Chapter 9.36
CHEMICAL HAZARD (RIGHT-TO-KNOW) POLICIES
Sections:
9.36.050 Effective date of MSDS requirement.
9.36.010 Purpose.
The purpose of the resolution and ordinance codified in this chapter is to establish a uniform program to comply with the Chemical Hazard Communication Act, WAC 296-62-054.
(Ord. 118 (1987) § 1, 1987: Res. 149-1986 § 1, 1986)
9.36.020 Policy.
It is the policy of the board of county commissioners to promote a safe and healthful environment for county employees and for the public which comes into contact with county operations. The board of county commissioners recognizes the community and county employees’ need for information covering hazardous chemicals and materials used in county operations.
(Ord. 118 (1987) § 2, 1987: Res. 149-1986 § 2, 1986)
9.36.030 Definitions.
All words have their ordinary and usual meanings except those defined in this section.
(1) “Hazardous chemical or material” means a chemical or material which is a physical hazard or a health hazard as defined by WAC 296-62-05405.
(2) “Material safety data sheet (MSDS)” means written or printed material concerning a hazardous chemical which is prepared in accordance with WAC 296-62-05413.
(Ord. 118 (1987) § 3, 1987: Res. 149-1986 § 3, 1986)
9.36.040 Responsibilities.
(a) Elected Officials and Department Heads. Elected officials and department heads are responsible for compliance with the chemical hazard communication (right-to-know) policies/procedures as follows:
(1) Maintain a copy of the chemical hazard communication (right-to-know) policies/procedures in each work place;
(2) Maintain a list (inventory) of hazardous chemicals and materials used by the department;
(3) Maintain a material safety data sheet (MSDS) for each of the hazardous chemicals or materials used in the specific workplace which shall be subject to employee/ public inspection;
(4) Notify the purchasing manager to require a material safety data sheet (MSDS) from the distributor when ordering a new hazardous chemical or material;
(5) Ensure that all containers in the workplace containing hazardous chemicals or materials are all labeled, tagged or marked as set forth in WAC 296-62-05411;
(6) Provide an opportunity for all employees to attend a “hazardous chemical training” class following initial job assignment;
(7) Provide each employee with additional training and supervision as new hazardous chemicals are introduced and/or if assigned to areas where additional health or safety exposure may exist;
(8) Report compliance with the Chemical Hazard Communication “Right to Know” Act to the risk manager by providing the risk management office with the inventory, MSDS sheets and purchase order requests.
(b) Risk Management Office. The risk management office will provide organizational guidance and monitor the chemical hazard communication (right-to-know) policies/ procedures for compliance in accordance with WAC 296-62-054 through 296-62-05425 as follows:
(1) Maintain a copy of the chemical hazard communication (right-to-know) policies/procedures;
(2) Maintain a complete file on the inventory of all hazardous chemicals or materials and a complete file of all material safety data sheets from all departments;
(3) Review and approve for use all material safety data sheets (MSDS);
(4) Monitor the departments’ labeling of all hazardous chemicals and materials in the workplace for compliance;
(5) Monitor and maintain chemical hazard communication (right-to-know) employee training and records;
(6) Provide periodic safety assistance, surveys and consultations to departments relating to the act;
(c) Employees. The employees shall comply with the chemical hazard communication (right-to-know) policies/procedures and will:
(1) Be familiar with safety and health requirements described in each material safety data sheet (MSDS) involving chemicals and materials used within their workplace;
(2) Follow all instructions and safety procedures dedicated to the use, storage, handling, and disposal of hazardous chemicals and materials;
(3) Use all of the proper personal protective equipment required for each and every hazardous chemical or material exposure;
(4) Properly clean, store or otherwise care for personal protective equipment provided as described in WAC Chapters 296-24 and 296-62;
(5) Sign a certification statement verifying receipt of training which shall then be included in the personnel file upon conclusion of training;
(6) Dispose of hazardous chemicals or materials in accordance with WAC Chapter 173-303 Dangerous Waste Regulations.
(Ord. 118 (1987) § 4, 1987: Res. 149-1986 § 4, 1986)
9.36.050 Effective date of MSDS requirement.
Beginning December 1, 1987, no hazardous chemical or material will be used unless an approved MSDS is available in the workplace.
(Ord. 118 (1987) § 5, 1987: Res. 149-1986 § 5, 1986)