Chemicals pose a wide range of health hazards (such as irritation, sensitization, and carcinogenicity) and physical hazards (such as flammability, corrosion, and reactivity). Chemicals may also be simple asphyxiants or combustible dusts, or pose other hazards. OSHA’s Hazard Communication (HazCom) standard, abbreviated HCS, is designed to ensure that information about these hazards and associated protective measures is disseminated. This is accomplished by requiring chemical manufacturers and importers to evaluate the hazards of the chemicals they produce or import and to provide information about these hazardous chemicals through labels on shipped containers and more detailed information sheets called safety data sheets (SDSs). Shipments made prior to June 1, 2015, may have included material safety data sheets (MSDSs) instead of SDSs.
Covered employers must ensure containers of non-exempt hazardous chemicals are labeled, SDSs are readily accessible to employees in their work areas, and effective information and training is provided for exposed employees. Covered employers must also prepare and implement a written HazCom program unless they only have exempted operations under 1910.1200(b)(3) and (b)(4).
Editor’s Note: OSHA published a final rule on May 20, 2024, that makes numerous changes to the HCS. While the changes took effect July 19, 2024, several delayed compliance dates are offered in 1910.1200(j). Corrections to the rule were also made on October 9, 2024.
HazCom applies to general industry, shipyards, marine terminals, longshoring, construction, and agriculture. OSHA’s HCS applies specifically to:
“Hazardous chemical” is defined in 1910.1200(c). However, not every hazardous chemical is covered by the HCS. Paragraph 1910.1200(b)(6) lists 12 substances exempted from the standard.
The HCS also has partial exemptions in paragraphs (b)(3) and (b)(4) for laboratories and operations where employees only handle chemicals in sealed containers. Moreover, paragraph (b)(5) offers HazCom labeling exemptions for certain substances.
Employers who have one or more employees exposed to a hazardous chemical(s) under normal operating conditions or in foreseeable emergencies must:
Chemical distributors have additional responsibilities for:
Manufacturers and importers of hazardous chemicals have additional responsibilities, too, including, but not limited to: