Hazards Communication Standard

One OSHA standard relates to Hazard Communication (29 CFR 1910.1200). The Hazard Communication, or HAZCOM, standard establishes uniform requirements to make sure that information about chemical hazards, along with all associated protective measures, are disseminated (communicated) to exposed workers and affected employers.

The HAZCOM standard aims to ensure that chemical hazards which are imported into, produced, or used in U.S. workplaces are evaluated and that hazard information is provided to employers and workers.

The HAZCOM's basic goal is to make sure that employers and employees know about chemical hazards, and how to protect themselves from such hazards.

By following this standard, employers and employees can reduce the occurrence of illness, injuries, and death related to chemical hazards in the workplace.

The standard requires chemical manufacturers and importers to evaluate chemicals they create or import and determine the associated hazards.

This hazard information is then provided on labels for shipping containers and detailed documents called Safety Data Sheets (SDSs).

Through the HAZCOM standard, workers are provided with the right-to-know the identities and hazards of chemicals to which they are exposed to in the workplace. The standard is sometimes referred to as "Right-to-Know."

This right-to-know results from the written HAZCOM program, labels and SDSs, and training. By knowing hazard information, employees can better protect themselves, their co-workers, and even their workplace and the nearby community.

This standard is covered in more detail in the Compliance Training Online course Hazard Communication.

To learn more about Crude Oil Hazards visit our Crude Oil Hazards Online Training web page.