5 Steps to HAZCOM Compliance
5 Steps to HazCom Compliane
Welcome to another HSI Safe in 60.
If you work with hazardous chemicals, communication must be clear and quick.
OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, requires five clear elements:
- a written program
- a chemical inventory
- safety data sheets or SDSs
- labels
- employee training
A written hazard communication, or HazCom program must outline how to handle hazardous chemicals in their facilities and how employees can stay safe.
A complete chemical inventory means an up-to-date listing of all the hazardous chemicals on site.
An SDSs must be "readily accessible" to all employees, whether online or in print, for each hazardous chemical on site.
Any chemicals on site need container labels with product identifiers, signal words, hazard statements, pictograms, precautionary statements, and contact information for the responsible party.
If an employee may be exposed, they must be trained.
They should know how to use, store, transport, and dispose of chemicals.
They should also learn about SDSs, precautions, first aid procedures, and specific hazards for each chemical at their location. A lot of this might seem like paperwork, but a mislabeled container could mean a trip to the emergency ROOM.
If you're in the United States, HazCom is not optional – it's the law.
That's it for this safety minute. Your safety is always worth the extra minute.