Right-to-Know

Hazard Communication / Right-to-Know

Under the Georgia Department of Labor's Hazard Communication / Right-to-Know (RTK) rules and regulations, »Æ¹Ï¶ÌÊÓƵ is required to have a written Hazard Communication/Right-to-Know Program and an Institutional Right-to-Know Coordinator. The administrative policy and procedure supporting this program is Hazardous Chemical Protection and Right-to-Know Plan.

Contact Us

Chemical Safety Office

Health Sciences Campus

706-721-2663

706-721-9844

Campus Emergency:
706-721-2911

Basic Principles of the Right-to-Know Act

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:

  • The Requirements of the law
  • Your right to receive information regarding hazardous chemicals on your job.
  • Your right to receive formal training and education on hazardous chemicals.
  • What a Material Safety Data Sheet is and how to use it.
  • 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.

You cannot be fired, discriminated against, or disciplined for exercising your right to know.

  • No pay, position, seniority, or other benefits may be lost for exercising your right to know.
  • You may present a written request to receive a Material Safety Data Sheet for any chemical used on your job.
  • 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.

Services provided under this program include:

  • Monitoring for compliance to »Æ¹Ï¶ÌÊÓƵ's Hazard Communication Program Policy and »Æ¹Ï¶ÌÊÓƵ'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.