Hazard Communication & Right to Know Program


The Augusta University RTK Program ensures compliance with the Georgia state law called the Georgia Public Employee Hazardous Chemical Protection & Right-To-Know Act of 1988 , (Title 45, Chapter 22) the Georgia Department of Labor Law called Public Employee Hazardous Chemical Protection & Right-To-Know Rules, (Section 300-3-19),and the Federal Law called the "Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act of 1986 (EPCRA)." also known as SARA Title III of the"Superfund Amendment and Re-authorization Act (SARA).

The Institution's Hazardous Chemical Protection and Right-To-Know Plan is available to all employees under Augusta University Policies and Procedures.  It is also presented in the Augusta University Chemical Safety Guide in Chapter 4 and Appendix B.

BASIC PRINCIPLES OF THE RIGHT-TO-KNOW-ACT

  1. You have the right to know about the hazardous chemicals in your workplace. Under the "Public Employee Hazardous Chemical Protection and Right to Know Act of 1988" you must be informed of the following:
  2. The Requirements of the law.
  3. Your right to receive information regarding hazardous chemicals on your job.
  4. Your right to receive formal training and education on hazardous chemicals.
  5. What a Material Safety Data Sheet is and how to use it.
  6. Where hazardous chemicals are used in your work area.
    Your physician's right to receive information on the chemicals to which you may be exposed.
  7. You cannot be fired, discriminated against, or disciplined for exercising your right to know.
  8. No pay, position, seniority, or other benefits may be lost for exercising your right to know.
  9. You may present a written request to receive a Material Safety Data Sheet for any chemical used on your job.
  10. You have the right to refuse to work with a hazardous chemical if a Material Safety Data Sheet in your employee's possession has not been provided to you within five (5) working days after your written request, unless you are required to perform essential services.
  • Monitoring for compliance to Augusta University's Hazard Communication Program Policy and Augusta University's Hazard Communication Employee Training Program Policy.
  • Coordination of activities for resolution of employee complaints regarding violations of the Right-to-Know Act (RTK).
  • Basic RTK Training required for all personnel.
  • Chemical Specific RTK Training required for personnel handling chemicals or hazardous materials.
  • Hazardous Waste Awareness RTK Training for personnel handling chemicals or hazardous materials.
  • Auditing of departmental training records.
  • Provision of resources and information for specific chemical hazard class, personal protective equipment, chemical storage, and training materials upon request.
  • Providing annual reports to all regulatory agencies.
  • Advisory support capacity during major hazardous chemical spills and releases.



Contact Us

   Health Science Campus (CI-1001)
   1405 Goss Lane, Augusta, GA 30912-7520
   706-721-2663       706-721-9844
  EMERGENCY: 706-721-2911

Note: In the case of a serious injury or life threatening emergency, seek immediate medical attention.