Employer Responsibilities - Hazard Communication Program

Employers that have hazardous chemicals in their workplaces are required by OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (HCS), 29 CFR 1910.1200, to implement a hazard communication program. According to OSHA, the purpose of the HCS is make sure that the hazards of all chemicals in the workplace are evaluated and that details about these hazards are communicated to employers and employees.

The HCS requires labels on containers of hazardous chemicals, Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) for hazardous chemicals, and training for workers. Each employer must also describe in a written program how it will meet the requirements of the HCS in each of these areas.

OSHA publishes a 400+ page manual, Hazard Communication: Hazard Classification Guidance for Manufacturers, Importers, and Employers, to provide the following information:

• Who must conduct hazard classifications
• Resources and materials needed to conduct hazard classifications
• The complete hazard classification process (selecting chemicals to evaluate, collecting data, analyzing data using HCS standards, documenting results)
• The HCS definition of "chemical"
• How to determine if a chemical is hazardous
• Health hazard classes and categories
• Useful resources for further information on chemical classifications
• How to deal with chemicals that are not classified
• Definitions of commonly used terms and abbreviations
• A list of hazardous chemicals identified by OSHA and other worker and health safety organizations

In addition, OSHA provides useful guidance for how to best create and implement the required hazard communication program.

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