1.0 Introduction

Revised February, 2021

1.1 Policy

It is the policy of the University of Nevada, Reno (the University) to provide safe and healthy work and learning environments for faculty, staff, students and visitors. Implicit in this policy is a requirement to provide individuals with pertinent information about chemical hazards to which they may be exposed.

1.2 Purpose

The purpose of the University Hazard Communication Program is to communicate information about hazards of chemicals used on the University campus, and measures that employees may use to reduce the risks associated with these chemicals.

The written Hazard Communication Program is designed to ensure that:

  1. Hazardous chemicals present in the work place are properly identified and labeled.
  2. Employees have access to information on the hazards of these substances.
  3. Employees are provided information and training on the University Hazard Communication Program and how to prevent injuries or illnesses due to exposure to hazardous chemicals.
  4. Roles and responsibilities for maintaining the written program, Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) (formerly referred to as Material Safety Data Sheets (or MSDSs)), training, and other aspects of the University Hazard Communication are delineated.

1.3 Scope

This program provides guidelines that are to be addressed in University workplaces where hazardous chemicals are handled, used, or stored, except for the exclusions listed below.

Exclusions

The OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) contains several exclusions. A partial listing of these exclusions is listed below for which the provisions of this Program do not apply:

  • Use of hazardous chemicals in laboratories is covered by the University Chemical Hygiene Plan.
  • Labeling of pesticides that are covered by labeling requirements of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act.
  • Labeling of medical or veterinary devices or products that are covered by labeling requirements of the Food and Drug Administration or Department of Agriculture.
  • Hazardous waste regulated under the Federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.
  • Wood or wood products. NOTE: Wood treated with hazardous chemicals and wood dusts are not exempt.
  • Articles that are formed to a specific shape or design during manufacture, that have enduse functions dependent in whole or in part of its shape or design during end use, and that does not release or otherwise result in exposure to a hazardous chemical under normal conditions of use (e.g., tires, PVC piping).
  • Any consumer product (including pens, pencils, adhesive tape) or hazardous substance if the product is used in the workplace in the same manner as normal consumer use and if the use results in a duration and frequency of exposure that is not greater than exposures experienced by consumers.
  • Any drug as defined in the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act when it is in solid, final form (no alteration or preparation required prior to administration).
  • Ionizing and non-ionizing radiation, and radioactive waste;*
  • Biological hazards;*

*Other policies, procedures and training programs apply at the University

2.0 Responsibilities