The standard becomes effective on Oct. 3, 2001. Miners have a right to know about the chemical hazards where they work, and operators have a responsibility to know about the chemical hazards at their mines. Mining can expose workers to a variety of hazardous chemicals. For example, explosives contain organic nitrates that produce nitrogen oxides and ammonia when detonated. Roof bolting systems used underground contain plastic resins and reactants.
Solvents used in equipment maintenance can be both toxic and flammable.
Mill reagents can contain hydrogen sulfide, cyanide or other dangerous chemicals. Products taken off mine property need not be labeled, but information must be provided to a customer upon request. Training required by the HazCom standard will inform miners how to read and understand labels and MSDSs. Miners will learn about the potential risks from exposure to chemicals in their work areas and the means for prevention and protection. Miners must receive training before being assigned to a work area, when a new hazardous chemical is introduced into a work area, and when new information becomes available about a chemical's particular hazards.