Hazard Communication Awareness is a critical part of workplace safety because employees have the right to know about and understand the dangers of the chemical hazards they may be exposed to while performing their jobs.
The Hazard Communication Standard applies to workplaces where employees may be exposed to hazardous chemicals under normal working conditions or during foreseeable emergencies. The standard is designed to reduce chemical-related illnesses, injuries, fires, explosions, and other dangerous incidents caused by improper chemical handling or lack of hazard awareness.
IMPORTANT! OSHA Standard 1926.59 The requirements applicable to construction work under this section are identical to those set forth at 1910.1200. All 1910 General Industry standards referenced in this article are also applicable to the construction industry.
OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard
OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard, found under 29 CFR 1910.1200, requires chemical manufacturers and importers to evaluate and classify the hazards of chemicals they produce or distribute. Employers must then communicate this hazard information to workers through a written hazard communication program, container labels, Safety Data Sheets, and employee training.
OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard is aligned with the United Nations’ Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). OSHA updated the standard to improve consistency in chemical hazard classification and labeling so workers can more easily recognize hazards and understand protective measures.
Under OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard, workers have the right to know:
- What hazardous chemicals are present in their workplace
- What health and physical hazards those chemicals present
- How to protect themselves from exposure
- What to do in an emergency involving hazardous chemicals
Right to Understand
OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard is often referred to as the “Right-to-Know” standard, but the goal goes beyond simply making hazard information available. Workers must also be able to understand the chemical hazards they may be exposed to and how to protect themselves from those hazards.
This concept is often referred to as the “Right to Understand.” Hazard information should be communicated in a way that employees can understand through clear labels, Safety Data Sheets, workplace communication, and effective training.
Employers should ensure that hazard communication training is presented using language and vocabulary workers can understand. Employees should know:
- How to recognize chemical hazards
- What warning labels and pictograms mean
- How to read and use Safety Data Sheets
- What protective measures are required
- What actions to take during a chemical emergency
Simply providing workers with Safety Data Sheets or posting warning labels is not enough if employees do not understand the information being communicated.
Hazard Communication Programs
Employers covered by the Hazard Communication Standard must develop, implement, and maintain a written Hazard Communication Program. This written program should explain:
- How hazardous chemicals are labeled in the workplace
- Where Safety Data Sheets are located
- How employees can access chemical hazard information
- What training employees receive
- How hazards associated with non-routine tasks are communicated
- How employees are informed about hazardous chemicals in pipes or shared work areas
The written program should be available to employees upon request.
Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
Safety Data Sheets, commonly called SDSs, provide detailed information about hazardous chemicals. Chemical manufacturers and importers are required to develop an SDS for each hazardous chemical they produce or distribute.
OSHA Standard 1910.1200(g)(8) The employer shall maintain in the workplace copies of the required safety data sheets for each hazardous chemical, and shall ensure that they are readily accessible during each work shift to employees when they are in their work area(s).
An SDS contains important safety information such as:
- Chemical identification
- Hazard classifications
- Safe handling and storage procedures
- Required personal protective equipment (PPE)
- First aid measures
- Spill response procedures
- Fire-fighting measures
- Exposure controls
- Toxicological information
Workers should know where SDSs are located and how to access them quickly in an emergency.
Chemical Labels and Warning Information
Proper labeling is one of the most important parts of hazard communication. OSHA requires that hazardous chemical containers be properly labeled, tagged, or marked.
Under the GHS-aligned Hazard Communication Standard, chemical labels may include:
- Product identifier
- Signal word such as “Danger” or “Warning”
- Hazard statements
- Precautionary statements
- Pictograms identifying specific hazards
- Supplier identification
OSHA Standard 1910.1200(f)(6) The employer shall ensure that each container of hazardous chemicals in the workplace is labeled, tagged or marked.
Never Use Unlabeled Chemicals
Chemicals that are missing labels or have damaged or unreadable labels should never be used until they are properly identified and labeled.
Unlabeled containers create serious hazards because workers may not know:
- What chemical is inside the container
- Whether the chemical is flammable, toxic, corrosive, or reactive
- What PPE is required
- How the chemical may react with other substances
Improperly stored or unidentified chemicals can contribute to fires, toxic exposures, chemical burns, or dangerous chemical reactions.
Report missing or damaged labels to a supervisor immediately.
Employee Training Requirements
Employee training is a required part of OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard.
OSHA Standard 1910.1200(h) Employers shall provide employees with effective information and training on hazardous chemicals in their work area at the time of their initial assignment, and whenever a new chemical hazard the employees have not previously been trained about is introduced into their work area.
Training should include:
- The requirements of the Hazard Communication Standard
- Operations where hazardous chemicals are present
- Methods used to detect the presence or release of hazardous chemicals
- Physical and health hazards of chemicals in the work area
- Protective measures employees can use
- Details of the employer’s hazard communication program
- How to read labels and Safety Data Sheets
Workers should understand how to recognize chemical hazards and how to protect themselves from exposure.
Protecting Yourself From Chemical Hazards
Employees should always follow safe chemical handling procedures and use required protective measures when working with hazardous substances.
Safe Chemical Handling Practices
- Read labels before using chemicals.
- Review the Safety Data Sheet before handling unfamiliar chemicals.
- Wear required PPE such as gloves, goggles, face shields, or respirators.
- Use chemicals only for their intended purpose.
- Keep containers closed when not in use.
- Store chemicals properly.
- Wash hands after handling chemicals.
- Report leaks, spills, or damaged containers immediately.
- Never mix chemicals unless specifically instructed and trained to do so.
Why Hazard Communication Awareness Matters
Chemical hazards exist in many workplaces including construction sites, warehouses, manufacturing facilities, maintenance shops, laboratories, healthcare facilities, and office environments.
Without proper hazard communication, workers may unknowingly expose themselves to chemicals that can cause:
- Burns
- Respiratory illnesses
- Poisoning
- Skin irritation
- Eye injuries
- Fires or explosions
- Long-term health effects such as organ damage or cancer
An effective Hazard Communication Program helps employees recognize hazards, understand risks, and work more safely around hazardous chemicals every day.
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