Chapter 18. Occupational Safety and Health Services (OSHS)

18.7. Hazardous Chemicals

Hazardous Chemicals: Any chemical which is a physical hazard or a health hazard as defined in the Hazard Communication Rule described below.

The University has a written hazard communication plan that describes how the University will comply with the requirements of the Michigan Department of Public Health Occupational Health Standard Commission Hazard Communication rule R325.77001 et. seq., otherwise known as the Michigan Right to Know Law. The written plan is included in the University Safety Manual and can be found on the Occupational Safety and Health Services (OSHS) Web site at <http://www.admin.mtu.edu/fm/oshs/>.

Departments must maintain an inventory of their hazardous substances and an organized collection of the material safety data sheets for each substance in a location accessible to department employees. Hazardous substances include cleaners, lubricants, copy and fax machine toners and many other substances used at the University in addition to laboratory chemicals. The regulation also requires employees to be trained how to recognize and avoid potential health hazards associated with exposure to these substances and how to read and interpret the information found in the material safety data sheets.

The University will rely on Material Safety Data Sheets from material suppliers to meet the hazard determination requirements of the Michigan Right to Know Law.

Refer to the Web site <http://www.sas.it.mtu.edu/fm/oshs/hazcom_program/index.htm> for the procedures on hazardous substances, or call OSHS at 7-2118.