In recent years, laws have been passed giving employees a right to know about the hazards present when using certain chemicals in their workplace.  These laws require that all employees receive training in working safely with hazardous chemicals.  Employees have certain rights under the “Right to Know” program.  These include:

1.       The right to receive training so that you know:

          A.      The hazardous chemicals you work with. 

B.      Their health and safety hazards.  A chemical may have

          three basic physical hazards:

         1)       Fire.  You have the right to know if a chemical could in a liquid, gas or vapor form, catch fire and under what circumstances.

2)      Explosion.  You have the right to know if there are circumstances under which a chemical may explode.

3)      Reactivity.  You need to know if a chemical has the potential to explode or catch fire if it is combined with other chemicals or with water or air.  You need to know what the chemical must be kept away from.

C.      How to read and use labels.  Labels provide you with basic information on the chemical’s hazards and the basic procedures and protective equipment you should use.  The label also has basic handling and storage information.

          D.     How to use Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).

E.      When and how to use personal protective equipment (PPE).

          F.      Safety rules to protect yourself on the job.

2.      It is your right to have a Material Data Safety Sheet readily available for each hazardous chemical you handle.

3.      It is your right to read the company Hazard Communication Policy.

4.      It is your right to know what the Hazard Communication    Standard means.  This Hazard Communication Standard is required under regulations issued by federal and state Occupational Safety & Health Administrations.  The Hazard Communication Standard provides workers and employers with information about the potential hazards of chemicals used in the workplace.

5.      It is your right to ask for information without fear of being discriminated against or fired.