The OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (HCS), 29 CFR 1910.1200, is designed to protect employees from hazardous chemicals used or stored in the workplace. It gives workers the right to know and understand the chemicals they are exposed to and how to work with them safely. The standard aligns with the Globally Harmonized System of Chemical Classification and Labeling (GHS) for a consistent approach to classifying chemicals and communicating the hazards associated with their use. Show
Under the HazCom standard, all workplaces that have hazardous chemicals are required to maintain a chemical inventory and have a written hazard communication program. Laboratories and work operations where employees only handle chemicals in sealed containers, such as a warehouse, are not required to have a written program; however, they do have other responsibilities under the HazCom standard. The written program must describe how it will meet the HCS requirements for:
It also must include:
Topics — What You Need to KnowAll containers of hazardous chemicals must be labeled, tagged, or marked with the identity of the material and appropriate hazard warnings. To be both GHS- and OSHA-compliant, labels on shipped containers must have the following elements:
Get the answers to frequently asked questions about GHS labels. Chemical manufacturers and importers must obtain or create a GHS-style, 16-section safety data sheet for each hazardous chemical they produce or import. Employers are required to have an SDS for each hazardous chemical used in the workplace. SDSs must be readily accessible to workers. See the safety data sheet FAQs to learn more. Employees must be provided information and trained on hazardous chemicals at the time of their initial assignment and when a new hazard is introduced into the workplace. HazCom information and training must cover:
Get more details about required training. To be compliant, an employer must:
J. J. Keller® Chemical CenterJ. J. Keller® Chemical Center, part of J. J. Keller® Safety Management Suite, has the tools needed to create and maintain a comprehensive HazCom program, including access to SDSs and GHS-compliant labels. Learn more about J. J. Keller® Chemical Center or J. J. Keller® Safety Management Suite. OSHA Compliance ProgramJ. J. Keller consultants assess your OSHA compliance and safety risks and provide ongoing guidance and resources to improve workplace safety. An on-site assessment can focus on your hazard communication program and SDS review and analysis. Learn what's included in the OSHA Compliance Program. Chemical Management ServiceWork with J. J. Keller consultants and have your HazCom program managed for you. Our full-service chemical management service is tailored to your needs and includes a HazCom program assessment, chemical inventory creation, SDS and label management, training, and program reporting. Learn more about our Chemical Management Service. What does the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard require?The Hazard Communication Standard (HCS), 29 CFR 1910.1200 (h), requires all employers to provide information and training to their employees about the hazardous chemicals to which they may be exposed at the time of their initial assignment and whenever a new hazard is introduced into their work area.
What are the four main requirements of the Hazard Communication Standard?Hazard Communication Standard. Ensuring the proper chemical labeling on containers.. Providing Safety Data Sheets (SDSs). Providing information and training to employees about chemical hazards in the workplace.. Developing and maintaining a written hazard communication program.. What are the 4 components of a hazard communication program?There are five basic elements of the Hazard Communication Program. These include: chemical inventory, chemical labeling, Safety Data Sheets, written plan and employee training.
What does hazard communication include?The transmittal of information is to be accomplished by means of comprehensive hazard communication programs, which are to include container labeling and other forms of warning, safety data sheets and employee training.
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