OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom): Complete Employer Guide

The OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom), found in 29 CFR 1910.1200, is designed to ensure employees understand the chemical hazards they may encounter in the workplace. Employers who use hazardous chemicals are generally required to identify chemical hazards, maintain Safety Data Sheets (SDSs), properly label containers, and train employees.

A strong Hazard Communication Program helps reduce workplace injuries and illnesses while keeping employers compliant with OSHA regulations.

Stay OSHA & Labor Law Compliant

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What Is OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard?

The Hazard Communication Standard, often called HazCom, requires employers to communicate information about hazardous chemicals to employees.

The standard is based on four primary components:

  • Hazard identification
  • Chemical labeling
  • Safety Data Sheets (SDSs)
  • Employee information and training

The objective is to ensure workers know how to safely handle, store, and respond to hazardous chemicals used in the workplace.

Who Must Comply?

Most employers whose employees may be exposed to hazardous chemicals during normal working conditions or foreseeable emergencies must comply with the Hazard Communication Standard.

Industries commonly affected include:

  • Manufacturing
  • Warehousing
  • Construction
  • Automotive repair
  • Healthcare
  • Laboratories
  • Janitorial services
  • Printing companies
  • Food processing
  • Industrial facilities

What Is a Safety Data Sheet (SDS)?

A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) provides detailed information about a hazardous chemical.

An SDS generally includes:

  • Product identification
  • Hazard identification
  • Composition
  • First-aid measures
  • Fire-fighting measures
  • Accidental release procedures
  • Safe handling and storage
  • Exposure controls
  • Personal protective equipment
  • Toxicological information

Employees should have immediate access to SDSs during every work shift.

Chemical Labeling Requirements

Containers of hazardous chemicals generally must be properly labeled.

Required label elements typically include:

  • Product identifier
  • Signal word (such as Danger or Warning)
  • Hazard statements
  • Precautionary statements
  • Pictograms
  • Supplier information

Employers should ensure labels remain legible and are not removed or damaged.

OSHA Hazard Pictograms

Under OSHA's HazCom Standard, chemical labels may include standardized pictograms that quickly communicate specific hazards.

Examples include:

  • Flame
  • Skull and Crossbones
  • Corrosion
  • Exploding Bomb
  • Health Hazard
  • Exclamation Mark
  • Gas Cylinder
  • Flame Over Circle
  • Environment (used under GHS but not enforced by OSHA)

Employees should receive training on the meaning of these symbols.

Employee Training Requirements

Employers generally must provide effective Hazard Communication training when employees are initially assigned to work with hazardous chemicals and whenever new chemical hazards are introduced.

Training commonly includes:

  • Hazard Communication Program overview
  • Chemical hazards in the workplace
  • Reading SDSs
  • Understanding chemical labels
  • Required PPE
  • Emergency procedures
  • Spill response
  • Safe handling practices

Training should be documented and updated as needed.

Written Hazard Communication Program

Most employers covered by the standard should maintain a written Hazard Communication Program.

The written program typically identifies:

  • Hazardous chemicals in the workplace
  • Labeling procedures
  • SDS management
  • Employee training procedures
  • Non-routine task procedures
  • Multi-employer workplace communication

Keeping the program current helps demonstrate compliance during OSHA inspections.

Common Employer Mistakes

Frequently cited HazCom violations include:

  • Missing Safety Data Sheets
  • Unlabeled chemical containers
  • Outdated SDS binders
  • Inadequate employee training
  • No written Hazard Communication Program
  • Missing secondary container labels
  • Employees unable to locate SDSs

Routine compliance reviews can help prevent these issues.

Best Practices

Employers can strengthen their Hazard Communication Program by:

  • Conducting annual chemical inventories
  • Reviewing SDSs regularly
  • Replacing outdated labels
  • Training new employees immediately
  • Auditing chemical storage areas
  • Keeping SDSs electronically and in hard copy when appropriate
  • Reviewing chemical hazards whenever new products are introduced

An effective HazCom program helps reduce accidents and improve employee awareness.

Keep Your Workplace Compliance Current

OSHA compliance extends beyond chemical safety. Employers should also display current Federal and State Labor Law Posters and maintain appropriate workplace safety signage.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard?

It is the federal regulation requiring employers to inform employees about hazardous chemicals through labeling, Safety Data Sheets (SDSs), written programs, and employee training.

What is an SDS?

A Safety Data Sheet provides detailed safety information about a hazardous chemical, including handling procedures, hazards, emergency response, and required protective equipment.

Are employers required to train employees?

Yes. Employers generally must provide Hazard Communication training to employees who may be exposed to hazardous chemicals and whenever new hazards are introduced.

Do all chemical containers require labels?

Generally, containers holding hazardous chemicals should be properly labeled in accordance with OSHA's Hazard Communication requirements.

What are the most common HazCom violations?

Common violations include missing SDSs, unlabeled containers, inadequate employee training, and failure to maintain a written Hazard Communication Program.

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