Hazard Communication in Food Processing and Handling Environments
Every year, exposure to harmful substances remains a leading cause of workplace injury and lost time. This training program details the critical components of workplace safety regarding hazardous materials, focusing on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Hazard Communication Standard (HAZCOM) and the significant 2024 update known as the “Employees Right to Understand” rule. Learners will explore the mandatory information sources—Safety Data Sheets (SDS), container labels, and written communication programs—essential for handling dangerous substances safely, along with practical strategies for preventing exposure and responding to emergencies.
Course Highlights:
- Regulatory Standards: An overview of OSHA’s HAZCOM standard, including the shift from the “Right to Know” to the “Right to Understand” under the 2024 Final Rule.
- Information Sources: How to utilize the three main pillars of hazard information: Safety Data Sheets (SDSs), GHS-compliant container labels, and written hazard communication programs.
- Exposure Dynamics: Understanding dose, duration, and the primary routes of entry into the body (inhalation, ingestion, and skin contact).
- Health Hazards: Identification and handling of toxins, corrosives, irritants, carcinogens, and radioactive materials.
- Physical Hazards: Managing risks associated with flammables, combustibles, explosives, and oxidizers.
- Protective Measures: Guidelines for selecting and using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as respirators, gloves, and goggles.
- Emergency Response: Procedures for safe storage, spill containment, and immediate first aid steps following exposure.
By the end of the course, you will have learned:
- Identify the requirements of the HAZCOM standard and the specific enhancements introduced by the 2024 Final Rule.
- Locate and interpret critical safety information found on Safety Data Sheets and chemical container labels.
- Distinguish between different categories of hazardous materials and the specific health or physical risks they pose.
- Select the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) based on the material’s hazards and routes of entry.
- Execute proper storage techniques and emergency response protocols to contain spills and minimize injury.