HAZARDOUS MATERIALS & WASTES

Knowledge of the proper procedures in the special handling, use, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials (hazmats) and wastes.

Reviewed 10/2014

JOINT COMMISSION REGULATIONS

• Hazardous materials and waste:• Handling, use, and storage are guided or defined by local,

state, or federal regulation • Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA)

Regulations for Bloodborne Pathogens regarding the disposal of blood and blood-soaked items;

• Nuclear Regulatory Commission's regulations for the handling and disposal of radioactive waste

• Other, hazardous vapors (e.g., gluteraldehyde, ethylene oxide, nitrous oxide), and hazardous energy sources (for example, ionizing or non-ionizing radiation, lasers, microwave, ultrasound).

JOINT COMMISSION REGULATIONS

• Hazardous Energy Sources• Ionizing or non-ionizing radiation, lasers, microwave, ultrasound

• The Joint Commission considers infectious wastes falling into this category of materials (Hazardous Waste)

• Federal regulations do not define infectious or medical waste as hazardous waste

TYPES OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

• INFECTIOUS SUBSTANCES• Some infectious substances (such as some viruses) can be transmitted by

blood and other body fluids, equipment, containers, paper goods, glassware, linens and by people.

• RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS• These require special handling techniques to prevent exposure to personnel

and visitors.

• FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS AND GASES• For example, chemicals, such as ether or alcohol, can burn or explode.

• TOXIC CHEMICALS• A person may be exposed over a long period of time before effects are

noticed.

ROUTES OF ENTRY

• Absorption- soaks through skin

• Inhalation- you breath it; most common

• Ingestion- you eat it• Injection- puncture wound

REMEMBER……• Many hazmats are odorless, colorless and tasteless• You may be exposed before you know it• Approach safely

OSHA Hazard CommunicationUpdate

• OSHA has adopted Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS)

Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS); What is it…or is Not?• This is not a new Occupational Safety and Health Administration

(OSHA) standard• It’s a revision to the existing OSHA Hazard Communications Standard/Right-

To-Know Law• The United Nations system of labeling classification of chemicals

• Implemented to improve worker understanding of labels and safety data sheets

• The three years from 12/1/2013 to 6/1/2016 will be considered a transition phase• Manufacturers, employers and end users work to meet the new

requirements of the revised standard

GHS – Major Changes• Container Labeling• Classification and hazard identification of chemicals• Safety Data Sheet (SDS), formerly known as Material Safety Data

Sheet (MSDS), format and content

GHS – What will Not Change• We still have to keep chemical inventories

• We still have to maintain safety data sheets

• We still have to train new people on the potential hazards of what they will be working with

• We still have to maintain our records for 30 years, per OSHA

Labels Are Required to have:

• Pictograms• Signal Words• Hazard Statement• Precautionary Statements• Product Identifier• Supplier Identification• Supplemental Information (as required)

GHS Pictograms• Nine pictograms will be utilized in identifying hazards of ALL

chemicals

• Each chemical will have AT LEAST one pictogram, often multiple pictograms – to visually convey the hazards associated with it

• We need to be familiar with the meaning(s) of each pictogram • Labels and safety data sheets will not always include that

information, understanding these is critical• Radiological & Environmental Management (REM) will provide

pictogram reference cards to post in work areas for future reference

GHS Pictograms

Labels – Signal Words Describe the Severity of a Hazard

• Danger• This is reserved for the more severe hazards

• Warning• This is used on less severe hazards

• If there is no significant hazard, a signal word won’t be used

Labels – Hazard Statements• Phrases that describe the

nature of the hazard:

• Examples:• Highly flammable liquid

and vapor• May cause liver and

kidney damage• Fatal if swallowed

Labels – Examples of PPE Pictograms

Safety Data Sheets (SDS)• These are chemical fact sheets that contain all the

information an employee would need to know about a hazardous chemical

• Keep current MSDS available until new SDS are received. Archive old MSDS as new SDS are collected.

• Each SDS is broken down into 16 universal sections

• Sections 1 - 11 will be of most concern

GHS Action Plan• Chemical containers, bottles, etc. will begin to arrive with the

newly-formatted labels. These new labels will include more information than ever before. Read them thoroughly to get used to the new format and content, even if it’s not the first time you’ve used the product.

• Be sure you understand the meanings of the pictograms that will appear on the labels. REM will have laminated cards available, or an online resource such as the OSHA website, to check if you are unsure of what something means.

GHS Action Plan• You must keep any MSDS you already have

• Watch for new GHS-compliant (16-section) SDS to arrive• They may come from the manufacturer or distributor with

a shipment of the products you order• You may go online or contact the manufacturer yourself to

get it• Replace old MSDS with new SDS in the active binder along

with your current chemical inventory. Archive old MSDS for 30 years. SDS may not be available right away from all manufacturers.

YOUR ATTITUDE --- AND ACTIONS --- COUNT!

You must want to do your job safely and you must understand and use safe practices and methods. That’s what being part of an effective safety team is all about!

KNOW THE POTENTIAL HAZARDS

• In each area of the facility where you work:• Observe signs• Take precautions when

entering an area identified as hazardous

• Know what’s inside a container before you handle it!

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

• Gloves• Goggles• Masks• Respirator• Gowns• Aprons• Footwear• Good hygiene

IN CASE OF SMALL SPILLS

• Act Quickly• Contain the spill• Wear PPE• Notify proper

personnel

BE SURE TO WASH YOUR HANDS

•Before entering or leaving the work area•Before and after contact with a patient

•After handling items such as bedpans, dressings, etc.•After removing gloves•After using the toilet, blowing your nose or covering a sneeze

•Before eating, drinking or handling food or smoking

PREVENT INJURIES FROM SHARPS

• Let falling objects fall• Practice safe handling

techniques• Don’t reach into containers• Dispose of sharps carefully

IMPORTANT TIPS

• Take training seriously• Avoid taking shortcuts• Report unsafe conditions• Know emergency procedures