Dear KVS,
Nice to see you after a short break on our forum. Let's get to the topic:
Why is Hazard Communication Focusing Only on Chemicals?
Why are no physical hazards being communicated, or is it restricted only to chemicals? To ensure that the hazards of all chemicals produced or imported are classified, and that information concerning the classified hazards is transmitted to employers and employees. The Hazard Communication plan/standard is specifically focusing on chemicals.
For example, the Fall Protection Plan - If one of our employees is standing above 10 meters and conducting water testing (chlorine). In this case, we can't address chlorine safety measures in the fall protection plan. Similarly, we can't address fall hazards in the hazard communication plan.
What I mean is, "I can't." The standards clearly state what needs to be addressed in the fall protection plan and Hazard Communication plan. We need to follow the standard.
Hazard Communication Plan/Program:
Safety and Health Topics | Hazard Communication | HAZCOM Program
An effective HAZCOM program depends on the credibility of management's involvement in the program; inclusion of employees in safety and health decisions; rigorous worksite analysis to identify hazards and potential hazards, including those which could result from a change in worksite conditions or practices; stringent prevention and control measures; and thorough training. It addresses hazards whether or not they are regulated by government standards. The following references characterize and further explain HAZCOM programs.
Fall Protection Plan:
Link outdated-removed (Search On Cite | Search On Google)
Employers engaged in leading-edge work, precast concrete construction work, and residential construction work who can demonstrate that it is infeasible or creates a greater hazard to use conventional fall protection systems must develop and follow a fall protection plan. Below are sample fall protection plans developed for precast concrete construction and residential work that could be tailored to be site-specific for other precast concrete or residential jobsites. This sample plan can be modified to be used for other work involving leading-edge work. The sample plan outlines the elements that must be addressed in any fall protection plan. The reasons outlined in this sample fall protection plan are for illustrative purposes only and are not necessarily a valid, acceptable rationale (unless the conditions at the job site are the same as those covered by these sample plans) for not using conventional fall protection systems for a particular precast concrete or residential construction worksite. However, the sample plans provide guidance to employers on the type of information that is required to be discussed in fall protection plans.
Hope I answered your query.
Note: Standards only say we should address the content available in the standard. As long as we develop a plan with the required contents, then if we need to address any other hazard, we can create new content other than the standard. Once we do that, surely our client/management will raise the question and ask us to create a separate plan for a specific hazard.
Most of all, the presentation and plans cover the standard so we cannot expect all in one place. If we want, we can make it.
That's what I understand from specific plans; we will see our members' views on this topic.
Regards