Hazard Communication
Introduction
Workers performing welding, cutting, brazing, and soldering must receive hazard communication (HAZCOM) specific employer training on the chemicals to which they will be exposed.
HAZARD COMMUNICATION SAFETY
OSHA's Standard 29 CFR 1910.1200, Hazard Communication (HCS) aims to help identify the hazards associated with those materials. OSHA Download OSHA's Publication 3844 also provides guidance on HAZCOM requirements and guidelines.
The employer must have container labels, Safety Data Sheets (SDSs), and must train employees on protective measures when working with or exposed to hazardous substances and chemicals. Employers meet these HAZCOM requirements through the following four methods:
- A Hazard Communication Program (HCP)
- Container Labels and other forms of warning
- Safety Data Sheets (SDSs)
- Information and training
Hazardous Substances and Chemicals
OSHA defines a "hazardous substance" as any chemical or material which is a physical hazard or a health hazard. They are subject to specific regulatory thresholds and reporting requirements.
- Physical hazards include chemicals and materials that can cause physical harm by being flammable, explosive, reactive, or corrosive.
- Health hazards include chemicals or materials that can cause acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term) health effects such as irritation, cancer, neurotoxicity, or damage to the nervous system, organs, or tissues like the skin and eyes.
Hazardous Chemicals: OSHA defines a "hazardous chemical" as any chemical which is classified as a physical hazard, health hazard, simple asphyxiant, combustible dust, pyrophoric gas, or hazard not otherwise classified.
Forms of Hazardous Substances and Chemicals
Hazardous chemicals exist in various forms. Below is a list of the various forms of hazardous chemicals.
- Dusts: Finely divided particles. Example - wood dust.
- Fumes: Smaller particles usually formed when solid metal is heated and vaporized, and then condensed as tiny particles.
- Fibers: Similar to dusts but are of an elongated shape. Examples - asbestos and fiberglass.
- Mists: Liquid droplets that have been sprayed into the atmosphere.
- Vapors: The gaseous form of substances that are normally liquids or solids at room temperature — created through evaporation (e.g., solvent vapor).
- Gases: Substances that exist naturally in a gaseous state at room temperature (e.g., oxygen, carbon dioxide).
- Solids: Examples include metal, treated wood, plastic.
- Liquids: The most common form in the workplace.
Below is a list of examples of hazardous substances and chemicals common in welding, cutting, brazing, and soldering.
- Ozone: Formed by UV light from arc welding processes.
- Nitrogen oxides: Produced at high arc temperatures.
- Carbon monoxide: Created from incomplete combustion.
- Manganese fumes: From welding steel electrodes.
- Chromium compounds: Found in stainless steel welding fumes.
- Nickel fumes: Emitted when welding nickel alloys.
- Fluorine: A toxic and reactive chemical element (gas).
- Fluorides: Compounds containing fluorine in some flux-coated electrodes.
- Zinc oxide fumes: Released when welding brass and galvanized steel.
- Lead oxide fumes: Occur when welding, cutting, or soldering painted or coated surfaces.
- Cadmium fumes: From cadmium-plated materials.
- Iron oxide fumes: Produced when cutting steel with heat.
- Chlorinated solvents: Can form phosgene gas when exposed to UV.
- Flux fumes (fluorides, borates): Can irritate eyes and respiratory system.
- Silver fumes: Present in silver-based brazing alloys.
- Phosphorus compounds: Found in some brazing rods and fluxes.
- Rosin (colophony) flux fumes: May cause respiratory issues or asthma.
- Tin oxide: Created from overheating tin solder.
- Organic vapors: From soldering flux breakdown.
- Isopropyl alcohol or solvents: Used during surface cleaning.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
7-1. Who must provide container labels, safety data sheets (SDSs), and training on how to handle hazardous chemicals?
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