Petroleum Products and Employee Health

Thousands of chemicals are used within the automotive industry, many of which are petroleum based. Suppliers of these products are required to provide hazard evaluation information to customers in the form of material safety data sheets (MSDSs). Due to the diversity of applications, it is important that the chemical user review not only MSDSs, but also evaluate the work environment in order to provide accurate information on the safe use of these products to employees. In conjunction with this, GM and the UAW have developed an extensive Hazard Communication Program. Additionally, in order to manage large amounts of health and technical information, a computer system is critical. Computers can be used to track what, where and how chemicals are used and may be linked with other medical and health information.