1.         IDENTIFICATION AND EVALUATION OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

 

All materials brought to, stored, or used on campus will be properly labeled with the exact contents, explicit usage directions and health hazards for each hazardous material.  Any transfer of hazardous material into another container will have that container properly labeled unless the employee making the transfer will use the entire contents of the second container on their work shift.  Disposal of the containers will be dictated by the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for the chemical.

 

2.         SAFE PROCEDURES FOR HANDLING OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

 

Each label will have the appropriate precautions and directions on the proper handling and mixing of the materials.  No variation to these recommended procedures are authorized without the employee having the professional qualifications to make the decision and be responsible for the variance.  No employee will be subject to the usage of a material from an unlabeled container.  Should a container only have a generic label on the container, then the user should be absolutely familiar with the proper precautionary usage.  The MSDS for each chemical used will be accessible in a central location for employees to review.

 

3.         INVENTORY OF CHEMICALS AND MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS (MSDS)

 

A.        Each department on campus that uses and/or stores hazardous materials is required under the Right-to-Know Law program to keep an ongoing up-to-date inventory of that department's hazardous materials.  These current inventories are to be filed in their respective departments and copies sent to the Safety Officer by December 15 of each year.

 

B.        The department will have on file a MSDS for each hazardous material stored or used by the department's personnel.

 

C.        Material Safety Data Sheets should be filed in the user department at a central location for accessibility to the employee.

 

4.         PROPER LABELING AND STORAGE OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

 

A.        All hazardous materials will be used from properly labeled containers.  Any transfer to an unlabeled container will be done with the understanding the entire container will be used by the person making the transfer or a label must            be attached to the new container.

 

B.        Proper storage of all hazardous materials must be strictly adhered to.  As the situation dictates, materials will be stored in containers compatible with that specific chemical.  The container media must in no way react or have a tendency to deteriorate over time and allow the material to seep out.  Incompatible materials must be stored separately.  The storage area will have proper lighting, ventilation and containment facilities.

 

5.         DISPOSAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

 

A.        All generated hazardous materials, or materials that have been declared surplus, must be disposed of within the local, state, and federal codes and regulations for a particular substance.

 

B.        It is the responsibility of each generating department to properly collect the hazardous waste.  The material must have the MSDS with it at the time of storage.  Each department will contact the Safety Officer when a chemical needs to be picked-up.  Pick-up by the disposal company is made at the departmental site by the disposal company.

 

6.         PESTICIDES

 

A.        Before using any pesticide be sure to read the label and the MSDS carefully.  The label and the MSDS gives the hazards involved, and antidotes, and first aid instructions.  Those poisons that have "DANGER -- POISON" on the label are highly toxic.  Poisons that have "WARNING" are moderately toxic and can be quite hazardous.  Poisons that have "CAUTION" on the label have low toxicity but could cause harm if the poison is eaten or grossly misused.  Follow the instructions for mixing, handling, applying and storing.  Conspicuously label the container containing the mixture.

B.        It is important that employees be able to recognize poisonous vines, shrubbery, fruits, and insects.  They should avoid contact with poison oak and poison ivy.  They should guard against insects and infections, and scrub hands thoroughly after work outdoors.  Treat all cuts and scratches received outdoors with proper antiseptic covering.  Remove all foreign matter such as glass, metal, wire, etc. from grounds to be maintained.  Use gloves and wear sturdy shoes and appropriate garments for protection at all times.  Hearing protection should be used as necessary.  Respirators will be available to use with certain pesticides.