Training: Hazard Communication (HazCom) Standards

What is HazCom?

Hazard Communication (HazCom) refers to the communication of chemical hazards to workers, as mandated by OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (20 CFR 1910.1200). This is commonly known as the “Right to Know” law which requires:

• • Employers to inform and train employees about hazardous chemicals in the workplace
  • Chemical manufacturers and importers to evaluate chemical hazards, prepare accurate labels, and curate Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
  • Employers to maintain an up-to-date, written HazCom program accessible to workers during their shift

HazCom training focuses on ensuring employees know why, how, and where to find hazard information and educates them on their “right to know.” This training does not prepare workers to act as emergency responders in case of large-scale hazardous material spills.

Core Elements of HazCom

The five core elements of effective HazCom training include:

1. 1. Hazard Identification
   2. Labeling
   3. Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
   4. Employee Training
   5. Program Implementation

Who Needs HazCom Training?

HazCom training is required for:

• • All employees exposed to hazardous chemicals
  • Supervisors overseeing employees working with hazardous chemicals
  • Workers handling shipments of hazardous chemicals
  • New hires before beginning work in areas where hazardous chemicals are present
  • Employees exposed to newly introduced hazardous chemicals

OSHA’s Steps for Implementating HazCom

The six steps for implementing HazCom are as follows:

1. 1. Learn the Standard
   2. Prepare and Implement a Written HazCom Program
   3. Ensure Containers are Labeled
   4. Maintain SDS Records
   5. Train Employees
   6. Evaluate and Reassess Implementation For complete details, refer to OSHA’s HazCom Guide.

Training Requirements for HazCom

Employers must provide effective HazCom training to employees at their initial job assignment or whenever new chemical hazards are introduced.

The topics covered include:

• • HazCom standard requirements and employee rights
  • Hazardous substances that are present in the workplace
  • How to detect the presence or release of hazardous substances
  • Physical and health hazards of chemicals
  • Protective measures and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • Location and availability of the written HazCom program and SDSs

Employees are trained on:

• • Physical and health hazards of substances in their work area
  • Protective measures to reduce exposure
  • Details, location, and availability of their employer’s written Hazcom program
  • Special employee rights under Hazcom standard

Key Components of HazCom Training

Chemical Exposure Routes

The main ways employees are exposed to chemical hazards:

1. 1. Inhalation
   2. Absorption
   3. Ingestion
   4. Injection

Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

A SDS contains essential information regarding chemical hazards, protective measures, spill cleanups, and safe handling. OSHA’s standardized SDS format includes 16 sections covering identification, hazard data, first-aid, and more.

Note: SDS have replaced the older Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) format after OSHA’s 2012 HazCom update, which aligned the standard with the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) for hazard classification and labeling.

Labeling Systems 

The main types of labeling systems include:

1. 1. Hazardous Materials Information System (HMIS)
   2. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
   3. Department of Transportation (DOT) Placards
   4. Product Labels – Including chemical name, hazards, manufacturer information, safe handling instructions, and first-aid guidance