HAZARD COMMUNICATION GUIDE (RIGHT TO KNOW)

Workers have the right to know and understand the hazardous properties of the chemicals in the workplace to which they may be exposed. They also have the right to all pertinent information that will enable them to work with or around such chemicals in a safe manner.

• Why is this important?

  The OSHA Hazard Communication Standard is designed to ensure chemical safety in the workplace. The standard, which requires workplaces to provide written information about the identities and hazards associated with the chemicals, must be available and understandable to workers.

• How to get a Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

  Safety Data Sheets (SDS's) are designed to provide workers and emergency personnel with important safety information to ensure safe handling of hazardous chemicals and appropriate spill response. Stony Brook University SDS system provides the campus community with a database of campus specific chemicals.The program also comes with a library of SDSs which can be printed. If an SDS is not in the library, the user can request an SDS through the webpage.

• Who maintains the written hazcom program/NYS Right to Know (RTK) program?

  EH&S maintains a written RTK plan and provides training in compliance with both the federal OSHA Hazard Communication Standard and the NYS PESH Right to Know laws. This RTK program covers hazardous chemicals used in most areas of Stony Brook University, including custodial, maintenance, and many classes. The Laboratory Safety program provides chemical safety information for chemicals used in the academic and research laboratories. Contact EH&S for more information. 

• Right to Know poster

  Download the Right to Know poster. 

• Hazard communication/Right to Know policy and links
  • Stony Brook Hazard Communication/Right to Know program 
  • New York State right to know 
  • OSHA hazard communication