you have in your workplace. It's important for the person conducting the initial assessment to be familiar with the definition and characteristics of "hazardous chemicals," so we'll look at these topics now.
Hazardous Substances and Chemicals
OSHA has defined the term, "substances," as chemical elements and their compounds in the natural state or obtained by any production process, including any additive necessary to preserve the stability of the product and any impurities deriving from the process used, but excluding any solvent which may be separated without affecting the stability of the substance or changing its composition.
For the purposes of the HCS, "hazardous chemical" means any chemical which is classified as a physical hazard or health hazard, a simple asphyxiant, combustible dust, pyrophoric gas, or hazard not otherwise classified.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
2-1. When analyzing your workplace for chemical hazards, what is the first task needed to be completed?
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