The OSHA
hazcom standard (Hazard Communication Standard, or HCS) was created to ensure that employees understand the chemical hazards to which might be exposed on the job. So hazcom is one of the most important—and often violated—OSHA regulations. Here is what your company needs to know about hazcom so that it can stay in compliance with the standard and keep employees safe.
Overview of the HazCom Standard
Hazcom, 29 CFR 1910.1200(b), applies to almost every organization and employer covered by OSHA. The haz com standard applies to general industry, shipyards, marine terminals, longshore operations, and construction employment. It also applies to chemical manufacturers, importers, employers, and employees exposed to chemical hazards.
The hazcom standard applies to any chemical in the workplace to which employees would be exposed under normal working conditions or in an 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 hazcom rule.
The 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 hazcom program, labels, material safety data sheets (MSDSs), and an employee information and training program.
Complete HazCom Resources in Seconds
Safety.BLR.com has an extensive selection of compliance and training resources on hazcom. 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
Haz Com checklists and forms