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Can you summarize Tex. Health & Safety Chapter 502?
HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES > HAZARD COMMUNICATION ACT
Short Summary
The Hazard Communication Act, part of the Texas Statutes under the Health and Safety Code, governs the obligations of employers regarding worker right-to-know and the compilation and maintenance of a workplace chemical list. Employers are required to create and maintain a workplace chemical list that includes information about hazardous chemicals present in the workplace or temporary workplace. The list should include the identity used on the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and container label, as well as the work area where the hazardous chemical is normally present. The workplace chemical list must be updated as necessary and should be dated and signed by the responsible person. It can be prepared for the entire workplace or for each work area or temporary workplace. The list must be readily available to employees and their representatives, and employees should be made aware of its existence before working with or in an area containing hazardous chemicals. Employers are required to maintain the workplace chemical list for at least 30 years and must send complete records to the department if they cease to operate. The document does not specify any penalties for non-compliance or violations.
Whom does it apply to?
The Act applies to employers engaged in private business who are regulated by the federal Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 or the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977, as well as the state, political subdivisions of the state, and other similar employers.
What does it govern?
The Hazard Communication Act governs the communication of hazards associated with chemicals in the workplace.
What are exemptions?
The chapter does not apply to certain sealed and labeled hazardous chemicals that are sold or transferred within five working days, or to chemicals subject to labeling requirements under other federal acts. Additionally, there are exemptions for hazardous waste, chemicals in laboratories under supervision, tobacco or tobacco products, wood or wood products, articles, certain food, drugs, cosmetics, alcoholic beverages, consumer products or hazardous substances used in the workplace as normal consumer use, drugs as defined in the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, and radioactive waste.
What are the Penalties?
The document does not specify any penalties for non-compliance or violations.
Jurisdiction
Texas