Written Hazard Communication Program - Additional Requirements

The written hazard communication program must also contain any suggestions for appropriate protective measures when an outside employer - referred to as a "contract employer" - brings its own workers into the workplace. These written measures must include the following:

• The methods the employer will use to provide a contract employer with access to an SDS or to make it available at a central location in the workplace. (Note that these methods must be provided for each hazardous chemical the contract employer's employees may be exposed to while working.)
• The methods the employer will use to inform the contract employer of any precautionary measures that must be taken during normal operating conditions and in foreseeable emergencies
• The methods the employer will use to inform the other employer of the labeling system used in the workplace

The written hazard communication program does not have to be lengthy or complicated. In fact, some employers may be able to start with an existing written program from another employer or a similar workplace and adapt it to fit their own needs. When using this approach, employers should make every effort to appropriately rewrite the program to address the specific circumstances in their own workplace.

Each employer must ensure that the written hazard communication program is available, upon request, to employees or their designated representatives, to OSHA, and to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

To learn more about GHS visit our GHS Hazard Communication Online Training web page.