(1) Frequency of Training.
(a) Each employee shall be provided with information and training as required by the Act and these regulations at the time of initial assignment to a workplace.
(b) Each employee shall be provided with periodic re-training regarding the hazards associated with the hazardous chemicals to which the employee is exposed. Such re-training must occur at least annually.
(c) An employee shall not be exposed to a hazardous chemical until the employee has been trained in its hazards.
(2) Content of Training. Training programs shall be tailored to the specific nature of each individual workplace and the educational levels of the employees. At a minimum, the information imparted to employees must include the following:
(a) The requirements of the Act.
(b) Identification of specific work areas in the workplace where hazardous chemicals are handled and/or produced.
(c) The location and content of the public employer's written hazardous chemical protection communication program.
(d) The purpose of a Material Safety Data Sheet, including the information contained therein.
(e) The labeling system used at the workplace and how to respond to an unlabeled container delivered to or discovered in the workplace.
(f) The various control measures to be used to minimize the employees' exposure to hazardous chemicals. Where applicable, this shall include information on:
1. The proper use, care, storage, selection, and fitting of respirators, and the elements of a respirator program;
2. The use of face shields, goggles, and safety glasses;
3. The use of appropriate gloves, aprons, protective clothing, and foot coverings;
4. The use of exhaust ventilation equipment; and
5. Work practices which reduce exposure to hazardous chemicals.
(g) The right of the employee's physician to receive hazardous chemical information.
(h) Methods of detecting an employee's exposure, such as air sampling, biological monitoring, visual detection, odor identification, warning properties of the hazardous chemicals used, and other standard industrial hygiene techniques.
(i) Emergency procedures, such as spill response and first aid.
(j) Proper storage of chemicals and separation of incompatible substances.
(k) Training in hazards associated with improper mixing of chemicals located in the employee's work area and potential hazards associated with exposure to chemical reaction products.
(l) Where additional information and training can be obtained.
(3) Training Format.
(a) All training sessions must include an opportunity for employees to ask questions.
(4) Training Activities.
(a) A written log of all training activities shall be maintained at the workplace. This log shall be retained for three (3) years after training has been completed.
(5) Employee Information Poster.
(a) Location.
1. A poster describing employee rights under the Act shall be posted in all workplaces covered by the Act in a prominent manner so that it is visible to all employees on a routine basis. For those workplaces with geographically dispersed work areas, a poster shall be placed in each work area.
(b) Content.
1. The Poster shall be worded as follows: Employees of the State of Georgia
YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO KNOW ABOUT THE HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS IN YOUR WORKPLACE
Under the "Public Employee Hazardous Chemical Protection and Right to Know Act of 1988" you must be informed of the following:
* The Requirements of the law;
* Your right to receive information regarding hazardous chemicals faced on your job;
* Your right to receive formal training and education on hazardous chemicals;
* What a Material Safety Data Sheet is, and how to use it;
* Where hazardous chemicals are used in your work area;
* Your physician's right to receive information on the chemicals to which you may be exposed.
YOU CANNOT BE FIRED, DISCRIMINATED AGAINST, OR DISCIPLINED FOR EXERCISING YOUR RIGHT TO KNOW
No pay, position, seniority, or other benefits may be lost for exercising your right to know.
You may present a written request to receive a Material Safety Data Sheet for any chemical used on your job.
You have the right to refuse to work with a hazardous chemical if a Material Safety Data Sheet in your employer's possession has not been provided to you within 5 working days after your written request, unless you are required to perform essential services.
GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE
1. File a grievance through the established procedure for your agency.
2. If unresolved, or if no established grievance procedure exists, then file a grievance with:
Commissioner of Labor
Georgia Department of Labor
223 Courtland St. NE, Suite 600
Atlanta, Georgia 30303
(404) 232-7300
RE: Right to Know Act
O.C.G.A. §
45-22-7, 45-22-8.
