B. Responsibilities

B1. Department Supervisors.

Department supervisors are responsible for all hazardous chemicals used within their area of operation. Supervisors will ensure that:

• All policies and procedures regarding hazardous chemical handling, labelling, storage, transportation, and disposal are in effect and enforced.
• A chemical inventory is maintained for all hazardous chemicals used in the department or by department personnel.
• There is an MSDS on hand and accessible for each hazardous chemical on the department's chemical inventory.
• Personal protective equipment and engineering controls are available and used.
• Department level training is being conducted and recorded.
• Specific programs and procedures are developed and utilized for safe and healthy work with hazardous chemicals within each department.
• Budget requests for needed safety equipment and/or engineering controls are prepared and submitted.
• All accidents, incidents, or exposures involving hazardous chemicals are reported to the Hazard Communication Coordinator or the Human Resources Department.

B2. Hazard Communication Coordinator

The Environmental Health and Safety Coordinator will act as the Hazard Communication Coordinator (HCC) for the university. As such the EHS Office will:

• Provide technical assistance and advice to supervisors and employees regarding safe chemical handling, storage, and disposal practices.
• Provide orientation training and information sessions for new employees who will be working with hazardous chemicals.
• Compile and maintain a master hazardous chemical inventory from departmental inventory lists.
• Maintain a library of chemical health and safety literature.
• Maintain a master MSDS file for chemicals on the chemical inventory.
• Review the written program and update it as necessary.

B3. Human Resources.

The Human Resources Department will do the following:

• Identify new employees requiring orientation training. Contact the Hazard Communication Coordinator at the time of the employee's initial assignment to schedule the orientation training.
• Maintain records of exposures, medical consultations, and incidents or accidents.

B4. Purchasing/Central Receiving.

The Purchasing Department and Central Receiving will do the following:

• Distribute MSDSs received with the shipment of a hazardous material(s) to the department that placed the requisition.
• Ensure that vendors know where to mail MSDSs if they are mailed separately (not with the initial shipment.)
• Assist in obtaining MSDSs from vendors that fail to provide them. The form in Appendix D can be used for this purpose.
• Act as a point of contact between vendors and departments on issues related to Hazard Communication.

B5. Employees.

Colgate University employees who work with hazardous chemicals are expected to:

• Follow all procedures and policies relating to the use, transportation, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials.
• Report all hazardous conditions to their supervisor immediately.
• Report any job related injury or illnesses to their supervisor and seek treatment as soon as possible.
• Refrain from the operation of any equipment involving hazardous chemicals without proper instruction and authorization.
• Wear or use all prescribed personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Attend all required training and information sessions.
• Request information and training when unsure about how to handle unfamiliar or hazardous chemicals.

Last modified: April 08, 1998