Question

Daron Edwards is a student in the Jackson Heights Community College Medical Assisting Program. He and two other classmates have been assigned the project of creating a protocol for when they need to use the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and ensuring that all students using the laboratory have been trained in the proper procedure. What materials would his group need? What types of chemicals must have an MSDS? How would his group ensure that all other students in the laboratory also have the proper training?

Answer 1

The answer is:  

1. The materials that Daron Edwards' group require are the following: An MSDS (or SDS) for each hazardous chemical from the manufacturer, the location of all the safe products available at the laboratory and the first aid kit.
2. What types of chemicals must have an MSDS? Every chemical that may represent a physical hazard or a health hazard, according to OSHA Standard 1910.1200, it is "known to be present in the workplace in such a manner that employees may be exposed under normal conditions of use or in a foreseeable emergency".
3. How would his group ensure that all other students in the laboratory also have the proper training? Additionally to having the MDSDs at hand, Daron's group should be informed about several key aspects like the occupational exposure standard, where the school has the chemical hygiene plan, PELs for the hazardous substances, Signs and symptoms associated with exposures to hazardous chemicals in laboratory, and the location, availability, handling, storage and disposal on the chemical hazards instructions from the suppliers.

Also, to ensure the highest level of safety to his group and all others, additional training like methods of detecting hazardous chemicals, Hazards (physical and health) of chemicals in the work area, and measures they can take to protect themselves and others from hazards, including  specific procedures are required.