This SafetyNet outlines requirements for safety training under the Hazardous Substances Information and Training Act. It is the responsibility of every supervisor to ensure that employees who receive, use, store, and transport hazardous materials have received information required by state law.

Hazardous materials are not limited to the laboratory. Familiar materials such as cleaning agents, paints, photocopy supplies, art materials, and automotive supplies may also contain hazardous components. Whenever there is doubt about the hazard associated with any material, please contact EH&S at 530-752-1493.

California law requires that employers obtain and make available Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) for every hazardous material used in the workplace. MSDSs are prepared by manufacturers and describe properties of hazardous materials and protective measures to be used when handling them. Employees must be provided with training when they are hired, when their exposure to hazardous materials changes, and within 30 days of the date that new or significantly revised MSDSs are received.

• An explanation of the contents of an MSDS and the location of MSDSs in the department. EH&S has prepared the poster "Material Safety Data Sheets and Chemical Emergencies" to assist departments. Copies of the poster are available from EH&S. EH&S has prepared SafetyNet # 45, “Glossary of MSDS Terms” to aid in understanding some of the MSDS terms used.
  
• A description of the California Hazardous Substances Information and Training Act. (This SafetyNet contains an adequate description.)
  
• A description of all operations in the work area that involve hazardous materials.
  
• A warning that if employees must perform a non-routine or unfamiliar operation that may involve hazardous materials, they should contact their supervisor first.
  
• The location and availability of UC Davis' written hazardous materials communication program and how employees can apply the program to their job situations. Policy and Procedure Manual Section 290-27 contains UC Davis' written hazardous materials communication program.
  
• The methods available for detection of hazardous materials in work areas including alarms if present, visible emissions or odors, are characteristic physiological sensations. Few hazardous materials have reliable warning properties, especially in the low concentrations found in most university environments. EH&S can help determine whether hazardous materials used in a particular area can be detected.
  
• A description of labeling requirements. Each hazardous material container in the workplace must be labeled to identify the substance it contains and any hazard warnings. Labels must not be removed, defaced or illegible. Contact EH&S if you need guidance on how to comply with this requirement.
  
• Methods that minimize harmful effects of hazardous materials in the workplace, including good hygienic practices, protective equipment, maintenance of equipment in good working order, and emergency procedures.
  
• Notification to employees that they or their personal physician or collective bargaining agent may receive information contained in MSDSs, and that no discriminatory action including dismissal or discharge may be taken against them if they exercise their legal rights under the California Hazardous Substances Information and Training Act and similar existing health and safety programs.

Requesting Material Safety Data Sheets

• Orders for hazardous materials. MSDSs should be requested from the manufacturer or vendor when ordering hazardous materials.
  
• A stamp with a statement requesting MSDSs for use on purchase orders is available from the Storehouse. If an order is placed by phone, be sure to request an MSDS. If the phone order is followed up with a written purchase order, repeat the request for an MSDS.
  
• MSDSs are available electronically on the web site of the manufacturer or distributor. The EH&S website also has links to electronic MSDS resources.

Receipt and Display of Material Safety Data Sheets

• When a shipment is received, check the packing materials carefully for MSDSs. Some vendors prefer to provide MSDS information electronically at no charge in lieu of shipping a paper copy with each order. In this case, a library of downloaded MSDSs is suggested. MSDSs on file must be accessible to employees at any time and must be from the specific vendor supplying the materials.
  
• Keep the MSDSs in a prominently labeled binder or in a convenient location accessible to all employees on all shifts. A copy of this SafetyNet and other information about the Hazardous Substances Information and Training Program should be kept in the same location.
  
• Inform all employees in writing of the location of MSDSs. The poster Material Safety Data Sheets and Chemical Emergencies may be used to notify employees. The poster should be displayed in all locations where chemical substances are used or stored. Indicate the departmental location of the MSDSs in the appropriate blank.
  
• MSDSs may be kept electronically providing employees have guaranteed access during all hours of work. It is still good practice to keep paper copies of MSDSs on the most hazardous and most common chemicals to ensure speedy access.

Documentation
Any safety training program is only as good as its documentation. Safety training documentation should include the name of the person(s) conducting training, the signature(s) of the person(s) receiving training, the date of the training and a brief description of the subjects covered (see attached documentation sheet). Documentation should be kept with other departmental personnel records or in the training sections of the IIPP or Chemical Hygiene Plan and cross-referenced to other documented programs as needed.

For additional information, contact your EH&S Safety Advisor, EH&S at 530-752-1493 or ehsdesk@ucdavis.edu.

Reviewed/Revised. 03/2007
GDW