The Massachusetts Right to Know (RTK) Law became effective in 1984.
Initially the law applied to both the private and public sector in
Massachusetts. However, Federal OSHA now regulates the private sector
with similar requirements under the Hazard Communication Standard.
Therefore, the Right to Know Law only applies to State, county and
municipal workplaces in Massachusetts.
The workplace portion of the Mass Right to Know law requires that
information on chemical hazards be given to employees by providing them
with access to Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), by labeling
containers of chemicals and by training on chemical hazards and safe
work procedures
Who is covered?
All state, municipal and county employees. There are several
exemptions including research labs which have obtained an exemption from
the Department of Public Health and police stations and armories where
ammunition is stored.
What chemicals are covered?
All chemicals which contain 1% or more (2% if an impurity) of one or
more ingredients listed on the Mass Substance list are covered by the
Right to Know Law. In order to determine this, it is necessary to
request a MSDS from the manufacturer and compare the ingredients to the
list.
Alternatively, it is the policy of our office that it is acceptable
for a municipality, County or State facility to assume that all
chemicals which have a MSDS listing any type of hazard are covered by
the Right to Know Law. This alternative may be easier and less time
consuming and will actually be more protective rather than less
protective.
Note products intended for consumer use, office supplies, foodstuffs,
gasoline, fuel oils, alcoholic beverages and articles as defined in the
law may also be exempt.
When do I need a MSDS?
A material safety data sheet (MSDS) is a document which provides
information on ingredients, hazards and practices needed to work safely
with the product. The MSDS is developed by product manufacturer and must
be obtained by request if one is not sent with the product. A MSDS must
be requested for all chemicals in order to determine which chemicals
are covered by the law. Employers must file MSDS’s in an organized
manner at a central location in the workplace such that the employer can
easily find the MSDS if an employee requests one.
What are labeling requirements?
Covered substances in containers more than 1 gallon or five pounds,
must be labeled in accordance with the regulations. The labels must
include the chemical names of all substances listed on the Mass
Substance List if they are present in the container at quantities
greater than 1% (2% if impurity). Containers of chemicals listed in NFPA
Code 49 in containers greater than 5 gallons or 30 pounds must also be
labeled with the proper NFPA label.
Alternatively, it is the policy of the Massachusetts Labor and
Workforce Development office that containers which are labeled in
accordance with the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard will also be
considered to meet the intent of the Mass Right to Know Law. Under
Hazard Communication, containers must be labeled with the name of the
product and the health hazard warnings (such as flammable or corrosive).
Note that most manufacturers label containers in accordance with the
Hazard Communication Standard since this is a Federal regulation and
applies to all private sector workplaces in the country.
What are the training requirements?
Employees who are exposed to chemical hazards must be trained
annually. The initial training for new employees must be done within 30
days of employment. A record including a description of the training
given, the date of the training and the names of both the instructor and
employees who attended the training must be kept for the duration of
the employment.
The training must include a summary of the employees rights under the
law. It also must include information on how to read a MSDS. Finally
the most critical aspect of the training is informing the employees of
the specific hazards and safe work practices for preventing these
hazards.
Are there posting requirements?
A Right to Know Workplace notice must be posted in a central location at all workplaces which are covered by the RTK Law.
What rights do employees have?
Employees have rights under the law which includes the employee’s
right to request a copy of a MSDS and in certain circumstances the right
to refuse to work if a MSDS is not provided. More detailed information
on employees rights are given on the required workplace notice and in
the law and regulations.
Law and regulation reference:
The Right to Know Law – MGL 111F
MGL 111F required three agencies to publish regulations, Department
of Labor and Industries (now the Division of Occupational Safety),
Department of Public Health and the Department of Environmental Quality
Engineering (now the Department of Environmental Protection). The
regulations promulgated and a brief summary of each is as follows:
- Division of Occupational Safety – Workplace Regulation – (454 CMR 21.00)
- Dept. of Public Health – Mass Substance List and Lab exemptions – (105 CMR 670.000).
- Dept. of Environmental Protection – Community Right to Know – (310 CMR 33.00)
How do I become a registered Right to Know Instructor?
Right to Know instruction may be given by an independent third party
who has certain competencies. These competencies include education
and/or experience in certain fields and specific professional skills
(454 CMR 21.07(4) and (50). The third party Right to Know instructor
must register with the Massachusetts Division of Occupational Safety.
Application to become a third party instructor, including a list of the
required competencies, is HERE.
How do I find a registered Right to Know Instructor?
A list of individuals who are currently registered with the Massachusetts Division of Occupational Safety is listed HERE.
Utilizing a third-party Right to Know instructor does not alter the
ultimate responsibility of the employer to provide appropriate training.
Where can I get further information?
If you have questions or would like to ask for an inspection or
consultation, contact the DOS Occupational Hygiene/Indoor Air Quality
Program at 617-969-7177.
Download a Power Point Show about the Right to Know Law HERE
Download the Right to Know Poster HERE