Hazard Communication: Know the Hazard. Know the Label. Know the SDS.

Chemicals are a routine part of many jobs in the energy industry, but even familiar products can present serious health and safety risks if they aren't handled properly. Hazard Communication — or HazCom — is about making sure employees understand those risks and know how to protect themselves.

Employees have a right to understand the hazards associated with the chemicals they work with, the potential effects of exposure, and the control measures needed to work safely. Chemicals can present both physical hazards — such as fire, explosion, or reactions — and health hazards caused by inhalation, ingestion, or contact with the skin or eyes.

Before You Use It, Know What You're Working With

Two of the most important HazCom resources are container labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDS).

Chemical containers should be properly labeled with information including the chemical identity, hazard pictograms, signal words, hazard and precautionary statements, and supplier information. Never use a chemical from an unlabeled container.

Before working with an unfamiliar chemical, review its SDS and know where that information can be accessed at your worksite. An SDS provides critical information about the chemical's hazards, proper handling and storage, required PPE, first-aid measures, spill response, and more.

Be Prepared Before Something Goes Wrong

Don't wait until a spill or exposure occurs to figure out what to do. Review emergency information before beginning the task, use chemicals only as directed, wear the appropriate PPE, and make sure the SDS is readily available to everyone involved.

If a leak, spill, or suspicious odor occurs, report it immediately and follow site emergency procedures. Only respond within the level of training you have received, and evacuate the area when necessary until it has been declared safe.

If exposure does occur, the SDS provides important first-aid and treatment information specific to that chemical. All chemical exposure incidents should be reported immediately. 

Make Hazard Communication Part of the Job

When chemicals are involved in a task, hazard communication should be part of the planning process — not an afterthought. Review the applicable SDS, incorporate chemical hazards into the JSA, and make sure everyone involved understands what is being used, the hazards it presents, and how to protect themselves.

At Boss Energy Solutions, working safely starts with understanding the hazards around us.

Know the hazard. Read the label. Review the SDS. Use the right PPE. And if something doesn't look right, use your Stop Work Authority.