Hazard Communication Program

Head Start of Lane County (HSOLC) is committed to the prevention of incidents or happenings which result in injury and/or illness and to comply with the Oregon Occupational Health and Safety Code – Hazard Communication. Therefore we spare no effort in providing a safe and healthful work environment for all employees; require that all levels of supervision are accountable for the health and safety of those employees under their direction; and through this written hazard communication program share assigned responsibility to ensure performance under that responsibility.

All centers and clinics are included in this program. This written program will be available in the Administrative offices, Head Start Centers, and on the internal web communication system (Portal) for review by any interested employee.

HSOLC will meet the requirements of this rule as follows:

Copies of MSDS for all hazardous chemicals to which employees of HSOLC maybe exposed will be kept in the office of the HSD and in a MSDS binder which will be kept in a designated location with other policy and procedure manuals at each Head Start Center. Per Oregon OHSA regulations, MSDS will be kept for chemicals used in a non-household manner, except those that are considered extremely caustic (i.e.drain cleaner, oven cleaner). “Household manner” is defined as items that are being used daily to clean, such as dish soap or scouring powder.

MSDS will be available to all employees to review during working hours. A copy of the MSDS sheet should be placed in the binder, the name of the product noted on the inventory sheet, and a copy sent to the HSD.

The Health/Safety Consultant (HSC), in conjunction with the Operations Director and Regional Managers (RM), will ensure that all chemicals being used in our facilities will:

1. Be clearly labeled as to the contents.
2. Note the appropriate hazard warning.
3. List the manufacturer’s name and address.

It is the policy of this agency that no container will be released for use until the above data is verified.

Each new employee of HSOLC will attend an orientation to the Hazard Communication Program and will receive information and training on the following:

1. An overview of the requirements contained in the Hazard Communication Rules. Chemicals present in their workplace operations.
2. Location and availability of our written hazard program and Material Safety Data Sheets.
3. How to read labels and review MSDS to obtain appropriate hazard information.
4. How to reduce or prevent exposure to these hazardous chemicals through use of control/work practices and personal protective equipment.

Each year the HSC, in conjunction with the RMs, will ensure there is training provided on the Hazard Communication Program and a review provided on chemicals in use at the employee’s specific site.
Prior to a new hazardous chemical being introduced into any section of this agency, each employee of that section will be given information as outlined above. The Operations Director with assistance from the HSC and/or RMs is responsible for ensuring that MSDS on any new chemicals are available.

A list and information about all known hazardous chemicals used by HSOLC employees will be kept in the Hazardous Chemical binder located in the Operations Director office and the designated location at each HS site. The list of Hazardous Chemicals will also be posted on the Portal.

The HSC and Operations Director will determine whether a chemical is hazardous by referring to the list on pages 8 and 9 of OSHA’s Hazard Communication Safe Work Practice Guide (440-2034) and by referring to the comprehensive summaries available at www.atsdr.cdc.gov

Periodically, employees must perform hazardous non-routine tasks. Before starting work on such projects, each affected employee will be given information by their immediate supervisor about hazardous chemicals to which they may be exposed during such activity. This information will include:

1. Specific chemical hazards.
2. Protective/safety measures employees can take.
3. Measures the agency has taken to reduce the hazards, including ventilation, respirators, presence of another employee, and emergency procedures.

Examples of non-routine tasks performed by employees of this agency may include but are not limited to:

1. Painting and related tasks.
2. Stripping and waxing linoleum floors.
3. Carpet shampooing.

It is the responsibility of the Operations Director in conjunction with RM’s, to provide contractors with the following information:

1. Hazardous chemicals to which they may be exposed while on the job site, and the procedure for obtaining MSDSs.

1. Precautions contractor may take to lessen the possibility of exposure, by using appropriate protective measures, and an explanation of the labeling system used.

Also, it is the responsibility of Operations Director in conjunction with RM’s to identify and obtain MSDSs for the chemicals the contractor is bringing into the workplace.

The Safety Committee will review this Hazard Communication Program on an annual basis to assure continued compliance with the OSHA – Hazard Communication code.

Policy Council approved on May 11, 2004.
Updated June 2009

REVIEWED: April 2021

CHEMICAL LIST AS OF8/19/03

Outdoor/Lawn

Bugsbe Gone (insecticide)

GlystarPlus (weed killer)

Floors

AllstarNew Look Thermal Buff Spray

DazzleNeutral Floor Cleaner

FirstBase (NPE Free) (floor finish)

GemstarGemini (floor finish)

GSI1900 (floor sealer)

GSI1955 (mop stripper)

GSI2200 (floor finish)

Liberty(liquid stripper)

ZepStrip-Ease (floor stripper)

ZepTime Saver (wax stripper)

Carpet

AllStar D Foam Suds Buster

AllStar X Tractor

Glass/Oven/Plumbingetc.

Drano(pipe unclogger)

EasyOff Oven Cleaner

OnceOver Paste (heavy duty glass cleaner)