The OSHA
hazard communication standard (HCS) was created to ensure that employers make their employees aware of the chemical hazards to which employees may be exposed on the job. The HCS is one of the most important—and frequently violated—OSHA standards. Here is what your company needs to know about hazard communication so that it can stay in compliance with the standard and keep employees safe.
Overview of the Hazard Communication Standard
The HCS, 29 CFR 1910.1200(b), applies to almost every organization and employer covered by OSHA regulations. The hazcom standard applies to general industry, shipyards, marine terminals, longshore operations, and construction employment. The HCS covers chemical manufacturers, importers, employers, and employees exposed to chemical hazards.
The hazard communication standard applies to any chemical in the workplace to which employees would be exposed under normal working conditions or in a foreseeable emergency.
Hazards that must be communicated include physical hazards (such as flammability) and health hazards (such as irritation, lung damage, and cancer). Most chemicals used in the workplace have some hazard potential, and are therefore covered by the hazard communication rule.
The hazard communication standard requires all employers that manufacture, import, distribute, or otherwise use hazardous substances to communicate the information about hazards to employees who work with those substances through a written hazard communication program, labels, material safety data sheets (MSDSs), and an employee information and training program.
Hazard Communication Help is on the way
Safety.BLR.com has an extensive selection of compliance and training resources on hazard communication. This safety website has hundreds of sample safety training meetings in all time-saving formats: PowerPoint, safety talks, OSHA refresher, outlines, and checklists.
As OSHA regulations get more difficult and complex, keeping current can spell the difference between success and disaster for your business. Why not sign up for a free 14 day trial and see for yourself how Safety.BLR.com can help.
The Safety Library has more helpful haz com resources like these:
Hazard Communication training meeting
Sample hazcom program
Hazard communication forms and checklists