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The Hazard Communication Program is designed to align to AU's mission of workplace safety and proper chemical handling. The components of the program were developed to meet the requirements of the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) 29 CFR 1910.1200 standard.

The program provides detailed safety guidelines and instructions for the receipt, use, and storage of chemicals on campus. All persons working with or routinely coming into contact with hazardous materials must be trained to identify, categorize, and handle them appropriately. To obtain a copy of American University's Hazard Communication Program please contact EH&S.

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Safety Data Sheets (SDSs)

To avoid injury, faculty and staff routinely coming into contact with hazardous materials or chemicals must be aware of the substance's hazardous properties. Some agents used on campus are explosive, corrosive, flammable, and/or toxic. Other products are relatively safe to use and store, but may become dangerous when they interact with other substances. Before using a specific chemical, safe handling methods and health hazards must always be reviewed.

Safety Data Sheets, formally known as Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), describe hazardous properties of chemicals and appropriate risk mitigation techniques. They must be readily available in physical or digital format in work areas. Employees may easily find SDSs by consulting the work area SDS database, Googling (enter "[chemical name] SDS" as search terms) or referencing the chemical manufacturer's website.

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Chemical Inventory

University policy and OSHA requires each individual in control of chemicals to maintain an accurate chemical inventory in order to minimize waste, track reporting limits, and comply with hazard communication laws. Supervisors should ensure that an up to date and centralized chemical inventory is kept at all times.

An online chemical inventory is maintained by Environmental Health & Safety. For access and use information please contact EH&S.

Additionally, because individuals may not show signs or symptoms of an exposure to a chemical until years later, individual departments must maintain and archive all SDS (current, revised, and obsolete) at American University for 30 years.

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Training

Each employee working with or potentially exposed to hazardous chemicals must receive training on the Hazard Communication Standard and the safe use of these chemicals. The training emphasizes the following:

• A summary of the OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1200 standard;
• Hazardous chemical properties including visual appearance, odor and the methods that can be used to detect the presence or release of hazardous chemicals;
• Physical and health hazards associated with potential exposure to workplace chemicals;
• Procedures to protect against hazards including the use of personal protective equipment, work practices, and emergency procedures;
• Hazardous chemical spill and leak procedures; and
• What are SDS's, how to understand their content, and how employees may obtain and use appropriate hazard information.

Training is available on our online training platform and can be arranged by contacting your supervisor or EHS. Additional onsite training will be provided for employees whenever a new chemical hazard is introduced into the work area. Supervisors will ensure that initial and any due refresher training is complete before an employee begins working with a hazardous substance.

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Accident Prevention Signs and Tags

Employees may encounter signs indicating hazardous areas or situations.  

• Danger signs indicate immediate danger and that special precautions are necessary. These signs are typically red, black, and white.
• Caution signs indicate a possible hazard and that proper precautions should be taken. These signs are typically yellow and black.

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Exposure and Medical Records

In some cases, EH&S maintains employee exposure and medical records pertaining to exposure to toxic substances or harmful physical agents. To access these records, please contact EH&S at your convenience.