Hazard Communication, General Industry • Regulation 29 CFR 1910.1200

Sponsored By:

1-888-326-9244 • www.duralabel.com

Manufacturing, construction, mining, warehousing, welding, transportation and oil and gas are among the industries in which hazardous chemicals are routinely used. Exposure to toxic substances can cause both short-term health emergencies and long-term illnesses, including severe burns and inflammation, respiratory difficulties and cancer. In order to ensure worker safety, information about the identities and hazards of the chemicals must be available and understandable to workers. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) requires the development and dissemination of such information.

Enforcement from October 2022 through September 2023:

© supakitmod – stock.adobe.com

ABOUT THE STANDARD

HCS requires chemical manufacturers and importers to evaluate chemicals produced in their workplaces, or imported by them, and classify the chemicals in accordance with this section. For each chemical, the chemical manufacturer or importer shall determine the hazard classes, and, where appropriate, the category of each class that apply to the chemical being classified. Major provisions of the standard include:

• When classifying mixtures, they produce or import, chemical manufacturers and importers of mixtures may rely on the information provided on the current safety data sheets of the individual ingredients, except where the chemical manufacturer or importer knows, or in the exercise of reasonable diligence should know, that the safety data sheet misstates or omits information required by this section.
• Employers shall develop, implement, and maintain at each workplace, a written hazard communication program which includes a list of the hazardous chemicals known to be present using a product identifier that is referenced on the appropriate safety data sheet.
• Employers who produce, use, or store hazardous chemicals at a workplace in such a way that the employees of other employer(s) may be exposed (for example, employees of a construction contractor working on-site) shall additionally ensure that the hazard communication programs developed and implemented include the following:
  • The methods the employer will use to provide the other employer(s) on-site access to safety data sheets for each hazardous chemical the other employer(s)’ employees may be exposed to while working.
  • The methods the employer will use to inform the other employer(s) of any precautionary measures that need to be taken to protect employees during the workplace’s normal operating conditions and in foreseeable emergencies.
  • The methods the employer will use to inform the other employer(s) of the labeling system used in the workplace.
• The employer shall make the written hazard communication program available, upon request, to employees, their designated representatives, the Assistant Secretary and the Director, in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1910.1020 (e).
• 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 workplace facility.
• The chemical manufacturer, importer or distributor shall ensure that each container of hazardous chemicals leaving the workplace is labeled, tagged or marked. Hazards not otherwise classified do not have to be addressed on the container. Where the chemical manufacturer or importer is required to label, tag or mark the following information shall be provided:
  • Signal word
  • Hazard statement(s)
  • Pictogram(s)
  • Precautionary statement(s)
  • Name, address, and telephone number of the chemical manufacturer, importer, or other responsible party
  • Product identifier and words, pictures, symbols, or combination thereof, which provide at least general information regarding the hazards of the chemicals, and which, in conjunction with the other information immediately available to employees under the hazard communication program, will provide employees with the specific information regarding the physical and health hazards of the hazardous chemical
• The employer shall ensure the written materials are readily accessible to the employees in their work area throughout each work shift

ABOUT THE STANDARD

The Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) is aligned with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). It provides a common and coherent approach to classifying chemicals and communicating hazard information on labels and safety data sheets. This update will also help reduce trade barriers and result in productivity improvements for American businesses that regularly handle, store, and use hazardous chemicals while providing cost savings for American businesses that periodically update safety data sheets and labels for chemicals covered under the hazard communication standard.

MAJOR PROVISIONS OF THE STANDARD

In order to ensure chemical safety in the workplace, information about the identities and hazards of the chemicals must be available and understandable to workers. OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) requires the development and dissemination of such information:

• Chemical manufacturers and importers are required to evaluate the hazards of the chemicals they produce or import, and prepare labels and safety data sheets to convey the hazard information to their downstream customers.
• All employers with hazardous chemicals in their workplaces must have labels and safety data sheets for their exposed workers, and train them to handle the chemicals appropriately.
• Hazard classification: Provides specific criteria for classification of health and physical hazards, as well as classification of mixtures.
• Labels: Chemical manufacturers and importers are required to provide a label that includes a harmonized signal word, pictogram, and hazard statement for each hazard class and category. Precautionary statements must also be provided.
• Safety Data Sheets: Must have a specified 16-section format. The chemical manufacturer, importer, or distributor shall ensure that each container of hazardous chemicals leaving the workplace is labeled, tagged or marked. Hazards not otherwise classified do not have to be addressed on the container.
• Information and training: Employers are required to train workers on the labels elements and safety data sheets format to facilitate recognition and understanding.

Resources

OSHA Fact Sheet: Steps to an Effective Hazard Communication Program for Employers That Use Hazardous Chemicals: https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/OSHA3696.pdf

OSHA Hazard Communication: Small Entity Compliance Guide for Employers That Use Hazardous Chemicals www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/OSHA3695.pdf WMHS