Hazard Communication
Employees at the Graduate Center have the right to know the properties and potential
safety hazards of substances to which they may be exposed. Such knowledge is essential
to reducing the risk of occupational illness and injury.
What is a hazardous substance?
A hazardous substance is any substance that has physical hazards and/or health hazards. Physical hazards include fire, explosion and chemical reactivity. Health hazards include corrosives, irritants, sensitizers, toxins and carcinogens, and those that have target organ effects. Hazardous substances can enter the body through inhalation, eye contact,
absorption and ingestion.
How do I find information on hazardous substances in my workplace?
Discuss this topic with your supervisor and review your department's Chemical Inventory Sheets. Your most immediate source for information can be found on labels attached to containers that hold various hazardous materials. Your second source of information is Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) which will provide an in-depth analysis of the
substance along with precautions necessary to handle the substance safely.
What information is provided on an MSDS?
OSHA specifies the information to be included on an MSDS, but does not prescribe
the precise format for an MSDS. However, the MSDS must be in English and must include
at least the following information:
- Chemical Identity (Name of Substance)
-
Hazardous Ingredients
-
Physical and Chemical Characteristics
-
Fire and Explosive Hazard Data
-
Reactivity Data
-
Health Hazards
-
Routes of Body Entry
-
Permissible Exposure Limits (PEL)
-
Carcinogenic Factors
-
Precautions for Safe Handling and Use
-
Control Measures (Personal Protective Equipment)
-
Emergency First Aid Procedures
-
Special Instructions
Where can I find MSDSs?
Your department should have copies of the MSDS for the substances in your workplace if they accompanied the product shipment. If not, you can get a copy of an MSDS from the Office of Security & Public Safety (Room 9117, x7769 or x 7761). You can also access MSDS databases via the Internet at the following web addresses:
