HAZCOM

Chemicals pose a wide range of health hazards (such as irritation, sensitization, and carcinogenicity) and physical hazards (such as flammability, corrosion, and reactivity). These hazards are particularly applicable to many hot work operations. OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) is designed to ensure that information about these hazards and associated protective measures is disseminated to all affected employees. 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 them through labeling on containers and detailed information sheets called safety data sheets (SDSs).

The HCS provides employees with the right to know the hazards and identities of the chemicals they are exposed to in the workplace. In addition, the standard gives employers the information they need to design and implement an effective protective program for employees potentially exposed to hazardous chemicals.

Employers must detail the potentially hazardous materials found in fluxes, coatings, coverings, and filler metals, all of which are potentially used in welding and cutting, or are released to the atmosphere during welding and cutting. More information about HAZCOM as it relates to construction may be found in 29 CFR 1926.59.

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