Hazard Communication

General Overview
Common Hazards & Solutions
Responsibility of Distributor or Employer
Additional Resources

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General Overview

In order to ensure proper chemical safety, OSHA’s Hazardous Communication Standard (HCS) is designed to provide employees with important information regarding hazardous chemicals so they are able to minimize exposures, begin using less hazardous chemicals and institute safe work practices.

HCS requires the following:

• Chemical manufacturers and importers to assess their hazardous chemicals in order to produce labels and material safety data sheets (MSDSs) for their customers.
• All employers that use hazardous chemicals must have labels and MSDSs for exposed workers along with training for employees on how to properly handle chemicals.

Common Hazards & Solutions

Chemical exposure may cause or contribute to many serious illnesses including heart ailments, central nervous system, kidney and lung damage, sterility, cancer, burns and rashes. Some chemicals may be safety hazards and have the potential to cause explosions, fires or other serious accidents.

Because of the seriousness of these safety and health problems and employees knowing little or nothing about the hazardous chemicals that they work with, it is important to effectively communicate information.

• Material safety data sheets (MSDS)
  • The main source of hazard chemical information that should be available to all employees being exposed to hazardous chemicals. The MSDS should contain all physical and health hazard information, preventative measures for safe handling and usage, exposure limits and control measures including work practices, engineering controls and personal protective equipment (PPE).
  Product labeling
  • Is a helpful method used to communicate hazard information to employees. The label is intended as a visual reminder of the physical and safety hazards that the chemical poses to the employee.
  Employee training
  • Training employees is crucial for maintaining proper handling and usage of hazardous chemicals. Employers need to make sure that hazard information is fully understood by employees prior to working with hazardous chemicals.
• Hazard communication program
  • Employers should develop a communication program that includes all the components of hazard communication as mentioned above.
  • Visit OSHA's website for more information on the steps to prepare and implement a Hazard Communication Program.

Responsibility of Distributor or Employer

• Chemical manufacturers / importers
  • Determine the hazards associated with each of their chemicals and develop a MSDS for each hazardous chemical they manufacture or import.
• Chemical manufacturers / importers / distributors
  • Communicate hazardous chemical information to customers through proper labeling and MSDSs.
• Employers (includes manufacturers, distributors, facility service providers)
  • Classify all hazardous chemicals used in the workplace.
  • Acquire all MSDSs for each hazardous chemical and make them available to employees.
  • Ensure that all containers are properly labeled and are compliant with the HCS and state’s right to know laws, including labeling all secondary or portable containers that hazardous chemicals may be transferred into.
  • Determine those employees who must be trained in compliance with the HCS.
  • Develop and execute a hazard communication program.

Additional Resources

OSHA Hazard Communication Standard

OSHA's Hazard Communication

Frequently Asked Questions