Hazard Communication Fact Sheet for Office Staff
University of Washington
Environmental Health and Safety Department
November 2000
The Hazard communication Fact Sheet for Office Staff provides the hazard communication training for employees who work in the offices by alerting them to the potential hazardous substances that may be encountered in any office environment.
Washington State Labor and Industries has an occupational safety and health standard called Hazard Communication (Right to Know) that requires that employees be informed about hazardous chemicals in the workplace through labeling, material safety data sheets (MSDSs), and training. A description of the University of Washington’s Hazard Communication Program is in the UW Operations Manual, Section D 12.5 at the University Reference Stations. Ask your supervisor for the location of the nearest Reference Station or consult the Reference Station Directory on the last page of the Faculty/Staff Directory.
Employees in office environments work with a variety of products that may contain small amounts of hazardous chemicals. Safe exposure limits have been established for many hazardous chemical substances below which no adverse health effects are expected to occur. These limits are based on continuous exposure, 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week throughout a working career. Since most office products are used intermittently and in small quantities, exposure to these products is not expected to exceed safe limits or produce adverse health effects. In addition, most of these products are consumer products and therefore meet the more stringent regulations for consumer product safety.
This fact sheet contains information on a number of office products that may contain hazardous substances. You have access to other sources of information on this subject, namely container labels and material safety data sheets (MSDSs). MSDSs are documents provided by the manufacturer that details the potential hazards and protection measures for a chemical or product. Similar products my vary from manufacturer to manufacturer so be sure to read container labels and, if you want more information, call Environmental Health and Safety (206-543-7262) to obtain the MSDS specific to the product.
Adhesives
Some products like glues, and rubber cement contain chemicals such as ethylene glycol and acetone that could present a hazard under certain conditions. Many adhesives are extremely flammable, may be irritating to the eyes on direct contact, and may cause drying and irritation with repeated and prolonged skin contact. Acute exposure to vapors may cause respiratory irritation. These products can be safely used if safety guidelines are followed: Keep away from heat, sparks, and open flame, prevent skin and eye contact, and use only in areas with normal room air circulation.
Carbonless Copy Paper
Some research indicates that measurable amounts of formaldehyde may be released from carbonless copy paper. Although below the permissible exposure limits, a few sensitive individuals may experience various symptoms including headaches, skin, eye or respiratory irritation. Improved room air circulation should eliminate any potential respiratory hazard. Avoid touching face and eyes while working with forms. After using carbonless copy paper wash hands with mild soap and apply hand lotion to keep skin from drying.
Cleaners
Office workers may have occasions to use cleaning products such as glass cleaner for copy machine glass, desktop cleaners, and typewriter element cleaner. Such cleaning products may contain small amounts of ammonia or isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) and should pose no particular hazard when used carefully as directed.
Correction Fluid
Correction fluid for typewritten copy contains small quantities of solvents that may be hazardous during uncontrolled exposure to large volumes. Acute exposure could lead to respiratory irritation and central nervous system disturbance. However, such over-exposure cannot occur under the normal use conditions of this product. It is considered non-hazardous when used as directed in an office or room with normal air circulation. Exposure of this product to open flame can produce small amounts of poison gases.
Copy/Duplication Products
Dry and liquid toners for photocopy machines contain chemicals such as carbon black and resins that are mildly toxic if acute exposure occurs, but present no health hazard under normal conditions of use. Prolonged breathing of copy machine toner powder or vapors may cause eye and respiratory irritation and should be avoided.
Some copy machine toners contain trinitrofluorenone, which is a suspect carcinogen. Many photocopy machines produce ozone and a byproduct of the copy process. This toxic gas, which has a sweet odor, can irritate eyes, nose, and throat. The best protection from health hazards associated with copy machine use is good ventilation.
Any machine copy/duplication process should be conducted in ventilated areas.
Inks and Inking Materials
Black mimeograph ink can be moderately toxic if swallowed but does not pose health hazards under normal conditions of use. Stamp pad inks are similar except that the blue, purple, brown, and green inks may produce eye irritation on contact. The chemicals in broad tip marker pens may produce flammable vapors and prolonged breathing of the vapors may cause irritation to mucous membranes, nausea, dizziness, and headache. Overexposure is not expected under normal conditions of use.
General First Aid Guidelines
Read the MSDS for detailed first aid information. In general, for skin contact, wash with soap and water, and for eye exposure, flush affected area with water for at least 15 minutes. If overexposure by inhalation occurs, remover the victim to fresh air, and if a hazardous chemical is swallowed, check the MSDS for first aid procedure. If in doubt seek medical attention immediately.
Protection
Employees can protect themselves by always reading container labels thoroughly before using an unfamiliar product. Under normal conditions of use none of these products is expected to produce adverse health effects. Normal conditions of use means using product only as directed and in areas with normal room air circulation. For more detailed information on chemicals and chemical products, employees should consult the material safety data sheet (MSDS).
For more information, visit the Environmental Health and Safety Web site or call 206-543-7262.
Safety Team
Michael Glidden
Facilities Specialist
glidden@u.washington.edu
(206) 685-2105
Lisa Drechsler
Human Resources Administrator
drechslr@u.washington.edu
(206) 543-3354
Ling Li
Building Coordinator
liling@u.washington.edu
(206) 685-2873
Community of Innovators
Nominate a student, faculty or staff member who makes exceptional and meaningful contributions to the College.
Nominations due 5 p.m. March 1.
Nominees and awardees will be honored at the Community of Innovators Awards reception.
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
3:30 to 5:00 p.m.
Paul G. Allen Center,
Microsoft Atrium.
FIRE and EMERGENCY
911
NON-EMERGENCY UW Police:
206-685-UWPD (8973)