5.) Read extra information regarding Bloodborne Pathogens below. (Topic is covered in course.)

Bring YOUR SIGNED ACKNOWLEDGEMENT to the district offices along with your Sub-Hub completion Certificates.

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TOXIC SUBSTANCES: Florida's Right to Know Law
Florida requires employers to provide employees with access to information about any toxic substances which they may be exposed to at work as well as how to handle these substances and emergency procedures which may be needed if they become exposed.  This includes everything from things which seem relatively minor such as dry-erase markers to things which seem obviously hazardous such as chemicals used in laboratory experiments. 

If you need to report an exposure incident or a violation of safety regulations, you may contact the Toxic Hotline - 1-800-367-4378

What is an MSDS?
As part of your education regarding toxic substances, you should know how to use a Materials Safety Data Sheet or MSDS.  An MSDS is a required document created for any hazardous substance.  MSDSs for hazardous substances are maintained for 30 years.  The document includes the following information:

• Manufacturer's name and address

• What type of chemical it is (unless this is protected as a trade secret)

• What specific hazards it presents (hazardous ingredients)

• Specific physical and chemical characteristics of the substance

• The appropriate First Aid or antidotes in the event of improper exposure

• The proper and safe handling and storage of the substance

• The health effects of exposure to the substance

• The procedures for cleanup of spills or leaks and proper disposal

• Incomparability with other substances (can't switch one chemical for another)

• The potential for flammability (catching fire) or explosion

• Reaction information/stability of chemical (what causes chemical to react)

• Protection measures (protective equipment such as masks, ventilation, etc. needed)

Click the link below to open a sample MSDS.  Review the sections of it; you will see that each section presents the information from the bulleted list above.  You don't have to be a scientist or trained professional to be able to read an MSDS and get important information about your safety from it.

Sample MSDS

Select Least Toxic Option
When you are planning to use any substance to perform a task, you want to select the least toxic option available to you.  However, some products will always be toxic and may never be replaced by a non-toxic version or they will no longer work.  An example would be spirit-duplicating fluid.

For Your Safety - Become an avid LABEL READER. Check ingredients, uses, temperature conditions, care around humans, pets, plants, etc. and proper disposal.