Hazard Communication Program

Effective:          06-04-21

Supersedes:    

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Hazard Communication standard (29 CFR 1910.1200) is based on the simple concept that employees have both a need and a “right to know” the identities and hazards of any chemicals they work with during the course of their employment.  Employees also need to know what protective measures are available to prevent chemical exposures and how to avoid adverse health effects.

The purpose of the Hazard Communication Program is to protect employees against exposure to hazardous chemicals in the workplace.  The program is included in the company’s Standard Operating Policy and Procedure Manual, which is available on-line and via the online Scheduling platform.

Container Labeling

The Purchasing Manager or designee will verify that all containers received and used by the company are labeled and include:

·         Name, Address, Telephone number of manufacturer

·         Product Identifier

·         Signal word (“danger” or “warning”)

·         Hazard Statement(s) describes the nature of the hazard

·         Precautionary Statement(s) describe recommended measures to minimize/prevent adverse effects

·         Pictogram(s)

No containers will be  approved for use until such data is verified. Existing labels on incomingcontainers of hazardous chemicals will not be removedor defaced, unless the container is immediately marked with the required information.  DOT shipping labelson containers will not be removed until all residuehas been removed from the container.

Employees that transfer hazardous chemicals into portable containers (such as bottles, spray bottles, parts cleaning cans, etc.) will ensure the secondary containers are labeled appropriately and the contents identified.  Field Supervisors and base coordinators at each base will ensure that all secondary containers are appropriately labeled.

Safety Data Sheets

The Purchasing Manager is responsible for obtaining and maintaining Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all known toxic and hazardous substances used at the company.  The manager will review incoming safety data sheets for new and significant health and safety information and ensure that any new information is available to affected employees. 

Copies of the SDSs for all hazardous chemicals to which employees may be exposed will maintained in a common file and posted on TraumaSoft.    

Subcontractorsworking on the job site are requiredto bring copies of SDSs for all hazardous materialsthey are bringingon to the site.  While working on site, each subcontractor should bring its specific hazardous communication program and SDSs in a binder labeled with the contractor's name and identified as a hazardous communication program. Upon leavingthe jobsite and the removalof all hazardous materials, they may take their information with them.

Employee Training and Information

Education andtraining will be provided for employees who could be exposed to hazardous chemicals. The training will be conducted prior to first exposure to the chemical(during orientation and training) and whenever a new hazardouschemical is introduced into the workplace.  Training will include:

·         An overview of the requirements contained in the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard;

·         Location and availability of the written Hazard Communications Program;

·         Physical and Health hazard of the chemicals in their work area;

·         Methods and observation techniques used to determine the presence or release of toxic and hazardous substances in their work area;

·         Measures employees can take the protect themselves from hazards in their workplace, including specific procedures the employer has implemented to prevent exposure to hazardous chemicals such as appropriate work practices, emergency procedures, and personal protective equipment;

·         The labeling system and what the label information means; and

·         Explanation of the Safety Data Sheets and how employees can use this information to protect themselves.

If anyone has any questions or does not understand this plan, contact the Purchasing Manager at Brewster Headquarters, or send an email to Safety@BrewsterAmbulance.com

Hazardous Non-Routine Tasks

Occasionally, an employee may be asked to perform a task that is not part of their normal job.  Before taking on a new task, the affected employee will be given information by their supervisor about any hazardous chemicals that might be used during the activity.  This information will include:

·         Specific chemical hazards;

·         Protective measures employees can take; and

·         Measures the company has taken to reduce the hazards, which might include ventilation, personal protective equipment, use of the buddy system, and emergency procedures.

Informing Contractors

When hiring a contractor to perform a service at a Brewster location, it is the responsibility of the company point of contact at the work site to provide contractors with the following information:

·         Hazardous chemicals to which they may be exposed while working at the Brewster Ambulance location and the procedure for obtaining the appropriate SDS;

·         Precautionary measures that need to be taken to protect contracted employees during the workplace’s normal operating conditions and foreseeable emergencies;

·         An explanation of Brewster Ambulance Service’s labeling system.

List of Hazardous Chemicals

The following is a list of all known toxic and hazardous substances used at Brewster / EasCare Ambulance Services.  Further information on each noted substance can be obtained by reviewing the appropriate Safety Data Sheets.

Non-Pharmaceutical Products

Pharmaceuticals

Adenosine

Amiodarone

Aspirin 81 mg

Atropine

Calcium Chloride

Dextrose

Diltiazem

Diphenhdramine

Epinephrine

Epi-Pen

Fentanyl

Furosemide

Glucagon

Haloperidol

Hydroxycobalamin

Insta-Glucose

Ipratropium /Atrovent

Ketorolac

Lidocaine

Lorazepam

Magnesium Sulfate

Methylprednisolone / Solu-Medrol

Metoprolol

Midazolam

Morphine

Naloxone

Nitroglycerine Paste

Nitroglycerine Spray

Nitroglycerine tablets

Norepinephrine / Levophed

Ondansetron / Zofran

Sodium Bicarbonate

Tranexamic Acid