3.335 - Hazard Notification and Training Standards

Effective Date 03/01/18

3.335-POL

This policy applies to all units that use and/or store hazardous chemicals or have other hazards also requiring notification and training per WAC 296-800.

A hazard is an inherent or potential condition which can cause injury, death, occupational disease, or property damage.

1. Units Storing Hazardous Chemicals Shall Maintain an Accurate Inventory Updated Annually

These units are also required to maintain a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for each chemical, a written plan specific to the unit, and provide ongoing employee training.

The Department Safety Officer determines if other units using industrial strength chemicals are required to meet the same notification and training requirements. These include chemicals that are:

- Combustible/explosive

- Corrosive

- Unstable/reactive

- Oxidizers

- Compressed gases

- Toxic (poisonous)

- Carcinogens

- Irritants

- Sensitizers

2. The Department Will Provide Employees Information and Training on Hazards and Hazardous Chemicals in Their Work Environment

The Department will provide this information and training at the time of initial assignment and whenever a new hazard or hazardous chemical is introduced. Units that conduct specialized training beyond standard department-wide courses will maintain training completion records.

The information and training shall include the following:

- The Department’s responsibilities for hazard communication and training

- The location of the unit's written emergency plan, lists of hazardous chemicals, and MSDS

- An explanation of MSDS, the unit’s chemical labeling system, warning signs, and color codes

- Physical and health hazards of the chemicals in the workplace including the symptoms of over-exposure

- Use of the proper personal protective equipment, safe work practices, and the proper procedures to follow in the event of an emergency

- Operations in the work area where hazards or hazardous chemicals are present

- Methods of detecting/observing the presence or release of a hazardous chemical into the work environment

3. Training May Cover Groups of Chemicals

Units may arrange chemicals in functional groups and train on them as a group. A specific chemical may fall under one or more functional groups.

4. Unit Supervisors are Responsible for Training and Compliance

Unit supervisors are responsible for employee safety and health training and compliance with this manual section.

The Department Safety Officer may assist the unit in developing a plan and training curriculum, choose the proper personal protective equipment, develop engineering controls, and conduct job-task analysis.