NEWSROOM

Storage and Handling of Hazardous Materials - BOC Facility Principles

Share on Social Media

By Chad Kinart, MS, ATC

BOC Exam Development Manager

An athletic training facility is considered to be a safe place for patients to seek treatment for illness or injury.  However, have you ever considered whether there are hazardous materials within your facility?  I am not talking about enriched uranium or anthrax.  Rather, do you have any of the following items within your facility?

- Antifungal foot powder

- Gel hand sanitizer

- Wet-acid batteries

- Liquid tape adhesive

- Aerosol tape adhesive

- Ethyl chloride

- Collodion

- O2 bottle

If so, you have items that are considered hazardous materials.

The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) in 29 CFR 1910.1200 defines a hazardous material as:

Any item or chemical which is a health hazard or physical hazard, including the following:

- Chemicals that are carcinogens, toxic or highly toxic agents, reproductive toxins, irritants, corrosives, hepatotoxins, nephrotoxins, neurotoxins, agents that act on the hematopoietic system and agents that damage the lungs, skin, eyes or mucous membranes;

- Chemicals that are combustible liquids, compressed gases, explosives, flammable liquids, flammable solids, organic peroxides, oxidizers, pyrophorics, unstable (reactive) or water-reactive; and

- Chemicals that, in the course of normal handling, use or storage, may produce or release dusts, gases, fumes, vapors, mists or smoke having any of the above characteristics.

Hazardous materials are regulated differently by federal, state and local entities.

One regulation is to have Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) easily accessible within the facility for all hazardous materials.  In addition, the facility must have a regular education plan in place and document ongoing training.

The purpose of the standard is to establish requirements for the preparation and submission of MSDS by contractors who provide hazardous materials to government entities. Data obtained will be used within the government for employee safety and health programs. It also provides for safe handling, storage, use, transportation and environmentally acceptable disposal of hazardous materials by government entities.

If you have any concerns about storage and handling of hazardous materials in your athletic training facility, then take a look at the BOC Facility Principles document.  There you will find an easy-to-use checklist with more information on planning for hazardous material handling and storage in your facility.

Listed below are additional resources concerning hazardous materials.

Resources:

BOC Facility Principles

BOC Facility Principles Assessment Tool

NFPA

OSHA

US GSA

 

Subscribe

Suggested Articles

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. By continuing to use this website, you agree to allow cookies. More Info Close and Accept