Hazard Communication Compliance Checklist and Requirements
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
OSHA HazCom Labels and Markings
All containers of non-exempt hazardous chemicals must be labeled, tagged, or marked with at least the product identifier and general information on the hazard(s) of the chemical. However, the OSHA HCS is more stringent about labels on containers that leave the workplace. With few exceptions, labels on shipped containers must have the following elements:
- Product identifier
- Pictogram(s)
- Signal word
- Hazard statement(s)
- Precautionary statement(s)
- Name, U.S. address, and U.S. telephone number of the chemical manufacturer, importer, or other responsible party
These six OSHA HazCom label elements create a GHS-style label. Get the answers to frequently asked questions about OSHA HazCom labels.
Safety Data Sheets (SDSs)
Chemical manufacturers and importers must obtain or create a 16-section safety data sheet for each non-exempt hazardous chemical they produce or import. Chemical manufacturers, importers, and distributors must then ensure that SDSs for non-exempt hazardous chemicals are provided downstream to distributors and employers. Employers are required to have an SDS for each non-exempted hazardous chemical used in the workplace. These SDSs must be readily accessible to employees when they are in their work area(s).
See the safety data sheet FAQs to learn more.
HazCom Training
Employees must be provided information and trained on non-exempt 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 HCS
- Operations in the work area where hazardous chemicals are present
- How to detect the presence or release of a hazardous chemical
- All hazards associated with chemicals in the work area
- How employees can protect themselves from chemical hazards, including appropriate work practices, emergency procedures, and PPE use
- Details of the employer's HazCom program, including an explanation of labels and SDSs
- Location and availability of the written HazCom program, chemical inventory, and SDSs