Employees are instructed in the use of hazard information supplied by these two sources for detection of chemical release, determination of kinds of injury possible from exposure to chemicals, developmemt of work practices designed to prevent exposure, requesting personal protective equipment, identification of emergency and cleanup procedures. As new hazardous materials are added to each department's inventory or before non routine tasks that might allow exposure to new chemicals are to begin, supervisors will provide additional training. Reinforcement training will occur during safety meetings and through individual discussions with supervisors. Formal lecture supplemented by the use of videos, overhead transparencies, handouts and discussion will be used to convey the required information. Group training sessions are routinely scheduled in September, January and June of each year.
Individual training is done on an as needed basis.
The best approach to chemical detection and emergency response is to control the use of chemicals carefully and to prevent releases and exposures. Safe work practices and the use of personal protective equipment contribute to prevention of releases and exposures. Safe work practices are designed to prevent personal protective equipment from being tested to its limits by careful control of chemicals. Engineering controls such as room ventilation, exhaust fans and fume hoods will be available when MSDSs indicate they should be used. Careful manipulation of chemicals avoids splash and airborne dust, closing containers not in use prevents spills, reading MSDSs before beginning work with a chemical alerts workers to special handling needed for safely measures.