Policy Text
Ref: CALEA
Standard N/A
DEPARTMENTAL
GENERAL
ORDER
G-5
Rev.
23 Feb 00
Index as:
Hazardous Substances - Identification
Hazardous Substances - Posting of
Signs
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS’s)
Page 1 of 4
HANDLING HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES
The purpose of this order is to set forth procedures and responsibilities for
informing and training members and employees regarding hazardous substances
purchased for use by the Department. Policies and procedures pertainin g to
hazardous substances encountered in the field are described in General Order K -1,
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS.
I. GENERAL INFORMATION
A. Hazardous chemicals are primarily stored and used by the
Criminalistics Section, the Evidence Technician Unit, the Range and
other areas in the PAB which are under the direction of the Building
Custodian and Engineer.
B. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS's) shall be maintained in the
Criminalistics Section, Evidence Technician Unit, and any other unit
where hazardous materials are stored or used in accordance with the
provisions of Administrative Instruction 252 which mandates
compliance with Title 8, Section 5194, California Administrative
Code, Hazard Communications (“Employee Right To Know”
legislation).
C. The commander or design ated supervisor of any Departmental unit
which uses or stores hazardous substances in its immediate work
area shall provide information and training to assigned members and
employees as outlined in Part II, C, 2 of this order.
DEPARTMENTAL GENERAL ORDER
OAKLAND POLICE DEPARTMENT G-5 Rev.
23 Feb 00
Page 2 of 4 D. The Departmental Safety Comm ittee shall annually inspect
hazardous substance storage sites and ensure that the required
MSDS’s are on file at those locations.
II. CRIMINALISTICS SECTION AND EVIDENCE TECNICIAN UNIT
RESPONSIBILITIES
A. Labeling Requirements
1. When hazardous substances are ini tially received, the
designated member or employee shall inspect each container
to ensure that the following information is affixed:
a. Identity of hazardous substance.
b. Hazard warning statement.
c. Name and address of manufacturer and/or importer.
2. If hazardo us substances are transferred to portable or
secondary containers, that container shall also be labeled in
accordance with Part II, A, 1, a -c of this order.
Exception: Labeling of a secondary container (temporary
beaker) is not required if the substance i s intended for
immediate use by the same employee or member who
performed the transfer of the substance from the original
container.
3. Alternative posting, signs, or placards may be used in lieu of
labels affixed directly to containers.
B. Material Safety Dat a Sheet (MSDS) Requirements
1. A MSDS for each hazardous substance shall be maintained by
the unit commander and shall be readily available to members
and employees in the workplace.
2. The unit commander or supervisor shall review new or
revised MSDS's for up dated health or safety information and
DEPARTMENTAL GENERAL ORDER
OAKLAND POLICE DEPARTMENT G-5 Rev.
23 Feb 00
Page 3 of 4 apprise members and employees before they work with the
newly identified hazardous substance or within 30 days of
receipt of a new/revised MSDS.
C. Information and Training
1. Unit commanders or supervisors shall provide information
and training on hazardous substances to members and
employees at the time of initial assignment and whenever a
new hazardous substance is introduced into the workplace. A
written record shall also be maintained for all such training,
including names of attendees.
2. Such training shall also include the following:
a. Requirements as set forth in City Administrative
Instruction Number 252, "Hazard Communications."
b. Information contained in this General Order.
c. Instruction on how to understand MSDS's a nd labels.
d. Identification of any operation where hazardous
materials are or may be present.
e. Physical and health hazards as stated on the MSDS's.
f. How to detect the presence of hazardous substances
(i.e., appearance and odor).
g. Use of protective measures and/or personal protective
equipment, work practices, and any emergency
procedures.
h. Document training information described in this section
in a divisional order or curriculum.
D. The unit commander or supervisor shall provide his/her members
and employees with a list of all hazardous substances used or stored
DEPARTMENTAL GENERAL ORDER
OAKLAND POLICE DEPARTMENT G-5 Rev.
23 Feb 00
Page 4 of 4 in the workplace. Such list shall be updated and redistributed
whenever a new hazardous substance is introduced into the
workplace.
E. The unit commander or supervisor shall also inform visitors and
other outside contractors regarding hazardous substances to which
they may be exposed when entering or working inside his/her unit.
III. MEMBERS AND EMPLOYEES
A. Members and employees who regularly use or handle hazardous
materials shall report to their supervisors any potential release of a
hazardous material into the environment which could cause exposed
persons to suffer adverse health effects.
B. On-duty members and employees who do not normally handle or use
hazardous materials and suspect that they may have been exposed to
harmful agents shall immediately notify their supervisor. The
supervisor shall refer the member(s) and/or employee(s) to the City
Physician for examination and/or treatment and complete the
necessary on -duty injury reports. The supervisor shall immediately
document this exposure in accordance with the provisions of
Departmental