Training Series Part X: Hazard Communication

Subpart: D – Occupational Health and Environmental Controls

OSHA Standard: 1926.59/1910.1200

Occurrence: Initially upon assignment.

Frequency: As chemicals, conditions or roles change.

Training Style: Hands on training, toolbox talk, classroom instruction.

Background:
The purpose of this section is to ensure that the hazards of all chemicals produced or imported are classified, and that information concerning the classified hazards is transmitted to employers and employees. This standard is to be consistent with the provisions of the United Nations Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), Revision 3. The transmittal of information is to be accomplished by means of comprehensive hazard communication programs, which are to include container labeling and other forms of warning, safety data sheets and employee training.

Employer Responsibilities:
Employers are required to provide employees with effective information and training on hazardous chemicals in their work area at the time of their initial assignment, and whenever a new chemical hazard the employees have not previously been trained about is introduced into their work area.
Employees shall be informed of:

1. The HAZCOM OSHA standards;
2. Any operations in their work area where hazardous chemicals are present and the nature/category of that hazard; and,
3. The location and availability of the written hazard communication program, including the required list(s) of hazardous chemicals, and safety data sheets.

Employee training shall include at least:

1. Methods and observations that may be used to detect the presence or release of a hazardous chemical in the work area (such as monitoring conducted by the employer, continuous monitoring devices, visual appearance or odor of hazardous chemicals when being released, etc.);
2. The physical, health, simple asphyxiation, combustible dust, and pyrophoric gas hazards, as well as hazards not otherwise classified, of the chemicals in the work area;
3. The measures employees can take to protect themselves from these hazards, including specific procedures the employer has implemented to protect employees from exposure to hazardous chemicals, such as appropriate work practices, emergency procedures, and personal protective equipment to be used; and,
4. The details of the hazard communication program developed by the employer, including an explanation of the labels received on shipped containers and the workplace labeling system used by their employer and the material safety data sheet, including the order of information and how employees can obtain and use the appropriate hazard information.

​Employee Responsibilities:
Employees are expected to take an active role with the training and ask questions as they arise. They are also expected to ensure that they do not perform task that they have not been trained or is outside there scope of work.
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