The Iowa Right to Know Law is a ruling that requires employers to honor the employee’s “right to know” about chemical hazards they may encounter in the workplace. To implement this law you must accomplish the following:

• Inventory your hazardous chemicals.
  
• Acquire Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for these chemicals.
  
• Set up an in-house labeling system.
  
• Train all personnel using chemicals in the workplace.
  
• Complete a written hazard communication program.

Unlike the federal law, the Iowa law also requires:

• Submission of chemical list to local fire department.
  
• Posting signs for emergency responders.

Iowa Environmental Services is more than qualified to help you complete the above items to comply with the law. We can do the whole program, as outlined above, or only those parts of the program with which you may need help.

If you have questions or would like to discuss the above items, do not hesitate to call. Personal qualifications and references will be furnished.

Right To Know Tasks

Chemical Inventory List

• A physical inventory of hazardous substances will be made.
  
• A final chemical inventory list will be drawn up.
  
• This list will be accessible to employees.
  Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
  
• MSDS’s will be obtained for each substance on the chemical inventory list.
  
• Information from each MSDS will be input into a computer file.
  
• MSDS’s will be filed in the same order as they appear on the chemical inventory list.
  Labeling
  
• Initial labeling of in-house containers requiring labels will be made.
  
• Future procedures for in-house labeling will be provided.
  Training
  
• Training sessions would be conducted internally using a videotape.
  
• This videotape becomes the property of the client.
  
• Each session will cover regulations, MSDSs, labels, health/physical hazards, protective equipment and chemical awareness.
  
• Handout material masters will be furnished.
  Written Program
  
• This will include procedures for each of the tasks listed above.
  
• This program will be accessible to all employees for review.
  Community Right To Know
  
• A policy would be established.
  Emergency Response
  
• Signs and signing information will be provided.
  
• The chemical inventory list will be provided to the local fire department.

The above tasks are accomplished through the use of a checklist and general compliance instructions. The resultant work will contain the Chemical Inventory List, MSDS’s and Written Program along with other sections necessary to maintain the program. This will be accessible to employees.

If you have any questions or wish to discuss the above items and our services, do not hesitate to call 515-279-8042.


Last Updated: Jun 06

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