If employees can be exposed to hazardous chemicals, 29 CFR 1910.1200(e) requires a written hazard communication program. It must describe how you handle labels, safety data sheets and employee training, include a list of hazardous chemicals on site, and explain how you inform contractors and handle non-routine tasks.
Hazard communication is one of the most cited OSHA standards year after year, so a complete written program matters. This page is one of the OSHA-required written programs; below are the elements yours must contain.
Who needs a HazCom program
Almost every workplace. If any employee can be exposed to a hazardous chemical under normal conditions or in a foreseeable emergency, the standard applies. That reaches far beyond chemical plants: cleaning products, solvents, fuels, adhesives and shop supplies all count.
Required elements
A written HazCom program under 1910.1200(e) ties together the pieces below.
Chemical inventory
Keep a list of the hazardous chemicals known to be present, identified in a way that lets you cross-reference each to its safety data sheet. Update it as chemicals come and go.
Labels and secondary containers
Keep manufacturer labels intact, and label secondary containers so any worker can identify the chemical and its hazards. Your program describes how you handle labeling, including the GHS label elements. (1910.1200(f))
Safety data sheets
Maintain a safety data sheet for each hazardous chemical and keep them readily accessible to employees during their shift. Your program says where SDS are kept and how workers reach them. (1910.1200(g))
Training
Train employees on the hazards of the chemicals in their work area, how to read labels and SDS, the protective measures, and the details of your program. Train at initial assignment and whenever a new hazard is introduced. (1910.1200(h))
Contractors and non-routine tasks
Your program explains how you share hazard information with on-site contractors, and how you protect workers during non-routine tasks that are not part of the daily routine.
2024 HazCom update: what changed and the compliance dates
OSHA updated the Hazard Communication Standard to align with a newer edition of the GHS, with changes to labeling and SDS and phased compliance dates.
Template download
Want a starting point? Download the written HazCom program template and tailor it to your site. The form routes to our team and we reply within one business day.
FAQs
How often must HazCom training happen?
Train employees at initial assignment and whenever a new chemical hazard is introduced into their work area. There is no fixed annual interval in the standard, but refresher training keeps people current and is good practice.
Do office workers need HazCom training?
If they can be exposed to a hazardous chemical, yes. Office staff who only encounter consumer products used the way a consumer would may fall outside it, but many offices still have qualifying chemicals. Assess the actual exposure.
Where must SDS be kept?
Wherever employees can reach them readily during their work shift, whether in binders or electronically, as long as access is reliable and there is a backup if the system goes down.
ETC writes this program for Arizona employers and teaches the matching course. See we write your safety programs, the OSHA 10-Hour General Industry class, and our manufacturing safety training.
Need it done right? We will write your program and train your team.
Link: https://e-t-c.com/consulting/written-safety-programs/
Call: (602) 923-9673
Need it done right? We will write your program and train your team.
Call (602) 923-9673