Hazard:
During their employment with VSC employees may be exposed to hazardous chemicals in the work place. Exposure can result in adverse health effects ranging from minor skin irritation (through contact) to serious respiratory illness (due to inhalation of toxic gases). The standard chemicals used for VSC projects are generally rated low to medium hazard level with no life threating effects, unless used in large quantities.
Chemical Inventory
Each VSC district office maintains an inventory of chemicals used on-site or at jobsites. A chemical inventory list is available from the purchasing manager or jobsite foreman. Hazardous chemicals brought onto the jobsite by VSC will be included on the hazardous chemical inventory list.
Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
- Employees working with a hazardous chemical may obtain a copy of the SDS from their District Office Purchasing Agent or the jobsite Foreman.
- SDS will be available, and standard chemical reference may also be available on site, to provide immediate reference to chemical safety information.
Access for Employees
To inform employees of hazardous chemicals and prevent the ill effects of hazardous chemical exposure, VSC’s safety program complies with OSHA’s standards for “Global Harmonization System (GHS)” (previously known as Hazardous Communication). In compliance with GHS, VSC Risk-Safety will ensure that all employees have access to copies of the SDS for products they use. SDS’ specific to each jobsite will be maintained in the General Contractor’s site office, the VSC company truck, or VSC tool gang box when a company truck is not onsite.
OSHA Inspections
VSC’s SDS log book will be submitted for review upon request from OSHA compliance inspectors.
SDS Information
VSC will ensure that the chemical manufacturer provides SDS’ in order to provide additional information concerning the safe use of the product. Each SDS will be written in English and contain the following 16 sections:
| Section 1 – Identification | Section 9 – Physical & Chemical Properties Section |
| Section 2 – Hazards Identification | Section 10 – Stability & Reactivity |
| Section 3 – Composition/Information on Ingredients | Section 11 – Toxicological Information |
| Section 4 – First Aid Measures | Section 12 – Ecological Information |
| Section 5 – Fire-fighting Measures | Section 13 – Disposal Considerations |
| Section 6 – Accidental Release Measures | Section 14 – Transport Information |
| Section 7 – Handling & Storage | Section 15 – Regulatory Information |
| Section 8 – Exposure Controls/Personal Protection | Section 16 – Other Info, including date of preparation or revision |