The New York State Right-to-Know Act of 1980 grants to all employees in the state the legal right to information about toxic substances in their work place. Informed employees can observe symptoms of toxicity in themselves and understand the relationship between the symptoms and exposure and can therefore evaluate the need for any corrective action. For further information, supervisors should consult the following two documents available from either the Associate Provost or the Manager of Environmental Health and Safety: Colgate University Hazardous Waste Management Program and Colgate University Chemical Hygiene Plan.

The New York State Department of Health has been given the responsibility for implementing and enforcing the law in cooperation with the Department of Labor. Official information packets on the Right-to-Know Act may be obtained upon request from the New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Toxic Substances Management, Empire State Plaza Tower Building, Room 372, Albany, New York 12237.

The Hazard Communication Compliance Plan for Colgate University is in written form and is kept at the following locations: Office of the Vice Provost for Administration and Planning, Hazard Communication Coordinator (105 McGregory Hall); Office of Environmental Health and Safety (SB-4 McGregory Hall); and Office of the Assistant Director of the Physical Plant (Maintenance Building).

A complete list of all hazardous chemicals used by Colgate University will be kept with the Hazard Communication Program. Each department will maintain and post a list of chemicals it uses for employee information. Supervisors are responsible for making sure that employees are informed about the Hazard Communication Program, and that Material Safety Data Sheets are available to any employee on any work shift, that protective equipment is available and used, and that engineering controls, such as ventilation are in place and operating properly. The determination of which employees will be selected to receive Hazard Communication training will be based upon their exposure. Those employees who have actual as well as potential exposure to hazardous chemicals will receive training.