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What are the requirements?
  • Responsibilities for communicating hazards differ based on how a company uses the chemicals.

Depending on whether a business manufactures, distributes, sells, or simply uses chemicals, the requirements under the HazCom standard vary. Chemical manufacturers have the most stringent requirements in that they are responsible for classifying chemicals as to their hazards. However, employers who use hazardous chemicals have responsibilities to communicate information to employees about the hazards of the chemicals they work with.

Responsibilities for communicating hazards

Chemical manufacturers and importers
  • Classify the hazards of each product.
  • Communicate the hazard information and associated safety measures downstream to customers through labels and safety data sheets (SDSs).
Distributors
  • Communicate the hazard information and associated safety measures downstream to customers (other distributors and end-users) through labels and SDSs.
Employers
  • Identify and list hazardous chemicals in the workplace.
  • Obtain SDSs for each hazardous chemical.
  • Ensure containers of hazardous chemicals are properly labeled.
  • Develop and implement a written hazard communication program, explaining how the criteria for labels, SDSs, and employee training will be met.
  • Communicate hazard information to employees through labels, SDSs, and formal training programs.
Employers in work operations where employees only handle chemicals in sealed containers
  • Ensure that labels on incoming containers are not removed.
  • Maintain SDSs that are received.
  • Provide SDS upon employee request.
  • Provide training relative to spills and leaks.
Retail distributors
  • Provide SDS upon request to commercial customers.
  • Post a sign to inform customers that SDSs are available.