Safe Use of Nickel in the Workplace: Limit Values and Hazard Communication for Nickel in the Workplace
9. LIMIT VALUES AND HAZARD COMMUNICATION
A number of countries and
jurisdictions have established specific regulatory requirements for
hazard communication relating to the handling, use, and presence of
chemicals in the workplace. Such information must be relayed to workers
and sometimes to a variety of "end-users" of the chemical, as well as
any other parties that may be affected by exposure to the chemical.
In 1990, the International
Labour Organization (ILO) published a report, Safety in the Use of
Chemicals at Work, as a reference source for both producers and users
of chemicals, including metals and metal alloys. Generally speaking,
three components were identified by the ILO as composing a hazard
communication program: labeling,
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), and
worker training.
The producer/supplier is responsible for preparing labels and MSDSs
and seeing that these are delivered to its customers. Worker training
is the responsibility of all employers, regardless of industry sector.
As important differences may exist between jurisdictions, some of the
general requirements of selected countries or regions currently
implementing such programs are briefly noted in this section. Employers
should contact their relevant authorities for further detailed
information on such programs and any specific requirements pertaining
to nickel.