Serving King, Pierce Kitsap, & Mason Counties in Washington State

Safety is Everyone’s Responsibility!

This is the formal 
Chemical Hazard Communication (HazCom)
for all Harris Family Companies
 

This plan covers all employees and granted representatives of Harris Family Cafes Inc dba Cups Espresso & Cafes, Harris Family Shops Inc dba Scoops & Bites, Harris Family Holdings LLC dba Harborside Markets, The Bremerton Mercantile, VMFH Gift Shops, and Harris Management Services.

​The company follows OSHA’s HazCom Standard to ensure employees understand the identity, hazards, and safe handling of chemicals used in the workplace.
 

Key Practices:

Employees MUST read and understand labels BEFORE using chemicals.

• The list contained here may differ from your location, exhaustive list, and is subject to change, Please follow up with your trainer and consult your locations Safety Data Sheets (SDS) Binder to learn what chemicals are at your location(s).

• ALL incoming hazardous chemicals will be reviewed upon arrival to ensure proper labeling and that an up-to-date SDS is on file before use.

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System for Identifying & Evaluating New Chemicals

Before introducing a new hazardous chemical into the workplace, an Operations Leader will evaluate its SDS, required PPE, safe handling guidelines, and potential risks, ensuring all employees handling it receive proper training. No employee is allowed - under any circumstances- to add a new or replacement chemical product of any kind without an Operations Leader first stating, in writing, that they have completed all initial steps to introduce the new chemical(s) into the workplace. Bringing in new hazardous chemicals to the workplace without full advanced Operations Leader written permission, may result in immediate termination for creating a dangerous work environment.
 

Chemical Use, Safety Tips, and Emergency Procedures

NOTE: The chemicals, uses, safety tips, and emergency procedures listed here are high-level summaries of commonly used chemicals, safety, and emergency procedures. Be sure you are shown how these chemicals are properly used BEFORE using them in your location, and consult the manufacturer bottle or container and your SDS Binder for full & explicit instructions. If the instructions on the chemical container or in the SDS binder differ from the general ones listed here - defer to those and use them!!
 

Bleach: Surface Sanitizer

✅ Use Tips:

• Used for sanitizing non-food contact surfaces (counters, floors, etc.).

• Dilution: Mix 1/3 cup bleach per gallon of water for surface sanitization.

• Apply with a clean cloth or mop and let air dry for full effectiveness.

⚠️ Safety Tips:

• NEVER mix with ammonia or acidic cleaners (creates toxic fumes).

• Ensure proper ventilation when using bleach.

• Store in a cool, dry place away from heat and metals.

• Do not use on fabric or soft surfaces unless specifically approved.

🚨 Emergency Procedures:

• Eye Contact: Rinse with water for 15-20 minutes and seek medical attention.

• Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water for at least 15 minutes.

• Inhalation: Move to fresh air immediately and seek medical help if breathing issues occur.

• Ingestion: DO NOT induce vomiting. Drink water and call Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) or 911 if symptoms are severe.

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Simple Green: General Cleaner

✅ Use Tips:

• Used for cleaning counters, equipment, and non-food surfaces.

• Apply directly to surfaces and wipe with a clean cloth or sponge.

• For heavier grime, let it sit for a few minutes before wiping.

• Dilution: For lighter cleaning, mix 1 part Simple Green to 10 parts water.

⚠️ Safety Tips:

• DO NOT use on food-contact surfaces without rinsing afterward.

• Avoid spraying near open flames or electrical equipment.

• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

• Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

🚨 Emergency Procedures:

• Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with water for 15 minutes and seek medical attention if irritation persists.

• Skin Contact: Wash affected area with soap and water.

• Inhalation: Move to fresh air if dizziness or irritation occurs.

• Ingestion: DO NOT induce vomiting; drink water and call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or 911.

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Windex: Glass Cleaner

✅ Use Tips:

• Ideal for windows, mirrors, and glass surfaces.

• Spray lightly and wipe with a clean, lint-free cloth or paper towel.

• Avoid over spraying, as excess liquid can create slipping hazards.

⚠️ Safety Tips:

• DO NOT use on food-contact surfaces.

• DO NOT mix with other cleaners, especially bleach or ammonia-based products.

• Store in a cool, well-ventilated area, away from heat sources.

🚨 Emergency Procedures:

• Eye Contact: Rinse with water for 15-20 minutes. Remove contacts if present. Seek medical help if irritation persists.

• Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water.

• Inhalation: Move to fresh air if dizziness or breathing difficulty occurs.

• Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting; drink plenty of water and call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or 911.

 

Liquid Dish Soap

✅ Use Tips:

• Used for manual dishwashing and grease removal.

• Mix with warm water in a sink or container before use.

• Works best when used with a sponge, dish brush, or scrub pad.

⚠️ Safety Tips:

• DO NOT use in dishwashers—creates excess suds and damage.

• Store away from direct sunlight and never mix with bleach.

• If spilled, clean up immediately to prevent slip hazards.

🚨 Emergency Procedures:

• Eye Contact: Rinse with clean water for at least 15 minutes.

• Skin Contact: If irritation occurs, wash with soap and water.

• Inhalation: Unlikely to be hazardous, but move to fresh air if feeling unwell.

• Ingestion: Generally non-toxic in small amounts, but if large amounts are swallowed or you are unsure, drink water, monitor for discomfort, and call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.

 

Hand Soap

✅ Use Tips:

• Used for hand hygiene to remove germs and food residues.

• Lather hands for at least 20 seconds before rinsing.

• Use warm water for the best results.

⚠️ Safety Tips:

• DO NOT mix with other chemicals.

• Store in a sealed dispenser to prevent contamination.

• Keep away from children or those with sensitive skin if heavily fragranced.

🚨 Emergency Procedures:

• Eye Contact: Rinse eyes with clean water for 15 minutes.

• Skin Contact: Rarely irritating, but rinse with water if irritation occurs.

• Inhalation: Non-toxic, but avoid inhaling aerosolized soap spray.

• Ingestion: Generally non-toxic in small amounts, but if large amounts are swallowed or you are unsure, drink water, monitor for discomfort, and call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.

 

Espresso Machine Cleaning Powder or Liquids

✅ Use Tips:

• Used for cleaning espresso machine group heads, portafilters, and steam wands.

• Dissolve in hot water per manufacturer instructions.

• Run backflushing cycles according to machine guidelines.

⚠️ Safety Tips:

• DO NOT ingest—this is a chemical cleaner, not food-safe.

• Wear gloves if handling large quantities.

• Never mix with bleach or other chemicals.

• Store in a dry area, tightly sealed.

🚨 Emergency Procedures:

• Eye Contact: Flush with water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention.

• Skin Contact: Rinse thoroughly with soap and water if irritation occurs.

• Inhalation: Move to fresh air if powder is inhaled. Seek medical attention for difficulty breathing.

• Ingestion: DO NOT induce vomiting. Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or 911.

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Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are essential resources for understanding the chemicals used in the workplace. They provide critical information about potential hazards, handling requirements, and emergency procedures.

Key Points About SDS:

1. Accessibility: SDS must be readily available at all times to all employees who work with or near chemicals - DO NOT MOVE OR REMOVE THEM FROM THEIR ASSIGNED LOCATIONS! Employees must know the location of SDS and how to access them.

2. Understanding SDS: Employees will be trained on how to interpret SDS, focusing on:

   • Hazard identification.

   • First aid measures.

   • Handling and storage requirements.

   • Personal protective equipment (PPE) recommendations.

   • Spill and disposal procedures.

3. Updating SDS: Any new chemicals introduced into the workplace must include an SDS. Operations Leaders must ensure the SDS is added to the workplace inventory and made available to employees. If any chemical is missing from your SDS it is unintentional and your Operations Leader must be notified immediately. No one may bring a new chemical of any kind into the work location (including unauthorized hand soaps).

 

How to Read a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) – Simple Guide
A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) provides important information about hazardous chemicals in the workplace. It is divided into 16 sections, which may feel overwhelming initially, but you mostly need to focus on the relevant parts for safety & handling.
 

🛑 Key SDS Sections to Pay Attention To:
1️⃣ Identification (What is this?)
Product name and manufacturer details
What the chemical is used for
Emergency contact information
📌 Look for: The chemical name & how it’s used.

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2️⃣ Hazard Identification (Is this dangerous?)
Signal word: "Danger" (Severe) or "Warning" (Moderate)
Hazard statements (e.g., "Causes skin burns")
Pictograms (safety symbols)
Precautionary statements (how to protect yourself)
📌 Look for: The pictograms and hazard level.

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3️⃣ Composition & Ingredients (What’s in it?)
Lists dangerous ingredients in the chemical
Shows if it contains toxic or flammable materials
📌 Look for: If you have allergies or sensitivities.

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4️⃣ First-Aid Measures (What if I get exposed?)
What to do for:
Skin contact
Eye contact
Inhalation
Ingestion (swallowing)
Symptoms of overexposure
📌 Look for: Immediate actions if exposed.

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5️⃣ Firefighting Measures (Does this burn?)
Flammability information
Best fire extinguishing methods
What happens if it burns (toxic fumes? explosions?)
📌 Look for: How to put out a fire if this chemical is involved.

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6️⃣ Accidental Release Measures (What if it spills?)
Steps to contain and clean up spills safely
Protective equipment needed
📌 Look for: How to handle spills without making them worse.

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7️⃣ Handling & Storage (How do I store this?)
Safe storage conditions (temperature, humidity, sunlight exposure)
Handling precautions (PPE requirements, ventilation needs)
📌 Look for: Storage rules to prevent leaks or explosions.

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8️⃣ Exposure Controls & PPE (What gear do I need?)
Recommended PPE: Gloves, goggles, respirators
Safe air ventilation requirements
📌 Look for: What protective equipment to wear.

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9️⃣ Physical & Chemical Properties (What does it look/smell like?)
Color, smell, boiling point, and whether it’s a solid, liquid, or gas
📌 Look for: What to expect so you can detect leaks or exposure.

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🔟 Stability & Reactivity (What reacts with this?)
What it should never mix with (e.g., bleach + ammonia = toxic gas)
Conditions to avoid (heat, sparks, pressure)
📌 Look for: Dangerous chemical reactions to avoid.
 

💡 Quick SDS Reading Strategy:
🔹 If you work with the chemical daily, focus on Sections 2, 4, 7, & 8.
🔹 If there's an emergency, check Sections 4, 5, & 6 immediately.
🔹 If you're storing chemicals, focus on Section 7.

🚀 SDS Rule of Thumb:
✔ If you don’t know what a symbol or term means – ASK your Operations Leader!
✔ Always follow PPE & handling instructions – don’t guess!
✔ If exposed, follow the first-aid steps IMMEDIATELY.

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HazCom Training Requirements

All employees handling chemicals must complete HazCom training. Training ensures employees understand their responsibilities, chemical hazards, and safe handling practices.

Training Includes:

• Timing of Training:

  • Upon hire.

  • When new chemicals are introduced.

  • Annually for ongoing compliance.

• Content of Training:

  • This instructional guidance, training video(s), and being shown physical locations of safety equipment and other important information.

  • Employees must read OSHA Quick Card PDFs of HazCom SDS, Standard Labels, and Pictograms (images of labels and symbols)

    • And then demonstrate their understanding of how to read & interpret an SDS for one of the hazardous chemicals in their location  to the person training them.​

  • Identifying the likely symptoms of chemical overexposure

  • The appropriate first aid and emergency response procedures

  • How to read and understand labels and SDS.

  • Safe handling practices, including PPE use.

  • Proper labeling of primary and secondary containers.

  • Procedures for responding to spills and exposures.

  • Emergency use of equipment such as eyewash stations.

• Documentation: All training sessions will be documented with employee acknowledgments, and records will be retained for 30 years in an electronic database as required by OSHA.

Labeling Compliance

Proper labeling of chemical containers is critical for workplace safety and compliance with OSHA’s Globally Harmonized System (GHS).

Labeling Requirements:

1. Primary Containers:

   • Must retain the manufacturer’s original label, including:

     • Product identifier.

     • Signal word (e.g., "Danger" or "Warning").

     • Hazard statements (e.g., "May cause respiratory irritation").

     • Pictograms.

     • Precautionary statements (e.g., "Wear protective gloves").

     • Manufacturer's name and contact information.

2. Secondary Containers:

   • Employees are not authorized to transfer chemicals to secondary containers unless approved and trained.

   • If approved, secondary containers must include:

     • The product name and identifier.

     • Signal word.

     • Hazard and precautionary statements.

     • Pictograms (if applicable).
        

Spill Response and Cleanup

Proper spill response minimizes risks to employees and the environment.

Steps for Small Spills:

1. Alert nearby employees of the spill and restrict access to the area.

2. Wear appropriate PPE as listed in the SDS.

3. Use designated spill kits to contain and clean up the spill.

4. Dispose of waste materials in accordance with the SDS and local regulations.

Steps for Large Spills:

1. Evacuate the area and ensure no one enters.

2. Notify your Operations Leaders immediately.

3. Call 911 if the spill poses a serious hazard or cannot be contained.

4. Provide SDS information to emergency responders.
    

Handling and Storage

Proper handling and storage of chemicals reduce risks of accidents and injuries.

Handling Guidelines:

• Always read the SDS and label before using a chemical.

• Wear required PPE (e.g., gloves, goggles) during use.

• Avoid mixing chemicals unless specified safe in the SDS.

Storage Guidelines:

• Store chemicals in designated areas, segregated by compatibility.

  • For example, bleach must not be stored near acids.

• Keep containers sealed tightly when not in use.

• Ensure storage areas are cool, dry, and well-ventilated.

 

Non-Routine Task Hazards & Exposure Risks

• Employees must be trained to detect the presence or release of hazardous chemicals, including visual cues, odors, or alarm signals.

• Employees must report any suspected leaks or spills immediately to an Operations Leader.

Eyewash Stations

Eyewash stations are available in all facilities to ensure quick response to chemical exposure.

Use of Eyewash Stations:

1. Immediately flush eyes for at least 15-20 minutes if exposed to chemicals.

2. Keep eyes open and ensure thorough irrigation.

3. Seek medical attention promptly after flushing.

Eyewash Station Maintenance:

• Ensure stations are inspected regularly and remain unobstructed.

• Report any issues with or use of stations to your Operations Leader.
   

Record-Keeping

All training, incident reports, and SDS updates will be regularly updated and audited for accuracy. All employees are required to log into hmsbiz.com/employee

Required Documentation:

1. Training Records: Maintain records of all employee training, including dates, topics covered, and signatures.

2. Incident Reports: Document chemical spills, exposures, and related incidents, including corrective actions taken.

3. SDS Updates: Log new or revised SDS as part of the workplace chemical inventory.

Enforcement

Failure to comply with HazCom standards poses significant risks and may lead to disciplinary action up to and including immediate termination for violation of important safety standards.

Employee Responsibilities:

• Follow all training and safety protocols.

• Report missing labels, damaged SDS, or unsafe conditions immediately.

• Adhere to PPE and handling requirements.

Operations Leader Responsibilities:

• Ensure employees receive adequate training.

• Monitor compliance with labeling, SDS access, and handling/storage practices.

 

NOTE: AT THIS TIME, EMPLOYEES ARE NOT AUTHORIZED TO TRANSFER CHEMICALS TO A SECONDARY CONTAINER FOR OTHER USES.

 

​PROCEDURES FOR JOB-RELATED

INJURY OR ILLNESS

A. Owner, Operations Lead, or highest ranking employee immediately takes charge if present:

            1.          Call 911.

            2.         Render first aid as instructed by emergency response.

            3.         Notify top management if not already present.

            4.         Do not move anything unless necessary, pending investigation of incident.

            5.         Accompany or take injured to doctor, hospital, etc. (depending on

                        extent of injuries).

            6.         Take injured to family health care provider, if available.

            7.         Remain with injured until relieved.

            8.         When the injured person's immediate family is known by the Operations Leader, they should properly notify these people, preferably in person or have an appropriate person do so.

B. Documentation:

• Minor injuries (requiring more than first aid):  After the emergency actions following an incident, an investigation will be conducted by the Operations Leader.  The findings will be documented on our Incident Investigation Report form found at the end of this APP.

• Provide the injured employee a copy of the Employee’s Report of Injury form found at the end of this APP. A worker’s compensation claim should also be filed.

C. Notification for hospitalization, amputation, or loss of an eye:

• Operations Leaders & Owners must notify L&I within 8 hours of an incident that results in:

•           A fatality

•           An inpatient hospitalization

• Also, notify L&I within 24 hours of any non-hospitalized amputation or loss of an eye(s). Call L&I at 1-800-423-7233.

D. Near Misses:

            1.          All near misses (close calls) shall be investigated.

            2.         Document findings on the company’s Incident Investigation Report form.

            3.         Review findings at monthly safety meetings or sooner if the situation warrants.
 

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REMEMBER:

Know how to prevent, reduce, respond, and report hazards, injuries, and emergencies. Understand your personal & professional responsibilities toward maintaining a safe workplace. Practice our 4R's of Accident Prevention:

• Recognize risks before they cause harm.

• Reduce hazards and prepare through safe practices and communication.

• Respond effectively in an emergency.

• Report incidents immediately to your Operations Leader for continuous safety improvements.

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❗ Safety isn’t just a rule—it’s an ongoing process and how we protect ourselves, our coworkers, and our guests every single day. Stay alert, stay safe, and when in doubt, ASK AN OPERATIONS LEADER!

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