Weekly Safety Training Topic No. 2402

Hazard communication

Hazard communication addresses chemical and material hazards – both for materials produced in the workplace and the ones delivered to the jobsite. One of the key components is the communication of those hazards to workers. Over the last year, the hazard communication standard was the second highest in number of citations with 3,213 citations.

To avoid injuries, illnesses and OSHA citations related to hazard communication, remember the following:

  • OSHA revised its Hazard Communication Standard in 2012. Two significant changes contained in the revised standard require the use of new labeling elements and a standardized format for Safety Data Sheets (SDSs), formerly known as, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).
    • The basic requirements of the hazard communication standard include:
      1. A written hazard communication program - 1910.1200(e).
      2. Employee training - 1910.1200(h).
      3. Safety data sheets - 1910.1200(g).
      4. Labels and other forms of warning - 1910.1200(f).

A written hazard communication program must be documented and accessible by employees. OSHA does provide a provision for mobile work forces:1910.1200(e)(5) Where employees must travel between workplaces during a work shift, i.e., their work is carried out at more than one geographical location, the written hazard communication program may be kept at the primary facility.

Employee training is generally completed when new employees are hired and whenever a new chemical hazard comes into the work area. Information and training may be designed to cover categories of hazards (e.g., flammability, carcinogenicity) or specific chemicals. The best practice is to provide this training annually as a refresher also.

Safety data sheets should be available for products used by employees. These sheets can be reviewed to determine safe work practices, PPE necessary to work with the product and storage requirements. There is an allowance for electronic access. 1910.1200(g)(8) The employer shall maintain in the workplace copies of the required safety data sheets. (Note: Electronic access and other alternatives to maintaining paper copies of the safety data sheets are permitted as long as no barriers to immediate employee access in each workplace are created by such options.)

Labels are now expected to contain a pictogram, text to identify product information and warnings.

For additional OSHA information related to hazard communication see - https://www.osha.gov/hazcom.

Download arrow icon in black Download and print this Weekly Safety Training Topic with sign-in sheet. For the Spanish version, click here.

The information and recommendations contained in this “Weekly safety training topic” have been compiled from various sources believed to be reliable and represent the best current opinion on the subject. The Builders, a chapter of the AGC, in no way guarantees, insures or warrants the absolute correctness or sufficiency of any information contained within. The Builders expressly disclaims all liability and assumes no responsibility therewith. For more information, please call 816.595.4158.