Environmental Health and Safety/Risk Management



Mission:


The Environmental Health and Safety office, located in Daniel Hall room 103, is responsible for planning, implementing and administering The University's health and safety program, and for providing supportive technical consultation, training, investigation, and inspection to ensure compliance with guidelines set forth by federal, state and local laws and regulations. Its primary functions are to assist The University community in meeting health and safety responsibilities, to prevent or reduce accidents and to identify and eliminate environmental hazards and dangerous conditions for students, faculty, and staff on campus.




NOTICE: The following safety programs and policies are to be used as guidance documents to promote a safe educational and work environment. This site is for informational purposes for Midwestern State University Staff, Faculty, Employees and Students only. Any federal, state or local regulation more stringent than these requirements will automatically take precedence over these documents as applicable

Many of the following documents are in PDF format. Adobe Acrobat reader will be required to view these documents. Please click on this link for the most current version from Adobe:
http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep.html

MSU Employee Safety Manual:   http://web.mwsu.edu/physicalplant/safetymanual.asp
Contractor Safety Guide:  http://web.mwsu.edu/physicalplant/pdf/contractorsafety.pdf
Return to Work Status Form:  http://web.mwsu.edu/physicalplant/pdf/IRwork.pdf
Supervisor Investigation Form:  http://web.mwsu.edu/physicalplant/pdf/supervisor.pdf


Disclaimer: This information is intended for use by the Midwestern State University's campus community. While the material contained may be reproduced by other individuals and organizations Midwestern State University does not warrant its application to other campuses or workplaces. Comments are welcomed and may be directed to the Office of Environmental Safety Coordinator.

Related Links:
State Office of Risk Management: http://www.sorm.state.tx.us/
Occupational Safety & Health Administration: http://www.osha.gov/
Environmental Protection Agency: http://www.epa.gov/




Fire Safety and Fire Extinguishers





(Click on NFPA image)




Campus Extension Chord Safety



Many questions have arisen regarding therestrictions on extension chords on campus. The following guidelines should be used by faculty, staff, sudents, and vistors to assure that the extension cords in use does not violate good safety practices or fire codes. The National Electric Code (NEC) is the primary document that provides guidance in the use of extension cords. Thes guidelines are based on the NEC. If you have any questions about the NEC please feel free to contact the Safety Officer Michael Blevins at x4032 or the Electrical Superintendent Doug Allison at x4706.

In dormitories and office settings:
  1. Extension cords which have the UL label are approved, so long as the size and use is appropriate.
  2. Two and three conductor extension cords must have a minimum conductor size of 16 AWG copper.
  3. Extension cords are normally rated in amps, and must be used within the ampere rating. (Compare the ampere rating of the appliance with the rating of the chord.)
  4. Three pronged (three conductor) extension cords must be used when connecting electrical items that have three pronged plug-ins.
  5. Extension cords must not be run under rugs, mattresses, through doorways or windows, and must be protected from damage at all times.
  6. Three prong adapters are not to be used with two conductor extension cords on the female end of the cord.
  7. Splicing and "home repairs" of extensions cords are not permitted unless performed by Facilities Management. Insulation, strength and conductor size must not be compromised.
  8. Cords used in wet and/or outdoor locations should be protected by ground fault circuit interrupters.


On maintenance and construction sites:
  1. Extension cords with an equipment grounding conductor must be used at all times.
  2. Extension cords must be protected from damage, and not run through doorways or windows where the doors or windows may close, causing damage to the cord.
  3. Extension cords must be plugged into a circuit protected by a ground fault circuit interrupter on wet or outdoor construction and maintenance sites, or have the ground circuit checked for continuity in an assured grounding and conductor program.
  4. Extension cords should be a minimum of 16 AWG and be rated for the equipment in use. The following is a guide that might be helpful in selecting the cord:

    Extension Cord Ampere Rating

    Wire Size(Copper)
    Single Phase Two and Three Conductor Cords
    Three Phase Cords
    16 AWG 13 amps 10 amps
    14 AWG 18 amps 15 amps
    12 AWG 25 amps 20 amps
    10 AWG 30 amps 25 amps
    8 AWG 40 amps 35 amps
    6 AWG 55 amps 45 amps
    4 AWG 70 amps 60 amps
    2 AWG 95 amps 80 amp


  5. Splicing extension cords must be done in such a way that the insulation and conductivity of the wires are not compromised.
  6. Extension cords should not be run through water or allowed to have connections that may be exposed to puddling water.






Material Safety Data Sheets





Introduction

The Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is a detailed information bulletin prepared by the manufacturer or importer of a chemical that describes the physical and chemical properties, physical and health hazards, routes of exposure, precautions for safe handling and use, emergency and first-aid procedures, and control measures. Information on an MSDS aids in the selection of safe products and helps prepare employers and employees to respond effectively to daily exposure situations as well as to emergency situations.

The MSDSs are a comprehensive source of information for all types of employers. There may be information on the MSDS that is not useful to you or not important to the safety and health in your particular operation. Concentrate on the information that is applicable to your situation. Generally, hazard information and protective measures should be the focus of concern.


Your Rights


  1. Your workplace is required to have Material Safety Data Sheets available for every single hazardous chemical or substance you use or encounter as a part of your job.

  2. These must be readily available for employee review at all times you are in the work place!

  3. If you request to see an MSDS for a product you use at work, and your employer cannot show it to you, after one working day you may refuse to work with that product until you are shown the correct MSDS.

  4. If you request your own personal copy of a Material Safety Data Sheet, your employer has 15 working days to provide it.



If you do not know where the MSDSs for your area are kept, find out!




Employer Responsibilities
Employers must ensure that each employee has a basic knowledge of how to find information on an MSDS and how to properly make use of that information. Employers also must ensure the following:

Complete and accurate MSDSs are made available during each work shift to employees when they are in their work areas. Information is provided for each hazardous chemical.



What Information is Provided on an MSDS?


Company Information Health Hazard Data
Hazardous Ingredients Reactivity Data
Physical Data Spill or Leak Procedures
Fire and Explosion Hazard Data Special Protection Information
Special Precautions


OSHA specifies the information to be included on an MSDS, but does not prescribe the precise format for an MSDS. A non-mandatory MSDS form that meets the Hazard Communication Standard requirements has been issued and can be used as is or expanded as needed. The MSDS must be in English and must include at least the following information:

Section I - Chemical Identity
  • The chemical and common name(s) must be provided for single chemical substances.
  • An identity on the MSDS must be cross-referenced to the identity found on the label.


Section II - Hazardous Ingredients
  • For a hazardous chemical mixture that has been tested as a whole to determine its hazards, the chemical and common names of the ingredients that are associated with the hazards, and the common name of the mixture must be listed.
  • If the chemical is a mixture that has not been tested as a whole the chemical and common names of all ingredients determined to be health hazards and comprising 1 percent or greater of the composition must be listed.
  • Chemical and common names of carcinogens must be listed if they are present in the mixture at levels of 0.1 percent or greater.
  • All components of a mixture that have been determined to present a physical hazard must be listed.
  • Chemical and common names of all ingredients determined to be health hazards and comprising less than 1 percent (0.1 percent for carcinogens) of the mixture must also be listed if they can still exceed an established Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) or Threshold Limit Value (TLV) or present a health risk to exposed employees in these concentrations.


Section III - Physical and Chemical Characteristics
  • The physical and chemical characteristics of the hazardous substance must be listed. These include items such as boiling and freezing points, density, vapor pressure, specific gravity, solubility, volatility, and the product's general appearance and odor. These characteristics provide important information for designing safe and healthful work practices.


Section IV - Fire and Explosion Hazard Data
  • The compound's potential for fire an explosion must be described. Also, the fire hazards of the chemical and the conditions under which it could ignite or explode must be identified. Recommended extinguishing agents and fire-fighting methods must be described.


Section V - Reactivity Data
  • This section presents information about other chemicals and substances with which it reacts. Information on any hazardous decomposition products, such as carbon monoxide, must be included.


Section VI - Health Hazards
  • The acute and chronic health hazards of the chemical, together with signs and symptoms of exposure, must be listed. In addition, any medical conditions that are aggravated by exposure to the compound, must be included. The specific types of chemical health hazards defined in the standard include carcinogens, corrosives, toxins, irritants, sensitizers, mutagens, teratogens, and effects on target organs (i.e., liver, kidney, nervous system, blood, lungs, mucous membranes, reproductive system, skin, eyes, etc.).
  • The route of entry section describes the primary pathway by which the chemical enters the body. There are three principal routes of entry: inhalation, skin, and ingestion.
  • This section of the MSDS supplies the OSHA PEL, the ACGIH TLV, and other exposure levels used or recommended by the chemical manufacturer.
  • If the compound is listed as a carcinogen (cancer-causing agent) by OSHA, the National Toxicology Program (NTP), or the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), this information must be indicated on the MSDS .


Section VII - Precautions for Safe Handling and Use
  • The standard requires the preparer to describe the precautions for safe handling and use. These include recommended industrial hygiene practices, precautions to be taken during repair and maintenance of equipment, and procedures for cleaning up spills and leaks. Some manufacturers also use this section to include useful information not specifically required by the standard, such as EPA waste disposal methods and state and local requirements.


Section VIII - Control Measures
  • The standard requires the preparer of the MSDS to list any generally applicable control measures. These include engineering controls, safe handling procedures, and personal protective equipment. Information is often included on the use of goggles, gloves, body suits, respirators, and face shields.


OSHA Requirements
Employers must maintain a complete and accurate MSDS for each hazardous chemical that is used in the facility. They are entitled to obtain this information automatically upon purchase of the material. When new and significant information becomes available concerning a product's hazards or ways to protect against the hazards, chemical manufacturers, importers, or distributors must add it to their MSDS within three months and provide it to their customers with the next shipment of the chemical. Employers must have an MSDS for each hazardous chemical used in the workplace. If there are multiple suppliers of the same chemical, there is no need to retain multiple MSDSs for that chemical.

While MSDSs are not required to be physically attached to a shipment, they must accompany or precede the shipment. When the manufacturer/supplier fails to send an MSDS with a shipment labeled as a hazardous chemical, the employer must obtain one form the chemical manufacturer, importer, or distributor as soon as possible. Similarly, if the MSDS is incomplete or unclear, the employer should contact the manufacturer or importer to get clarification or obtain missing information.

When an employer is unable to obtain an MSDS from a supplier or manufacturer, he/she should submit a written complaint, with complete background information, to the nearest OSHA area office. OSHA will then call and send a certified letter to the supplier or manufacturer to obtain the needed information. If the supplier or manufacturer still fails to respond within a reasonable time, OSHA will inspect the supplier or manufacturer and take appropriate enforcement action.



Material Safety Data Sheet Checklist

If you work in a laboratory or other situation where you create your own chemical solutions or products for use in your workplace, you may need to write your own MSDS for the product(s) you have created.

You must ensure that each MSDS you write contains the following information:

  • Product or chemical identity used on the label.
  • Manufacturer's name and address
  • Chemical and common names of each hazardous ingredient.
  • Name, address, and phone number for hazard and emergency information.
  • Preparation or revision date.
  • The hazardous chemical's physical and chemical characteristics, such as vapor pressure and flash point.
  • Physical hazards, including the potential for fire, explosion, and reactivity.
  • Known health hazards.
  • OSHA permissible exposure limit (PEL), ACGIH threshold limit value (TLV) or other exposure limits.
  • Emergency and first-aid procedures.
  • Whether OSHA, NTP or IARC lists the ingredient as a carcinogen.
  • Precautions for safe handling and use.
  • Control measures such as engineering controls, work practices, hygienic practices or personal protective equipment required.
  • Primary routes of entry.
  • Procedures for spills, leaks, and clean-up.


Labels and Marking Systems


NFPA Diamond


nfpadia.gif (9193 bytes) A numerical rating will also be provided in the blue, red, and yellow diamonds. This number indicates the severity of the hazard, with a 0 indicating no hazard and 4 indicating the most severe hazard.

These placards represent the "worst" of what is in the building, but they will not provide specific chemical names, quantities, or locations. They are designed to give emergency personnel a general idea of the worst hazards present in a building or area.
Blue = Health Hazard Red = Flammability Yellow = Reactivity
White = Special Hazard Information




HMIS Labels

HEALTH


The HMIS labeling system operates on the same principle as the NFPA diamond. Blue indicates health hazard, red indicates flammability, yellow indicates reactivity, and special information (such as what personal protective equipment to wear) will be provided in the white section. It also uses a numerical system from 0-4 to indicate the severity of the hazard.

These labels should be used on individual containers of hazardous materials (ie. barrels, bottles, cans, buckets, tubs, etc) so that there are never any unlabeled containers in the work area. It is recommended that they be used on all containers, even if the manufacturer's label is still in place; however, this is just a recommendation.
hazcom.gif (3896 bytes)
If a product or chemical is removed from its original container into another container which doesn't have a manufacturer's label, the second container must be labeled with an HMIS label with the appropriate information filled out.
Always regard unlabeled containers as dangerous!




Rating Summary
Health (Blue)
4
Danger
 May be fatal on short exposure. Specialized protective equipment required
3
Warning
 Corrosive or toxic. Avoid skin contact or inhalation
2
Warning
 May be harmful if inhaled or absorbed
1
Caution
 May be irritating
0
   No unusual hazard
Flammability (Red)
4
Danger
 Flammable gas or extremely flammable liquid
3
Warning
 Flammable liquid flash point below 100° F
2
Caution
 Combustible liquid flash point of 100° to 200° F
1
   Combustible if heated
0
   Not combustible
Reactivity (Yellow)
4
Danger
 Explosive material at room temperature
2
Danger
 May be explosive if shocked, heated under confinement or mixed with water
2
Warning
 Unstable or may react violently if mixed with water
1
Caution
 May react if heated or mixed with water but not violently
0
Stable
 Not reactive when mixed with water
Special Notice Key (White)
W
   Water Reactive
Oxy
   Oxidizing Agent




Laboratory Signage

Laboratories should be marked with the appropriate pictographic symbols to warn employees, visitors, and emergency responders what precautions should be observed when entering the laboratory, as well as what hazards to expect inside.


MSDS Software

Midwestern State University safety officer will be utilizing an MSDS software program called MSDSpro for the campus. This process will be an ongoing process of getting every department and building on campus up to date on the MSDS compliance program. MSDSpro is the leader in MSDS and Chemical Inventory management Software Solutions.




Material Safety Data Sheets:
http://www.msdsprovider.com/1/provider/chart
http://www.msdsonline.com/
http://www.msds.com/
http://www.msdssearch.com/msdssearch.htm