OSHA 1910.1200: Hazard Communication

“OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard was aligned with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) in order to improve the safety and health of workers who handle or are exposed to hazardous chemicals. Ensuring that hazardous chemicals are labeled properly is an important component of creating a safe working environment and staying compliant with OSHA.”

Avery Products Corporation, industrial@avery.com, www.avery.com/industrial

This standard is intended 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. Its requirements are consistent with the provisions of the United Nations Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS), Revision 3. The transmittal of information is to be accomplished by means of comprehensive hazard communication programs, which may include:

• The development and maintenance of a written hazard communication program for the workplace, including lists of hazardous chemicals present.
• Labeling of containers of chemicals in the workplace, as well as of containers of chemicals being shipped to other workplaces.
• Preparation and distribution of safety data sheets to employees and downstream employers.
• Development and implementation of employee training programs regarding hazards of chemicals and protective measures.

Key Provisions

• Chemical manufacturers or importers must classify the hazards of chemicals which they produce or import, and all employers must provide information to their employees about the hazardous chemicals to which they are exposed, by means of a hazard communication program, labels and other forms of warning, safety data sheets, and information and training. This applies to any chemical which is known to be present in the workplace in such a manner that employees may be exposed under normal conditions of use or in a foreseeable emergency.
• Employers shall ensure that labels on incoming containers of hazardous chemicals are not removed or defaced.
• Employers shall maintain copies of any safety data sheets that are received with incoming shipments of the sealed containers of hazardous chemicals, shall obtain a safety data sheet as soon as possible for sealed containers of hazardous chemicals received without a safety data sheet if an employee requests the safety data sheet, and shall ensure that the safety data sheets are readily accessible during each work shift to employees when they are in their work area(s).
• Employers shall ensure that employees are provided with information and training to the extent necessary to protect them in the event of a spill or leak of a hazardous chemical from a sealed container.

About Safety Data Sheets and Labels

Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are a primary source of information regarding chemical hazards and handling. They provide information about the hazards of working with a chemical and procedures that should be used to ensure safety. SDS have been standardized under the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of Classification and Labeling Chemicals system, which provides a consistent and agreed upon criteria for the classification of chemical hazards. SDS may still vary in information, for example one manufacturer might provide the GHS Hazard codes (H-codes) and their associated hazard statements, while another may choose to omit the GHS H-codes. Note: if the SDS only has the hazard statement, this can be translated to the corresponding H-code. The SDS includes information such as the properties of each chemical; the physical, health and environmental health hazards; protective measures; and safety precautions for handling, storing and transporting the chemical. The information contained in the SDS must be in English (although it may be in other languages as well).

Labels must contain symbols that provide immediate recognition of the hazards as well as instructions on how to safely handle the chemical. They must contain the name, address and telephone number of the chemical manufacturer, importer or other responsible party; a product identifier; a signal word that indicates the level of severity of the hazard; hazard statements that describe the nature of the hazard(s) of a chemical; precautionary statements; and a pictogram. OSHA enforces the use of eight pictograms; Health Hazard; Flame; Exclamation Mark; Gas Cylinder; Exploding Bomb; Flame Over Circle; and Skull and Crossbones.

For more information:

• Visit OSHA’s website for Frequently Asked Questions about HCS: osha.gov/hazcom/faq
• OSHA also offers a Brief about SDSs. It is available at: www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/OSHA3514.pdf