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California Laws on Employers Using Spray Chemicals

California law stipulates that every worker has the right to a safe and healthy workplace. The state's Division of Occupational Safety and Health enforces laws governing an employer's use of spray chemicals that could be harmful to employees. Employees must be informed about the type of chemicals in any product they use or come into contact with, according to California health and safety regulations.

  1. Training and Labeling

    • According to California law every employer must provide information about chemicals, their health risks and how an employee can protect himself from harm. Am employer must supply training about chemical hazards to all employees who work with chemicals. The employer must also clearly label all chemicals by name andthe name of the chemical's manufacturer and include relevant warnings and risk data in easy to read language on the label.

    Material Safety Data Sheet

    • All employers must also have a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for each chemical product used in the workplace. An MSDS gives information about the ingredients and hazards of the product. California law stipulates that employees have the right to see their employer's Material Safety Data Sheets. They should also be allowed to make copies for their records.

    Prevention Program

    • California Occupational Health and Safety regulation, according to California Labor Codes 6400 and 6401 requires a written plan with the name of a contact person, responsible for workplace health and safety. It also mandates that a system be in place for inspecting and correcting any known hazard and a method for employees to report perceived hazards.

    Safety Equipment

    • California Labor Code 6401 and 6403 stipulate that an employer must provide protective equipment that is " reasonably adequate" to perform a job safely. This protective equipment for spray chemicals many include gloves, safety glasses and respirators. Employers should provide these free of charge to an employee.

    Protection Againt Recrimination

    • According to California Labor code 6310 an employer may not fire or punish an employee for exercising his rights to a safe workplace, free from hazardous chemicals. Any employee who feels that he is being discriminated against for asking for chemical information or protection from toxic materials may file a complaint with the California State Labor Commissioner.

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