Public Health Nursing Practice Exam

What document gives employees the right to know about hazardous chemicals they are handling?

1. Material Safety Data Sheet

2. Consumer Confidence Report

3. Hazard Communication Standard

4. Environmental Protection Agency

The correct answer is: Hazard Communication Standard

The Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) is the correct document that provides employees the right to know about hazardous chemicals they may encounter in the workplace. This standard, established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), mandates that employers inform and educate their employees about the hazards associated with chemicals they handle. It requires labeling of hazardous substances, training for employees on safety precautions, and the maintenance of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), now referred to as Safety Data Sheets (SDS), for all chemicals used. While the Material Safety Data Sheet is a component of the HCS, as it provides detailed information about specific chemicals, it is the HCS itself that establishes the broader framework for chemical safety and workers' rights regarding hazardous substances. The Consumer Confidence Report pertains to water quality standards and is unrelated to chemical handling in the workplace. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates aspects of environmental protection but does not specifically address employees' rights in terms of handling hazardous chemicals, which is the primary focus of the Hazard Communication Standard.