Hazard communication training is required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA’s) Hazard Communication Standard (HCS). This standard has been in effect since 1994 and specifies the management of hazardous materials on a work site, including their identification, labeling, handling, use, and disposal. In 2012, this standard was updated to integrate international requirements found in the United Nation’s Globally Harmonized System (GHS) to encourage trade.
Regulations
Part 1910 of 29 CFR covers the occupation safety and health standards for general workers, and subpart 1200 specifically addresses hazard communication as follows:
The full text of the regulation is found at 29. CFR 1910.1200 and not only those work establishments classified as General Industry, but also construction, maritime, and agricultural employees.
Chemical Users
Hazard communication training for chemical users is intended to provide students with information about the hazards of the chemicals they work with and increase their ability to minimize their exposure to these materials. The Safety Data Sheet (SDS) requirements are also an important topic for this training. Courses in hazard communication include the following:
- Requirements of the HazCom Standard
- Company Program Hazard Communication
- Safety Data Sheets
- Labeling
- Handling and Storage
- Specific chemical hazards
Chemical Manufacturers
Chemical manufacturers are required to classify their chemical products before they are sold. Those employees must receive training on the methods of classifying chemicals and how to produce and distribute labels and SDS’s to their customers in addition to chemical user training.
Sources
https://circlesafety.com/safety-training/
https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=10099
https://www.msdsonline.com/workplace-training/course-library/
