Legal Definitions - right-to-know act

A right-to-know act is a law, enacted at either the federal or state level, that requires businesses to inform both their employees and the surrounding community about hazardous substances they produce, store, or use.

The core purpose of these laws is to ensure transparency, giving workers and the public access to critical information about potential dangers from materials handled by local businesses. This allows employees to work safely and communities to be prepared for potential emergencies or environmental impacts.

Here are some examples illustrating how a right-to-know act applies:

• Example 1: Industrial Paint Manufacturing Plant

  A large factory that manufactures industrial paints and coatings uses various solvents, pigments, and resins, some of which are flammable, corrosive, or toxic. Under a right-to-know act, this company would be legally obligated to:

  • Provide its employees who work with these chemicals (e.g., production line workers, quality control technicians) with detailed safety data sheets, training on safe handling procedures, and information about potential health risks.
  • Disclose to the local fire department and residents living near the plant information about the types and quantities of hazardous materials stored on site, enabling emergency responders to plan for potential spills or fires, and informing the community about local risks.

  This example demonstrates the act's dual requirement to inform both employees directly handling hazardous materials and the broader community about potential dangers.

• Example 2: Medical Waste Disposal Facility

  A facility specializing in the collection, treatment, and disposal of medical waste (e.g., biohazardous materials, sharps, certain pharmaceutical waste) is located on the outskirts of a town. A right-to-know act would mandate that this facility:

  • Educate its staff (e.g., waste handlers, processing technicians) about the specific biological and chemical hazards present in the waste, proper personal protective equipment, and emergency protocols for exposure or spills.
  • Inform local government agencies and the public about the types of hazardous waste processed, the safety measures in place, and any potential environmental impacts or risks associated with its operations, allowing the community to understand the facility's activities and potential concerns.

  Here, the act ensures that workers are aware of the specific dangers of medical waste, and that the surrounding community is informed about the nature of the facility's operations and its potential impact.

• Example 3: Large-Scale Commercial Printing Company

  A commercial printing company uses large quantities of specialized inks, cleaning solvents, and photographic chemicals, some of which contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or other hazardous components. According to a right-to-know act, the company must:

  • Provide its printing press operators, maintenance staff, and other employees who interact with these substances with comprehensive information regarding their chemical composition, health hazards, and safe usage guidelines.
  • Make information available to the local community and environmental regulators about the types of hazardous chemicals stored on-site and any emissions released into the air or water, allowing for public awareness and oversight of potential environmental impacts.

  This scenario highlights how the act applies to industries that might not immediately seem "hazardous" but still utilize materials requiring disclosure to protect both workers and the public.