Labor & Industries (L&I), Washington State

Safety Standards for Agriculture

Table of Contents

Material safety data sheets and label preparation Chapter 296-307 WAC, Part Y-2

For printing

 

WAC 296-307-560

Scope. 

This chapter sets minimum requirements for content and distribution of material safety data sheets (MSDSs) and labels for hazardous chemicals.

• This chapter applies when you do one or more of the following:

  - Import, produce, or repackage chemicals, including manufactured items (such as bricks, welding rods, and sheet metal) that aren't exempt as articles

  - Sell or distribute hazardous chemicals to manufacturers, distributors or employers

  - Choose not to rely on material safety data sheets (MSDSs) provided by the importer, manufacturer or distributor.

Note:

• You aren't required to evaluate chemicals or create MSDSs for chemicals you didn't produce or import.  If you decide to evaluate chemicals or create MSDSs, then the requirements of this chapter will apply to you.
• Use Table 2 to determine which sections in this chapter apply to your workplace.

Exemptions:

• All of the following are always exempt from this chapter:

  - Ionizing and nonionizing radiation

  - Biological hazards

  - Tobacco and tobacco products.

• The chemicals and items listed in Table 1 are exempt from this chapter under the conditions specified.

Table 1 Conditional Exemptions from this chapter
This chapter does NOT apply to	When
Alcoholic beverages OR Foods	Sold, used, or prepared in a retail establishment (such as a grocery store, restaurant, bar, or tavern)
An article (manufactured item)	It isn't a fluid or particle AND It is formed to a specific shape or design during manufacture for a particular end use function1 AND It releases only trace amounts of a hazardous chemical during normal use AND doesn't pose a physical or health risk to the employees
Consumer products - Produced or distributed for sale meeting the definition of "consumer products" in the Consumer Product Safety Act (see U.S. Code, Title 15, Chapter 47, section 20522) OR Hazardous household products - Meeting the definition of "hazardous substances" in the Federal Hazardous Substance Act (see U.S. Code, Title 15, Chapter 30, section 12612)	Both criteria apply: - They are used in the workplace for the same purpose as intended by the manufacturer or importer - The duration and frequency of an employee's exposure is no more than the range of exposures that consumers might reasonably experience
Cosmetics	Packaged and sold in retail establishments
Drugs - Meeting the definition for "drugs" in the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (see U.S. Code, Title 21, Chapter  9, Subchapter II, section 3212)	In solid, final form (for example, tablets, or pills) for direct administration to the patient OR Packaged and sold in retail establishments (for example, over-the-counter drugs) OR Intended for employee consumption while in the workplace (for example, first-aid supplies)
Hazardous solid wastes - Meeting the definition of "hazardous waste"s in the Solid Waste Disposal Act, as amended by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 (see U.S. Code, Title 42, Chapter 82, Subchapter I, section 69032)	Subject to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations3
Hazardous substances - Released into the environment meeting the definition of "hazardous substances" in the Comprehensive Environmental Response , Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) (see U.S. Code, Title 42, Chapter 103, Subchapter I, section 96012)	They are the focus of remedial or removal action being conducted under CERCLA in accordance with EPA regulations (Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)3)
Hazardous wastes - Meeting the definition of dangerous wastes in the Hazardous Waste Management Act (see chapter 70.105 RCW4)	Subject to department of ecology regulations, chapter 173-303 WAC5, that address the accumulation, handling and management of hazardous waste, and describe all of the following: - Safety - Labeling - Personnel training - And other related requirements
Solid wood OR Wood products (for example, lumber, and paper)	All of the following apply: - The material isn't treated with hazardous chemicals - The only hazard is potential flammability or combustibility - The product isn't expected to be processed (for example, by sanding or sawing)

¹End use is dependent in whole, or in part, upon maintaining the item's original shape or design.  If the item will be significantly altered from its original form, it can no longer be considered a manufactured item.

²This federal act is included in the United States Code.  See http://www.gpoaccess.gov/uscode/index.html.

³EPA regulations are included in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).  See http://www.epa.gov.

⁴This state act is included in the Revised Code of Washington (RCW).  The RCW compiles all permanent laws of the state.  See http://www1.leg.wa.gov/legislature/.

⁵See http://www.ecy.wa.gov.

Use Table 2 to find out which sections of this part apply to you.  For example, if you import AND sell hazardous chemicals ALL sections apply.  WAC 296-307-56050 applies to all employers covered by the scope of this part.

[Statutory Authority:  RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060.  03-10-068 (Order 03-05), § 296-307-560, filed 05/06/03, effective 08/01/03.]

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WAC 296-307-56005

Hazard evaluation.

Your responsibility:

To make sure the hazardous chemicals are identified.

You must

Conduct complete hazard evaluations

WAC 296-307-56010

Provide access to hazard evaluation procedures

WAC 296-307-56015.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 03-10-068 (Order 03-05), § 296-307-56005, filed 05/06/03, effective 08/01/03.]

WAC 296-307-56010

Conduct complete hazard evaluations.

Important:

• Hazard evaluation is a process where hazards of chemicals are identified by reviewing available research or testing information.  You aren't required to perform your own laboratory research or testing to meet the requirements of this section

  - Information from hazard evaluations is used to complete material safety data sheets (MSDSs) and labels

  - MSDSs from your suppliers may be used to complete the hazard evaluation for chemicals you produce

  - MSDSs and labels are NOT required for chemicals that are determined to be nonhazardous

• Importers and manufacturers are required to develop MSDSs and labels.  If you decide to develop your own MSDSs and labels, then this chapter also applies to you.

You must

(1) Describe in writing your procedures for conducting hazard evaluations.

(2) Conduct a complete hazard evaluation for ALL chemicals you produce or import to determine if they are hazardous chemicals.

• Identify and consider available scientific evidence of health and physical hazards
• Evidence that meets the criteria in Table 3 must be used to establish a hazard
• Chemicals identified in a Table 4 source must be regarded as hazardous
• The scope of health hazards considered must include the categories in Tables 5 and 6
• If the chemical is a mixture, follow the additional criteria in Table 7
• If you find evidence that meets the criteria in Table 3, use it in your hazard evaluation.

Table 3 Criteria for Hazard Evidence
Hazard	Criteria
Health hazard	Where available, use human case reports of health effects AND One of more studies that - Are based on human populations, if available, and animal populations 1,2 AND - Report statistically significant conclusions of a hazardous effect or health hazard (as defined in this rule) AND - Have been conducted following established scientific principles.
Physical hazard	Valid evidence that shows a chemical in any one of the following3: - A combustible liquid - A compressed gas - Explosive - Flammable - An organic peroxide - An oxidizer - Pyrophoric - Unstable (reactive) - Water-reactive

¹If human data isn't available, use results of tests done on animals and other available studies to predict health effects on employees (for example, effects resulting from short and long-term exposures to chemicals).

²In vitro studies alone don't generally form the basis of a finding of hazard.

³These terms are defined in WAC 296-307-56050.

Chemicals identified in the sources listed in Table 4 must be assumed to be hazardous (including carcinogens and potential carcinogens).

Chemicals meeting Table 5 definitions, along with the criteria for established evidence in Table 3, must be regarded as hazardous.

Table 5 is NOT intended to present all hazard categories or test methods.  Available scientific data involving other test methods and animal species must also be evaluated to determine a chemical's hazards.

Categories provided in Table 6 illustrate the broad range of target organ effects that must be considered when conducting hazard evaluations.  Chemicals meeting Table 6 definitions, along with the criteria for established evidence in Table 3, must be regarded as hazardous.

Examples provided in Table 6 are NOT intended to be a complete list.

Table 6 Examples of Target Organ Effect Categories Category
Category	Definition	Examples of signs and symptoms	Examples of Chemicals
Hepatotoxins	Cause liver damage	Jaundice Liver enlargement	Carbon tetrachloride Nitrosamines
Nephrotoxins	Cause kidney damage	Edema Proteinuria	Halogenated hydrocarbons Cadmium
Neurotoxins	Cause primary toxic effects on the nervous system	Narcosis Behavioral changes Decrease in motor functions	Mercury Carbon disulfide Lead
Chemicals that act on the Blood OR Hematopoietic (blood forming) system	Decrease hemoglobin function OR Deprive the body tissues of oxygen	Cyanosis Loss of consciousness	Carbon monoxide Cyanides Benzene
Chemicals that damage the lungs	Irritate lungs OR Damage pulmonary tissue	Cough Tightness in chest Shortness of breath	Silica Asbestos
Reproductive toxins	Affect reproductive capabilities, including: Chromosomal damage (mutation) Effects on fetuses (teratogenesis)	Birth defects Sterility	Lead 1,2-Dibromo-3-chloropropane (DBCP) Nitrous oxide
Cutaneous (skin) hazards	Affect the dermal layer of the body	Defatting of the skin Rashes Irritation	Ketones Chlorinated compounds
Eye hazards	Affect the eye or ability to see	Conjunctivitis Corneal damage	Organic solvents Acids

Table 7 Criteria for Evaluating Chemical Mixtures
If a mixture	Then
Has been thoroughly tested as a whole for a physical or health hazard	You must use those results
Has NOT been tested as a whole for a health hazard	You must: - Evaluate EACH ingredient in the mixture to determine the hazards - Consider the mixture to have the same hazards as each ingredient determined to be hazardous
Has NOT been tested as a whole for physical hazards	You must: - Use any scientifically valid data available to evaluate the potential physical hazards of the mixture

[Statutory Authority:  RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060.  03-10-068 (Order 03-05), § 296-307-56010, filed 05/06/03, effective 08/01/03.]

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WAC 296-307-56015

Provide access to hazard evaluation procedures.

You must

• Provide access to your written hazard evaluation procedures when requested by any of the following:

  - Employees

  - Designated representatives of employees

  - Representatives of the Department of Labor and Industries

  - Representatives of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

[Statutory Authority:  RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060.  03-10-068 (Order 03-05), § 296-307-56015, filed 05/06/03, effective 08/01/03.]

WAC 296-307-56020

Material safety data sheets.

Your responsibility:

To provide complete and accurate material safety data sheets (MSDSs).

You must

WAC 296-307-56025 Develop or obtain MSDSs

WAC 296-307-56030 Provide MSDSs

WAC 296-307-56035 Follow-up if an MSDS isn't provided

[Statutory Authority:  RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060.  03-10-068 (Order 03-05), § 296-307-56020, filed 05/06/03, effective 08/01/03.]

WAC 296-307-56025

Develop or obtain material safety data sheets (MSDSs).

You must

• Develop or obtain a complete and accurate material safety data sheet (MSDS) for each hazardous chemical or mixture according to ALL of the following: 

  - ALL information in Table 8 must be completed.  If there is no relevant information for a required item, this must be noted.  Blank spaces aren't permitted.

Note:

• No specific format is required for MSDSs; however, an example format (OSHA form 174) can be found online at:  http://www.osha.gov
• One MSDS can be developed for a group of complex mixtures (for example, jet fuels or crude oil) IF the health and physical hazards of the mixtures are similar (the amounts of chemicals in the mixture may vary).

  - Content of MSDSs must accurately represent the available scientific evidence.

Note: You may report results of scientifically valid studies that tend to refute findings of hazards.

- MSDSs must be in English.

Note: You may develop copies of MSDSs in other languages.

You must

• Revise an MSDS when you become aware of new and significant information regarding the hazards of a chemical, or how to protect against the hazards

  - Within 3 months after you first become aware of the information

  OR

  - Before the chemical is reintroduced into the workplace if the chemical is no longer being used, produced or imported.

Table 8 Information Required on MSDSs

The chemical's identity as it appears on the label

The date the MSDS was prepared or updated

A contact for additional information about the hazardous chemical and appropriate emergency procedures Include the following: - Name - Address - Telephone number of the responsible party preparing or distributing the MSDS

The chemical's hazardous ingredients1 as determined by your hazard evaluation - For a single substance chemical, include the chemical and common name(s) of the substance - For mixtures tested as a whole Include the common name(s) of the mixture AND List the chemical and common name(s) of ingredients that contribute to the known hazards - For mixtures NOT tested as a whole, list the chemical and common name(s) of hazardous ingredients That make up 1% or more of the mixture, by weight or volume, including carcinogens (if 0.1% concentration or more, by weight or volume) - If ingredients are less than the above concentrations but may present a health risk to employees (for example, allergic reaction or exposure could exceed the permissible exposure limits, or PEL) they must be listed here.

Exposure limits for airborne concentrations.  Include ALL of the following, when they exist: - WISHA or OSHA PELs2 The 8-hour time weighted average (TWA) The short-term exposure limit (STEL), if available Ceiling values, if available - Threshold limit values (TLVs) including 8-hour TWAs, STELs, and ceiling values - Other exposure limits used or recommended by the employer preparing the MSDS

Physical and chemical characteristics - For example, boiling point, vapor pressure, and odor

Fire, explosion data, and related information - For example, flashpoint, flammable and explosion limits, extinguishing media, and unusual fire or explosion hazards

Physical hazards of the chemical including reactivity information - For example, incompatibilities, decomposition products, by-products, and conditions to avoid

Health hazard information including ALL of the following: - Primary routes of exposure For example, inhalation, ingestion, and skin absorption or other contact3 - Health effects (or hazards) associated with: Short-term exposure4 AND Long-term exposure4 - Whether the chemical is listed or described as a carcinogen or potential carcinogen in the latest editions of each of the following: The National Toxicology Program (NTP) Annual Report on Carcinogens OR The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) Monographs as a potential carcinogen OR WISHA or OSHA rules - Signs and symptoms of exposure3 - Medical conditions generally recognized as being aggravated by exposure

Emergency and first-aid procedures

Generally applicable precautions for safe handling and use known to the employer preparing the MSDS - For example, appropriate procedures for clean-up of spills and leaks, waste disposal method, precautions during handling and storing

Generally applicable and appropriate control measures known to the employer preparing the MSDS, including ALL of the following - Engineering control (for example, general or local exhaust ventilation) - Work practices - Personal protective equipment (PPE) - Personal hygiene practices - Protective measures during repair and maintenance of contaminated equipment

¹The identities of some chemicals may be protected as trade secret information (see chapter 296-62 WAC, Part B-1, Trade Secrets).

²WISHA PEL categories are defined, and values are provided, in chapter 296-307 WAC, Part Y-6.

³A "skin notation" listed with either an ACGIH TLV or WISHA/OSHA PEL indicates that skin absorption is a primary route of exposure.

⁴Examples of:

• Short-term health effects (or hazards) include eye irritation, skin damage caused by contact with corrosives, narcosis, sensitization, and lethal dose.
• Long-term health effects (or hazards) include cancer, liver degeneration, and silicosis.

⁵Signs and symptoms of exposure to hazardous substances include those that:

• Can be measured such as decreased pulmonary function

  AND

• Are subjective such as feeling short of breath.

[Statutory Authority:  RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060.  03-10-068 (Order 03-05), § 296-307-56025, filed 05/06/03, effective 08/01/03.]

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WAC 296-307-56030

Provide MSDSs for products shipped, transferred or sold over-the-counter.
 

You must

• Provide the correct MSDS to manufacturers, distributors and employers:

  - With the initial shipment or transfer of the product

  AND

  - With the first shipment or transfer after an MSDS is updated

  AND

  - Whenever one is requested.

Note:

• MSDSs may be provided separately from containers as long as they are provided before or at the same time as the containers.  For example, you may fax, or e-mail the MSDS
• You are NOT required to provide MSDSs to retailers who inform you they

  - Don't sell the product to commercial accounts

  AND

  - Don't open the sealed product containers for use in their workplace.

You must

Follow the requirements in Table 9 for chemicals sold over-the-counter.

Table 9 Requirements for Chemicals Sold Over the Counter (NOT shipped)
If you are a	Then
Retail distributor with commercial accounts	Provide an MSDS to employers with commercial accounts when requested AND Post a sign, or otherwise inform employers, that MSDSs are available
Retail distributor without commercial accounts	Provide the employer, when requested, with ALL of the following: - Name - Address - Telephone number of the chemical manufacturer, importer, or distributor who can provide an MSDS
Wholesale distributor selling products over-the counter to employers	Provide an MSDS to employers with commercial accounts when requested AND Post a sign, or otherwise inform employers, that MSDSs are available

[Statutory Authority:  RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060.  03-10-068 (Order 03-05), § 296-307-56030, filed 05/06/03, effective 08/01/03.]

WAC 296-307-56035

Follow-up if an MSDS isn’t provided.

You must

• Obtain an MSDS from the chemical manufacturer, distributor or importer as soon as possible, if an MSDS isn't provided for a shipment labeled as a hazardous chemical.

[Statutory Authority:  RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060.  03-10-068 (Order 03-05), § 296-307-56035, filed 05/06/03, effective 08/01/03.]

WAC 296-307-56040

Labeling.

Your responsibility:

To provide employers with containers of hazardous chemicals that are properly labeled.

[Statutory Authority:  RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060.  03-10-068 (Order 03-05), § 296-307-56040, filed 05/06/03, effective 08/01/03.]

WAC 296-307-56045

Label containers of hazardous chemicals.

Exemption:   Containers are exempt from this section if ALL hazardous contents are listed in Table 11.

You must

• Make sure every container of hazardous chemicals leaving the workplace is properly labeled.  This includes ALL of the following:

  - The identity of the hazardous chemical (the chemical or common name) that matches the identity used on the MSDS

  - An appropriate hazard warning

  - The name and address of the chemical manufacturer, importer, or other responsible party

  - Make sure labeling doesn't conflict with the requirements of:

  • The Hazardous Materials Transportation Act (49 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.)

    AND

  • Regulations issued under the act by the U.S. Department of Transportation (Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Parts 171 through 180).  See http://www.dot.gov

  - Revise labels within 3 months of becoming aware of new and significant information about chemical hazards

  - Provide revised labels on containers beginning with the first shipment after a revision, to manufacturers, distributors or employers

  - Revise the label when a chemical isn't currently used, produced or imported, before:

  • You resume shipping (or transferring) the chemical

    OR

  • The chemical is reintroduced in the workplace

  - Label information

  • Clearly written in English

    AND

  • Prominently displayed on the container.

Reference:

Additional labeling requirements for specific hazardous chemicals (for example, asbestos and cadmium) are found in chapter 296-62 WAC, General Occupational Health Standards (see parts F, G, and I-1 of that chapter).

Note:

When the conditions specified in Table 10 are met for the solid material products listed, you aren't required to provide labels for every shipment.

Table 10 Labeling for Solid Materials
You need only send labels with the first shipment, IF the product is	And
Whole grain	It is shipped to the same customer AND No hazardous chemicals are part of or known to be present with the product which could expose employees during handling - For example, cutting fluids on solid metal, and pesticides with grain
Solid untreated wood
Solid metal For example:  Steel beams, metal castings
Plastic items

Exemptions: The chemicals (and items) listed in Table 11 are EXEMPT from THIS SECTION under the conditions specified.  Requirements in other sections still apply.

Table 11 Conditional Label Exemptions
This section does not apply to	When the product is
Pesticides - Meeting the definition of pesticides in the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) see Title 7, U.S.C. Chapter 6, Subchapter II, Section 1361)	·    Subject to: - Labeling requirements of FIFRA1 AND - Labeling regulations issued under FIFRA by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (see Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations2)
A chemical substance or mixture - Meeting the definition of chemical substance or mixture in the Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA) (see Title 15 U.S.C. Chapter 53, Subchapter II, Section 26021)	·    Subject to - Labeling requirements of TSCA1 AND - Labeling requirements issued under TSCA by the EPA (see Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations2)
Each of the following - Food - Food additives - Color additives - Drugs - Cosmetics - Medical devices or products - Veterinary devices or products - Materials intended for use in these products (for example:  Flavors, and fragrances) As defined in - The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (see Title 21 U.S.C. Chapter 9, Subchapter II, (Section 3211) OR - The Virus-Serum Act of 1913 (see Title 21 U.S.C. Chapter 5, Section 151 et seq.1) OR - Regulations issued under these acts (see Title 21 Part 101 in the Code of Federal Regulations, and Title 9, in the Code of Federal Regulations3	·    Subject to: - Labeling requirements in Federal Food,. Drug, and Cosmetic Act, Virus-Serum Toxin Act of 1913, and issued regulations enforced by the United States Food and Drug Administration (see Title 21 Parts 101-180 in the Code of Federal Regulations3) OR - Department of Agriculture (see Title 9, in the Code of Federal Regulations3)
Each of the following: - Distilled spirits (beverage alcohols) AND - Wine AND - Malt beverage As defined in - The Federal Alcohol Administration Act (see Title 27 U.S.C. Section 2011) AND - Regulations issued under this act (see Title 27 in the Code of Federal Regulations3)	·    Subject to: - Labeling requirements of Federal Alcohol Administration Act1 AND - Labeling regulations issued under Federal Alcohol Administration Act by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (see Title 27 in the Code of Federal Regulations3)
Consumer products AND Hazardous substances - As defined in the Consumer Product Safety Act (see 15 U.S.C. 2051 et seq.1) AND - The Federal Hazardous Substances Act (see 15 U.S.C. 1261 et. seq.1)	·    Subject to: - A consumer product safety or labeling requirement of the Consumer Product Safety Act or Federal Hazardous Substance Act1 OR - Regulations issued under these acts by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (see Title 16 in the Code of Federal Regulations3)
Agricultural seed AND Vegetable seed treated with pesticides	·    Labeled as required by - The Federal Seed Act (see Title 7 U.S.C. Chapter 37, Section 1551 et. seq.1) AND - Labeling requirements issued under Federal Seed Act by the United States Department of Agriculture1

¹This federal act is included in the United States Code. See http://www.access.gpo.gov/uscode/uscmain.html.

²See http://www.epa.gov.

³See http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/index.html.

[Statutory Authority:  RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 06-08-087 (Order 05-12), § 296-307-56045, filed 04/04/06, effective 09/01/06. Statutory Authority:  RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060.  03-10-068 (Order 03-05), § 296-307-56045, filed 05/06/03, effective 08/01/03.]

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WAC 296-307-56050

Definitions. 

The following definitions apply to this chapter:

Article (manufactured item)

A manufactured item that

• Isn't a fluid or particle

  AND

• Is formed to a specific shape or design during manufacture for a particular end use function

  AND

• Releases only trace amounts of a hazardous chemical during normal use and doesn't pose a physical or health risk to employees.

Chemical

• An element or mixture of elements

  OR

• A compound or mixture of compounds

  OR

• A mixture of elements and compounds

Included are manufactured items (such as bricks, welding rods and sheet metal) that aren't exempt as an article.

Chemical name

• The scientific designation of a chemical developed by the
  • - International union of pure and applied chemistry (IUPAC)
  • OR
  • - Chemical abstracts service (CAS) rules of nomenclature
  • OR
• A name that clearly identifies the chemical for the purpose of conducting a hazard evaluation.

Combustible liquid

Liquids with a flashpoint of at least 100 °F (37.8 °C) and below 200 °F (93.3 °C).  A mixture with at least 99% of its components having flashpoints of 200 °F (93.3 °C), or higher, isn't considered a combustible liquid.

Commercial account

An arrangement where a retailer is selling hazardous chemicals to an employer

• Generally in large quantities over time

  OR

• At costs below regular retail price.

Common name

Any designation or identification used to identify a chemical other than the chemical name, such as a

• Code name or number

  OR

• Trade or brand name

  OR

• Generic name.

Compressed gas

• A contained gas or mixture of gases with an absolute pressure greater than:
  • - 40 psi at 70 °F (21.1 °C)
  • OR
  • - 104 psi at 130 °F (54.4 °C) regardless of the pressure at 70°F (21.1 °C)
  • OR
• A liquid with a vapor pressure greater than 40 psi at 100 ° F (37.8° C), as determined by ASTM D323-72.

Container

A vessel, other than a pipe or piping system, that holds a hazardous chemical.  Examples include:

• Bags
• Barrels
• Bottles
• Boxes
• Cans
• Cylinders
• Drums
• Reaction vessels
• Storage tanks
• Rail cars.

Designated representative

• An individual or organization with written authorization from an employee

  OR

• A recognized or certified collective bargaining agent (not necessarily authorized by an employee)
  OR

• A legal representative of a deceased or legally incapacitated employee.

Distributor

A business that supplies hazardous chemicals to other employers.  Included are employers who conduct retail and wholesale transactions.

Explosive

A chemical that causes a sudden, almost instant release of pressure, gas, and heat when exposed to a sudden shock, pressure, or high temperature.

Flammable

A chemical in one of the following categories:

• Aerosols that, when tested using a method described in 16 CFR 1500.45, yield either a:
  • - Flame projection of more than 18 inches at full valve opening
  • OR
  • - A flashback (a flame extending back to the valve) at any degree of valve opening
• Gases that, at the temperature and pressure of the surrounding area, form a:
  • - Flammable mixture with air at a concentration of 13%, by volume, or less
  • OR
  • - Range of flammable mixtures with air wider than 12%, by volume, regardless of the lower limit
• Liquids with a flashpoint below 100 °F (37.8 °C).  A mixture with at least 99% of its components having flashpoints of 100 °F (37.8 °C), or higher, isn't considered a flammable liquid
• Solids, other than blasting agents or explosives, as defined in WAC 296-52-417 or 29 CFR 1910.109(a), that:
  • - Is likely to cause fire through friction, moisture, absorption, spontaneous chemical change or retained heat from manufacturing or processing
  • OR
  • - That can be readily ignited (and when ignited burns so vigorously and persistently that it creates a serious hazard)
  • OR
  • - When tested by the method described in 16 CFR 1500.44, ignite and burn with a self-sustained flame at a rate greater than 1/10th of an inch per second along its major axis.

Flashpoint

The minimum temperature at which a liquid gives off an ignitable concentration of vapor, when tested by any of the following measurement methods:

• Tagliabue closed tester.  Use this for liquids with a viscosity less than 45 Saybolt Universal Seconds (SUS) at 100°F (37.8 °C), that don't contain suspended solids and don't tend to form a surface film under test.  See American National Standard Method of Test for Flashpoint by Tag Closed Tester, Z11.24-1979 (ASTM D 56-79)
• Pensky-Martens closed tester.  Use this for liquids with a viscosity equal to, or greater than, 45 SUS at 100 °F (37.8 °C) or for liquids that contain suspended solids or have a tendency to form a surface film under test.  See American National Standard Method of Test for Flashpoint by Pensky-Martens Closed Tester, Z11.7-1979 (ASTM D 93-79)
• Setaflash closed tester.  See American National Standard Method of Test for Flashpoint by Setaflash Closed Tester (ASTM D 3278-78)

Organic peroxides, which undergo auto accelerating thermal decomposition, are excluded from any of the flashpoint measurement methods specified above.

Hazardous chemical

A chemical, which is a physical or health hazard.

Hazard warning

Words, pictures or symbols (alone or in combination) that appear on labels (or other forms of warning such as placards or tags) that communicate specific physical and health hazards (including target organ effects) associated with chemicals in a container.

Health hazard

A chemical that may cause health effects in short or long-term exposed employees based on statistically significant evidence from a single study conducted by using established scientific principles.

Health hazards include, but aren't limited to, any of the following:

• Carcinogens
• Toxic or highly toxic substances
• Reproductive toxins
• Irritants
• Corrosives
• Sensitizers
• Hepatotoxins (liver toxins)
• Nephrotoxins (kidney toxins)
• Neurotoxins (nervous system toxins)
• Substances that act on the hematopoietic system (blood or blood forming system)
• Substances that can damage the lungs, skin, eyes, or mucous membranes.

Identity

A chemical or common name listed on the material safety data sheet (MSDS) and label.

Importer

The first business, within the Customs Territory of the United States, that receives hazardous chemicals produced in other countries and supplies them to manufacturers, distributors or employers within the United States.

Label

Written, printed, or graphic material displayed on, or attached to, a container of hazardous chemicals.

Manufacturer

An employer with a workplace where one or more chemicals (including items not exempt as "articles," see Table 1 in this part) are produced for use or distribution.

Material safety data sheet (MSDS)

Written, printed or electronic information (on paper, microfiche, or on-screen) that informs manufacturers, distributors or employers about the chemical, its hazards and protective measures as required by this rule.

Mixture

A combination of 2 or more chemicals that retain their chemical identify after being combined.

Organic peroxide

An organic compound containing the bivalent-O-O- structure.  It may be considered a structural derivative of hydrogen peroxide if one or both of the hydrogen atoms has been replaced by an organic radical.

Oxidizer

A chemical, other than a blasting agent or explosive as defined in WAC 296-52-417 or 29 CFR 1910.109(a), that starts or promotes combustion in other materials, causing fire either of itself or through the release of oxygen or other gases.

Permissible exposure limits

See WAC 296-307-628, for definition of this term.

Physical hazards

A chemical that has scientifically valid evidence to show it's one of the following:

• A combustible liquid
• A compressed gas
• Explosive
• Flammable
• An organic peroxide
• An oxidizer
• Pyrophoric
• Unstable (reactive)
• Water-reactive.

Produce

To do one or more of the following:

• Manufacture
• Process
• Formulate
• Blend
• Extract
• Generate
• Emit
• Repackage.

Pyrophoric

Chemicals that ignite spontaneously in the air at a temperature of 130 °F (54.4 °C) or below.

Responsible party

Someone who can provide more information about the hazardous chemical and appropriate emergency procedures.

Retailer

See distributor.

Threshold limit values (TLVs)

Airborne concentrations of substances established by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), and represent conditions under which it's believed that nearly all workers may be repeatedly exposed day after day without adverse health effects.

TLVs are specified in the most recent edition of the Threshold Limit Values for Chemical Substances and Physical Agents and Biological Exposure Indices and include the following categories:

• Threshold limit value-time-weighted average (TLV-TWA)
• Threshold limit value-short-term exposure limit (TLV-STEL)
• Threshold limit value-ceiling (TLV-C).

Unstable (reactive)

A chemical in its pure state, or as produced or transported, that will vigorously polymerize, decompose, condense, or become self-reactive under conditions of shocks, pressure or temperature.

Use

To do one or more of the following:

• Package
• Handle
• React
• Emit
• Extract
• Generate as a by-product
• Transfer.

Water-reactive

A chemical that reacts with water to release a gas that is either flammable or presents a heath hazard.

Wholesaler

See "distributor."

[Statutory Authority:  RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060.  03-10-068 (Order 03-05), § 296-307-56050, filed 05/06/03, effective 08/01/03.]