Environmental Health & Safety
Hazard Communication Program for Strong Memorial Hospital
Prepared by: Environmental Health & Safety
(Revised 2022)
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PDF Version of Hazard Communication Program for SMH
This manual is designed to inform nursing and other medical care staff about the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA's) Hazard Communication Standard (HazComm) 29 CFR 1910.1200 and The University of Rochester Hazard Communication Program. Nursing staff and others need to read this program and become familiar with its contents. Clinical personnel should use this document to gain a better understanding of the hazards associated with chemicals / hazardous drugs used in the workplace and appropriate protective measures.
Hazardous chemicals include those regulated in 29 CFR 1910, Subpart Z, and any chemical meeting the definition of a hazardous chemical as set forth in OSHA's HazComm Standard. Hazardous drugs in a form which can present an exposure hazard to hospital personnel are also included in the definition of hazardous chemicals. Hazardous drugs which present either an inhalation or skin absorption hazard meet this definition. For the remainder of this document, the term hazardous chemicals will also include drugs that meet these criteria.
The U of R's HazComm Program is designed to comply with OSHA's HazComm Standard. The program defines responsibilities, communicates information concerning hazards, defines and communicates appropriate protective measures for employees. It is the policy of the University to provide an environment free from recognized hazards that could cause injury or illness. To this end, employees may not be exposed at or above the OSHA Permissible Exposure Limits (PEL), as described in Section 3. Also any personal protective equipment (PPE) to help prevent chemical exposures or needed for the performance of a job function is provided by the department at no cost to the employee. Working with any chemical involves a degree of risk. Through the use of all components of the HazComm Program, employees can work to minimize exposures.
This document is divided into three sections.
- Section I outlines the specific requirements of the standard and the manner in which the University is complying with the regulations.
- Section II focuses on required employee training information.
- Section III provides a summary of the hazards associated with some of the chemicals most commonly encountered by medical staff and emergency response actions to take in the event of a spill or exposure to a chemical agent.
Any questions on the HazComm Program or its implementation should be referred to the Occupational Safety Unit of Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) at 275-3241.
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QUESTIONS?
Contact the EH&S Occupational Safety Unit at 275-3241 or e-mail EH&S Questions@safety.rochester.edu.
This page last updated 10/6/2023. Disclaimer.
