625: Hazardous Materials
Responsible Administrator: Associate Superintendent Human Resources
PURPOSE
All employees who are required to handle hazardous materials as part of their duties will be provided with the necessary education about these materials.
PROCESS
The Associate Superintendent Human Resources is responsible for ensuring the necessary guidelines for hazardous materials are established and adhered to.
PROCEDURE
1. All employees handling chemicals shall be familiar with the use of the chemical and thoroughly read the label on the container.
2. All employees shall follow recommended procedures in handling chemicals.
3. All employees handling chemicals shall be familiar with the first aid treatment of an accident as explained on the Safety Data Sheet (SDS).
4. All employees handling chemicals shall be familiar with their responsibility regarding the reporting of a chemical related accident.
5. All chemicals not purchased “across the counter” and so called “controlled products” must have a label which shows brand name, code name or chemical name, appropriate hazard symbols, risk phrases and precautionary measures. The label must also be contained within a distinctive rectangular border.
6. A chemical transferred from one container to another container, must be labeled with a workplace label that is in accordance with 5.
7. Containers with damaged labels or labels that are accidentally removed or rendered illegible must be re-labeled with a workplace label.
8. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) must be obtained from the supplier with the purchase of each chemical considered to be a controlled product.
9. The Safety Data Sheet (SDS) must match the chemical being used and contain the following information:
9.1 Product identification: The product identifier, supplier’s name, address, phone number including emergency phone number. The chemical recommended use and restrictions on its use.
9.2 Hazard(s) identification: Hazard classification, statements, signal word, pictograms and precautionary statements.
9.3 Composition/Information on ingredients: Includes chemical ingredients, impurities and stabilizers added.
9.4 First Aid Measures: Lists important symptoms/effects, describes the initial care an untrained responder should administer.
9.5 Fire fighting measures: Explains what type of extinguisher and protective equipment to use when fighting a fire caused by the chemical.
9.6 Accidental release measures: Details how to respond to spills, leaks, or releases to minimize exposure to people, property and the environment.
9.7 Handling and storage: Guidance for handling and storage including which chemicals should not be stored together.
9.8 Exposure controls/personal protection: Lists the control parameters, including exposure guidelines or limits and personal protective measures that should be used to minimize chemical exposure.
9.9 Physical and chemical properties: Lists the physical and chemical properties associated with the substance or mixture, including the chemical’s appearance, odor, melting and freezing point and flammability.
9.10 Stability and reactivity: Describes the reactivity hazards and states whether the chemical is stable when being handled or stored under normal circumstances.
9.11 Toxicological information: Identifies likely paths of exposure and associated symptoms and describes the immediate, delayed or chronic impact of short or long term exposure.
10. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) must be kept at each employer’s workplace in easily identified binders which are visible to all employees and available to the Joint Work Site Health and Safety Committee and Safety Representatives.
11. All Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are to be updated at least every three (3) years or as soon as, but not more than, 90 days after new information related to the hazardous material becomes available to the employer.
12. At least once a year, all obsolete chemicals must be disposed of through a company registered by the Alberta Special Waste Services Association. Associated costs are the responsibility of the school.
13. All employees must be provided with instruction that should include a description of all the mandatory and performance-oriented aspects of the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) and the employer and employee responsibilities.
14. Principals shall be responsible for the safe handling of hazardous chemicals by all employees in the schools.
14.1 Custodians shall be responsible for the safe handling of hazardous chemicals by caretakers.
14.2 Teachers shall be responsible for the safe handling of hazardous chemicals by Educational Assistants or students.
References:
Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) 2015
OHS
History
2020 Jan 29 Initial Approval
Administrative Procedures VI. Facilities