The purpose of this document is to ensure that Rice University is in compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHAs) Hazard Communication Standard. As required under 29 CFR 1910.1200, a written Hazard Communication plan has been developed to protect all employees and increase the awareness of the hazardous materials found in the workplace. It is the responsibility of each employee to comply with the requirements set forth in this program.
The Hazard Communication/Right-to-Know Program includes provisions for container labeling, Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) gathering and employee training. It includes a listing of hazardous chemicals in each work area and procedures for informing employees of the hazards associated with chemicals. The program also includes Rice's obligation to inform contractors of hazardous materials which their employees may be exposed to while performing work at Rice. Hazardous materials used by contractors will be evaluated by the Environmental Health & Safety Department to determine if they pose a health hazard to Rice employees.
What is hazardous? According to the law, a chemical is considered hazardous if it has yielded evidence of acute or chronic health hazards in human, animal or other biological testing, or if it has been listed in any of the following publications:
All laboratories should maintain a list of chemicals maintained in the laboratory. See section on MSDS for more information.
Texas Hazard Communication Act