Hazard:
During your employment with VSC employees may be exposed to hazardous chemicals in the workplace. 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
An inventory of chemicals routinely used by each VSC trade position is available on the VSC Safety Page. 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, Regional Safety Manager, or the VSC Safety Page.
- SDS 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 upon request and the VSC Safety Page.
OSHA Inspections
VSC’s chemical inventory and SDS can be downloaded for submittal for review upon request from OSHA compliance inspectors. Your Regional Safety Manager can also email copies of SDS and the GHS program to OSHA directly.
SDS Information
All chemicals must have a legible label as provided by the manufacturer.
All SDS have 16 sections of data & information that can be vital in preventing and treating illness. For example, section 4 of SDS provides first aid measures to treat exposure. Section 8 identifies the correct controls & PPE for personal protection.
| 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 |