STSC Hazard Communication (HazCom) and Chemical Safety 2 — Questions and Answers

Question 1: Under OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (HCS 2012, 29 CFR 1910.1200), Safety Data Sheets (SDS) must contain how many sections?

8 sections
12 sections
16 sections (Correct answer)
20 sections

Correct answer: 16 sections

The GHS-aligned SDS format requires 16 standardized sections in a specific order.

The Globally Harmonized System (GHS)-aligned OSHA HCS requires a 16-section SDS format: (1) Identification, (2) Hazard identification, (3) Composition/ingredient information, (4) First-aid measures, (5) Fire-fighting measures, (6) Accidental release measures, (7) Handling and storage, (8) Exposure controls/PPE, (9) Physical and chemical properties, (10) Stability and reactivity, (11) Toxicological information, (12) Ecological information, (13) Disposal considerations, (14) Transport information, (15) Regulatory information, (16) Other information.

Question 2: The GHS pictogram depicting a skull and crossbones indicates:

Flammable substances
Acute toxicity (fatal or toxic if inhaled, swallowed, or absorbed through skin) (Correct answer)
Explosive substances
Environmental hazards

Correct answer: Acute toxicity (fatal or toxic if inhaled, swallowed, or absorbed through skin)

The skull and crossbones GHS pictogram indicates acute toxic substances that can cause death or serious injury with a single or short-term exposure.

GHS pictogram GHS06 (skull and crossbones) is used for substances with acute toxicity classifications (Categories 1-3) where the LD50 or LC50 indicates a high risk of death from a single exposure. This includes substances that are fatal or toxic if swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through skin. Acute toxicity Category 4 uses the exclamation mark pictogram instead. Workers encountering this pictogram must take immediate precautions: appropriate respiratory protection, impermeable gloves, and other PPE specified in Section 8 of the SDS.

Question 3: Which section of the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) contains information about required personal protective equipment?

Section 4 - First Aid Measures
Section 7 - Handling and Storage
Section 8 - Exposure Controls/Personal Protection (Correct answer)
Section 11 - Toxicological Information

Correct answer: Section 8 - Exposure Controls/Personal Protection

Section 8 specifically covers exposure limits, engineering controls, and PPE requirements for each hazardous chemical.

SDS Section 8 (Exposure Controls/Personal Protection) contains: occupational exposure limits (OSHA PELs, ACGIH TLVs, NIOSH RELs); appropriate engineering controls (ventilation, isolation); and specific PPE requirements including type of respirator and filter, type of gloves (material and breakthrough time), eye/face protection, and skin/body protection. Workers must consult this section before handling any chemical to ensure they are using the correct PPE for the specific substance.

Question 4: What must be on a secondary container when transferring a hazardous chemical from its original container?

Only the chemical name
Product identifier and hazard information (pictograms, signal word, and hazard statements) (Correct answer)
Full SDS information
The original container's lot number

Correct answer: Product identifier and hazard information (pictograms, signal word, and hazard statements)

Secondary containers must be labeled with the product identifier and hazard information — full SDS detail is not required on the label.

OSHA HCS 29 CFR 1910.1200(f)(6) requires that secondary containers (those transferred from original containers) be labeled with at minimum: product identifier (chemical name) and words, pictures, symbols, or combination that provide at least general information about the hazard. A complete GHS label with all six elements is ideal but not always required for workplace containers. Portable containers intended only for immediate use by the person who filled them are exempt from labeling requirements.

Question 5: A worker's right to know about hazardous chemicals in the workplace is protected under which law/standard?

OSHA's Personal Protective Equipment Standard
OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (Right to Know/HCS) (Correct answer)
EPA's Clean Air Act
RCRA Hazardous Waste Management rules

Correct answer: OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (Right to Know/HCS)

OSHA's HCS (29 CFR 1910.1200), often called the 'Right to Know' law, ensures workers receive information about chemical hazards.

OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (HCS), 29 CFR 1910.1200 (applied to construction via 29 CFR 1926.59), is often called the 'Right to Know' or 'Right to Understand' standard. It requires: chemical manufacturers to evaluate and communicate hazards; employers to maintain an SDS for every hazardous chemical; labels on all containers; a written hazard communication program; and employee training on chemical hazards, SDS use, and label reading. Workers have the right to access SDS information for any chemical they work with.

Question 6: When using chemicals with known skin absorption hazards on a construction site, the primary PPE control is:

N95 respirator to prevent inhalation
Chemical-resistant gloves appropriate for the specific chemical (Correct answer)
Hard hat with chin strap
High-visibility vest

Correct answer: Chemical-resistant gloves appropriate for the specific chemical

Skin absorption hazards require appropriate chemical-resistant gloves — the specific glove material must match the chemical's SDS recommendations.

For chemicals with dermal absorption hazards, chemical-resistant gloves are the primary barrier. The critical factor is selecting the correct glove material — not all gloves protect against all chemicals. For example: nitrile gloves protect against many organic solvents; neoprene gloves protect against acids; butyl rubber gloves are best for ketones and esters. Always consult SDS Section 8 and glove manufacturer's permeation data (breakthrough time) to select the appropriate glove. Gloves must also be inspected before use and changed when breakthrough time is exceeded.

STSC Hazard Communication (HazCom) and Chemical Safety 2

Under OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (HCS 2012, 29 CFR 1910.1200), Safety Data Sheets (SDS) must contain how many sections?