Written By Adam J. Herrmann, Project Manager, EnviroForensics in Collaboration with Stephen R. Henshaw, P.G., President & CEO, EnviroForensics.
As seen in the April 2012 issue of Cleaner & Launderer.
Do you have a Hazardous Communication Program (HazCom Program) in place? If you are a dry-cleaning facility and use tetrachloroethylene (PERC) and/or other chemicals for dry-cleaning or spotting, then you should have a current and updated HazCom Program in place.
In 1983, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) released the Hazardous Communication Standards, which was expanded to include non-manufacturing employers in 1987. The Hazardous Communication Standards provide employees with information regarding the hazards of the chemicals they come into contact with during work or have the potential to come into contact with (“Right to Know”).
In order to achieve a safer working environment for employees and to comply with OSHA, the implementation of a HazCom Program is mandatory when employees are or have the potential to be exposed to hazardous chemicals. Workplace illness and injuries that are chemical related may be prevented by implementing a HazCom Program. The HazCom Program is designed to aid in the relations between the employer and employee by opening regular lines of communication. In addition, a HazCom Program will assist the owner/operator to avoid potential OSHA citations, violations, and related compliance costs. Continue reading “What is a Hazardous Communication Plan and Why Do I Need One?”