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AF 03 Hazardous Materials

Version 1.1 by Ryan Larkin on 2016/09/06 16:10

Washington County Sheriff's Office

ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISION

Policy Manual

Volume: AF

Health and Safety

Chapter: 03

Hazardous Materials

Replaces and/or Supersedes:

PJ 53

Published:

02/03/2010

Review Date:

02/03/2011 County Commission

Sheriff Kirk Smith

Undersheriff Jake Adams

TABLE OF CONTENTS

AF 03_101  Distribution

AF 03_102  Definitions

AF 03_103  References

AF 03_104  General

AF 03_105  Labels and Warnings

AF 03_106  Material Safety Data Sheets

AF 03_107  Hazardous Communication Program

AF 03_108  Flammable/Toxic/Caustic Materials

AF 03_109  Classification of Flammable and Combustible Liquids

AF 03_110  Procedures

AF 03_101  DISTRIBUTION

Standard distribution

AF 03_102  DEFINITIONS

  1. WCSO:  Washington County Sheriff's Office
  2. PCF:  Purgatory Correctional Facility
  3. EPA:  Environmental Protection Agency
  4. DOT:  Department of Transportation
  5. OSHA:  Occupational Safety and Health Act
  6. Container:  Any vessel of 60 U.S. gallons or less capacity used for transporting or storing liquids.
  7. Flammable:  Any liquid with a flash point below 100 degrees F.
  8. Combustible:  Any liquid with a flash point of 100 degrees F or above.
  9. Toxic Materials:  Substances that, through chemical reaction or mixture, can produce possible injury or harm to the body by entry through the skin, digestive tract, or respiratory tract. The toxicity is dependent on the quantity absorbed and the rate, method, and site of absorption.
  10. Caustic Materials:  Substances capable of destroying or eating away by chemical reaction.
  11. Hazardous Chemical/Material:  Any chemical which is a physical or health hazard.
  12. Immediate Use:  The hazardous chemical will be under the control of and used only by the person who transfers it from a labeled container and only within the work shift in which it is transferred.
  13. Label:  Any written, printed or graphic material displayed on or attached to containers of hazardous materials.
  14. MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets):  Written or printed material concerning a hazardous chemical which is prepared in accordance with paragraph (g) of 1910.1200 of the OSHA regulations.
  15. Physical hazard:  A chemical of which there is scientifically valid evidence that it is a combustible liquid, a compressed gas, explosive, flammable and organic peroxide, an oxidizer, pyrophoric, unstable (reactive) or water reactive.
  16. Danger:  Labeling indicates the highest hazard of toxicity or causticity. These will be used only under direct supervision of which would reduce the hazard labeling (e.g., pesticides mixed to a 2% solution in water), it will require the supervision of the lower hazard level. The dilution process in such cases would require staff supervision.
  17. Warning:  Labeling indicates a lower hazard of toxicity or causticity. These will be used with extended supervision. The amount needed for shift will be monitored when returned to the dispensing site for accountability and control. Dilution may reduce the hazard as explained above.
  18. Caution:  Labeling indicates the lowest hazard and is generally directed toward keeping out of the reach of children. Hazardous chemicals labeled at this level required no security or supervision, but supervisors should be aware of what products they use in this category.
  19. Storage Cabinet:  Relocatable prefabricated structure, manufactured primarily at a site other than the final location of the structure and transported completely assembled or in a ready-to-assemble package to the final location. It is intended to meet local, state and federal requirements for storage of hazardous materials.
  20. Fire Area:  Area of a building separated from the remainder of the building by construction having a fire resistance rating of at least one hour and having all communicating openings properly protected by an assembly having a fire resistance rating of at least one hour.
  21. Safety Can:  An approved container, of not more than five gallons capacity, having a spring-closing lid and spout cover and so designed that it will safely relieve internal pressure when subjected to fire exposure.
  22. Flash Point:  The minimum temperature at which a liquid gives off vapor in sufficient concentration to form an ignitable mixture with air near the surface of the liquid within the vessel as specified by appropriate test procedure.

AF 03_103  REFERENCES

  1. Utah Counties Insurance Pool:
    1. WC-III.C.

AF 03_104  GENERAL

  1. Policy:
    1. The WCSO shall comply with EPA, DOT, and OSHA policies governing hazardous materials and hazardous waste management.
  2. Rationale:
    1. Compliance with proven safety standards and regulations will help maximize safety and minimize personal injury and liability.

AF 03_105  LABELS AND WARNINGS

  1. All receiving personnel will ensure that each container of hazardous material is labeled, tagged, or marked with the following information:
    1. Identity of the substance in the container;
    2. Name and address of the manufacturer or supplier;
    3. When required, appropriate hazard warnings will be posted.
  2. Receiving personnel will ensure that incoming containers of hazardous substances are properly labeled upon receipt and that the labels are not removed or defaced.
  3. Receiving personnel will ensure that a label or other form of warning is prominently displayed on each container.
  4. Receiving personnel are required to label containers into which hazardous substances are transferred from labeled containers (this includes containers for immediate use).
  5. Receiving personnel may use signs, placards, process sheets, batch tickets, bin cards, or other written materials when necessary for affixing labels to individual stationary process containers.

AF 03_106  MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS

  1. The Life Safety Officer will maintain a master list for all chemical products used.
  2. The appropriate department head in each area where chemicals are used will be responsible for ensuring that each work area, shop, and/or detail maintains a copy of the MSDS for each hazardous chemical used in that area.
  3. MSDS will be made available to all staff and prisoners upon request. Department heads are also responsible for notifying the Life Safety Officer of any additions or deletions of chemicals within their department.
  4. Department heads will ensure that all MSDS in their respective departments are reviewed at least annually. This review will consist of the following:
    1. Ensuring that each chemical in their department has a corresponding MSDS;
    2. Removing MSDS for chemicals that are no longer in stock;
    3. Notifying the Life Safety officer of any changes in their department’s inventory.
  5. All original MSDS will be maintained by the area supervisor with copies provided to the Life Safety Officer. All MSDS will be filed in a manner in all areas where health & safety information can be retrieved immediately if the need arises.

AF 03_107  HAZARDOUS COMMUNICATION PROGRAM

  1. The written hazard communication program addresses regulated chemicals, MSDS, labeling, training, and record keeping activities. In addition, each employee receives access to a copy of this program and is trained annually during the annual refresher training. New employees receive training and access to a copy of this program during the employee orientation process.
  2. Each employee or prisoner has the right to request a copy of any exposure or medical record that pertains to them. The Life Safety Officer will provide a copy of this documentation to them, at no cost, within seven working days of their written request.
  3. The Support Lieutenant (Safety Manager) will have oversight responsibilities of this program.
  4. The lieutenant in each department utilizing regulated chemicals is responsible for reporting any change in chemical use, (i.e., additions, deletions) to the Safety Manager. At no time will a new chemical be introduced into the PCF facility without the express approval of the Safety Manager. The respective department head will be responsible for obtaining the MSDS (s) for a new product and forwarding same to the Safety Manager for approval prior to purchase.
  5. Hand sanitizer stations are placed in areas where staff have direct contact with prisoners. These areas include housing units, visiting room, front lobby, laundry, kitchen, and Booking.
  6. Any staff exposed to hazardous chemicals will follow the same protocols for reporting a work-related injury. This includes notifying the supervisor immediately. The on-duty supervisor will issue the appropriate forms and explain the proper procedures for filing a work-related injury. All staff will receive awareness training annually.

AF 03_108  FLAMMABLE/TOXIC/CAUSTIC MATERIALS

  1. Each department that purchases, uses and/or stores flammable or combustible liquids or gases will obtain a MSDS from the manufacturer of the substance. Delivery will not be accepted of any substance without an MSDS.
  2. MSDS listing will be maintained by all departments that use flammable and combustible liquids and gases. A copy of these MSDS will be forwarded to the Life Safety Officer.
  3. Products with “DANGER” and “WARNING” marked on the labels must be kept under lock and issued and supervised as indicated above.

AF 03_109  CLASSIFICATION OF FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS

  1. Flammable Liquids:
    1. Class I-A:  Flash Point Below 73 F and boiling Point Below 100 F.
    2. Class I-B:  Flash Point Below 73 F and boiling Point 100 F and above.
    3. Class I-C:  Flash Point Between 73 F and 100 F.
    4. Examples of flammable liquids:
      1. Gasoline;
      2. Denatured Alcohol;
      3. Ethyl Alcohol Xylene;
      4. Benzene (Petroleum Ether);
      5. Toluene;
      6. Acetone;
      7. Contact Cement;
      8. Lacquer Methyl;
      9. Ethyl Ether;
      10. Lacquer Thinner;
      11. Naphtha.
  2. Combustible Liquids:
    1. Class II-A:  Flash Point Between 100 and 140 F.
    2. Class III-A:  Flash Point Between 140 and 200 F.
    3. Class III-B:  Flash Point Over 200 F.
    4. Examples of combustible liquids:
      1. Diesel Fuel;
      2. Motor Oil;
      3. Mineral Spirits;
      4. Cleaning Solvents;
      5. Mineral Oil;
      6. Linseed Oil;
      7. Kerosene;
      8. Oil Based Paints.
  3. Toxic Materials:
    1. Examples of toxic substances:
      1. Ammonia;
      2. Chlorine;
      3. Antifreeze;
      4. Duplicating fluid;
      5. Defoliants;
      6. Herbicides;
      7. Pesticides;
      8. Rodenticides;
      9. Methyl alcohol (Wood alcohol or Methanol)
  4. Caustic Materials:
    1. Examples of caustic substances:
      1. Lye;
      2. Muriatic acid;
      3. Caustic Soda;
      4. Sulfuric acid;
      5. Tannic acid

​​​​​​​AF 03_110  PROCEDURES

  1. The WCSO has various chemicals in stock with a wide range of flammability and/or toxicity. Potential hazards are far greater when these chemicals or liquids are unsupervised or not secured.
  2. The shift supervisor will enforce the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as respirators, goggles, gloves, aprons, and fire extinguishers when hazardous, toxic or flammable materials are being used.
  3. Flammable liquids may not be used by prisoners.
  4. A current inventory will be maintained at all times by the Safety Manager.
  5. Underwriters Laboratory approved safety cans will be used for dispensing flammable liquids. Only a daily working supply will be maintained on the job. The balance of the stock will remain in a secured flammable cabinet with appropriate inventory maintained. At the end of the each workday, unused materials will be returned to the issuing point. These items will not be stored in the work areas overnight. Use of flammable or toxic materials in enclosed areas should be avoided if possible. If these materials must be used in enclosed areas, the following safeguards must be observed: The area must be well ventilated, no flame or spark producing elements may be present, respirators or other protective equipment must be provided for the personnel involved, and the Safety Manager must be notified.
  6. Storage areas for toxic, caustic, and flammable materials will be in designated bulk storage areas or individual flammable and caustic/toxic storage cabinets.
  7. Cleaning of auto parts, walls, floors, etc. with flammable liquids is prohibited. Oily rags must be stored in approved covered metal containers and disposed of or washed daily.
  8. Gas cylinders are to be strapped, chained or stored in an upright position, with the valve protection cap in place. Oxygen cylinders in storage will be separated from fuel-gas cylinders by at least 20' or by a 5' high barrier having at least a half hour fire rating. Compressed gas cylinders will be kept away from excessive heat (above 125 degrees F.) And at least 20' away from highly combustible materials.
  9. Hazardous/Poisonous Substances:
    1. Hazardous Chemicals are divided into three categories:
      1. Health Hazards:  Those that affect the respiratory system and burn the skin.
      2. Flammable Hazards:  Categories are those that are subject to explosions, due to low flash points.
      3. Reactive Hazards:  Categories are those that, when mixed with other chemicals, may cause detonation or a chemical reaction.
    2. Poisonous substances or chemicals are hazardous due to their toxicity. Each product containing poisonous substances must be closely supervised while in use.
    3. If the material is in a relatively safe diluted state, the product may be issued to prisoner workers in the smallest workable quantities. This determination may be made by reviewing the MSDS. Common hazardous substances include the following:
      1. Antifreeze containing ethylene glycol;
      2. Certain leather dyes and cement;
      3. Ethyl and isopropyl alcohol;
      4. Pesticides
    4. Department heads and detail supervisors are responsible for the proper selection, use, safety, and accountability of poisonous substances.
  10. Security:
    1. All hazardous/poisonous substances used in any institutional operation will be kept secured when not being diluted, mixed, or used. Exposure to workers during mixing and use must be kept to a minimum.
  11. Handling:
    1. All hazardous/poisonous substances will be withdrawn from secure storage by the area supervisor in which the substances are to be used. They will be diluted and applied under staff supervision. The staff member will be responsible for the proper use and safety of such substances.
  12. Dilution:
    1. Close attention must be given to the strength or percentage of any poisonous chemical in a given product. Very few standards have been established regarding strength at which a poisonous chemical may be called “safe.” Therefore, dilution and degree of supervision required will depend upon the ingredients and dilution ratio.
  13. Labeling:
    1. All bottles, cans, jars, or other vessels used for storing or dispensing substances must bear a label listing ingredients and all safety and health information. This rule applies even if the situation is temporary.
  14. Inspections:
    1. Frequent inspections by department heads are vital to the total administration of chemical control. Shakedowns and local inspections of the respective areas by individual employees should feature alertness to poisonous chemicals, flammable liquids, and other caustic materials. The Safety Manager will check for deficiencies during monthly inspections.
  15. Accountability:
    1. It is the responsibility of each shift supervisor to account for and be aware of all flammable, toxic and caustic material used within his/her area.
    2. The area supervisor will be directly responsible for maintaining an up-to-date inventory of such materials.
    3. All flammable, toxic and caustic materials will be accounted for by log books (or electronic equivalent). Bin cards may be obtained from the Safety Manager. All log books will be arranged neatly in alphabetical order, and will be kept in assigned storage areas.
  16. Procurement:
    1. It will be the responsibility of each person who initiates a purchase for flammable, toxic or caustic materials to request MSDS for the products listed.
    2. Any request for flammable, toxic, or caustic materials not currently being used or in stock must be approved by the Safety Manager. Each requesting department will decide which requests are for new materials. All new requests will be routed to the Safety Manager.
  17. Housekeeping:
    1. All storage areas will be maintained in a clean and orderly manner. Oily rags will be stored in a separate UL-approved metal container to prevent spontaneous combustion. All areas where flammable materials are stored or used will be designated as “No Smoking areas.” All spills of toxic, caustic, or flammable materials, no matter how small, must be immediately reported to the Safety Manager.
  18. Storage:
    1. Toxic and caustic materials should be labeled and stored in their original containers. If dispensed into other containers, those containers must be labeled with the same information as the original. Care must be taken to ensure that chemicals are not stored in a way that could create inadvertent mixing through carelessness or mishap.
  19. Usage:
    1. Supervisors will be responsible for teaching prisoner workers the safe and proper method of using hazardous materials. MSDS will be used to decide proper safety equipment to be used and emergency procedures to follow in case of an accident. The level of supervision required for chemical usage will be determined from the information on the label.
  20. Disposal:
    1. Never will a toxic or caustic substance be disposed of by pouring on the ground, flushing into sewers, or other unsafe methods. The MSDS will prescribe the proper method of disposal and related precautions.
    2. All disposal of hazardous waste materials will meet the current EPA laws.
  21. Contractors:
    1. Contractors will be informed of the requirements in this policy and will comply with applicable sections.