Hazard Communication (HazCom)

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.

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:

Labels and other forms of warning for hazardous chemical containers,
Safety data sheets (SDS) for all hazardous chemicals, and
Training and information for any employee who has the potential of being exposed to a hazardous chemical

It also must include:

A list/inventory of the hazardous chemicals present in the workplace
How the employer will inform employees of the hazards of non-routine tasks and the hazards associated with chemicals in unlabeled pipes
How chemical hazard information will be communicated on multi-employer worksites

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Labels and Markings

All 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:

Product identifier
Pictogram(s)
Signal word
Hazard statement(s)
Precautionary statement(s)
Name, address, and telephone number of the chemical manufacturer, importer, or other responsible party

Get the answers to frequently asked questions about GHS labels.

Safety Data Sheets

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.

HazCom Training

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:

The general requirements of the HazCom standard
Operations in the work area where hazardous chemicals are present
How to detect the presence of a hazardous chemical
All hazards, such as physical and health, associated with chemicals
How employees can protect themselves from chemical hazards, including emergency procedures and PPE use
Location, availability, and details of the employer's hazard communication program, including the chemical inventory and an explanation of labels and safety data sheets

Get more details about required training.

HazCom Compliance Checklist

To be compliant, an employer must:

Train employees on the hazardous chemicals in the workplace
Instruct workers on how to recognize exposure to hazardous chemicals and how to protect themselves
Provide training on container label elements
Offer instruction on safety data sheet (SDS) format and content
Explain to employees how to access SDSs
Update SDSs when new versions become available
Create a written HazCom program and update as needed
Explain to employees how to obtain a copy of the written HazCom program
Train employees on any in-house labeling system used
Make sure all container labels in the workplace are compliant

J. J. Keller Hazard Communication Services

J. J. Keller offers a range of services to meet your hazard communication needs:

J. J. Keller^® Chemical Center

J. 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 Program

J. 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 Service

Work 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.

Hazard Communication Solutions

Stay compliant with OSHA's HazCom standard with our wide range of products, including hazcom training, labels, and supplies.

Hazard Communication (HazCom)

Topics — What You Need to Know

Labels and Markings