What is a hazard communication standard?

This guideline is enforced by Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). It requires employers to comply in the following areas:

• Chemical manufacturers and importers are required to evaluate the hazards of the chemicals they produce or import and prepare labels and safety data sheets to convey the hazard information to their downstream customers.

• All employers with hazardous chemicals in their workplaces must have labels and safety data sheets for their exposed or potentially exposed workers. Employers also must properly train workers to handle the chemicals.

• Employers must provide hazard classification. There are specific criteria for the classification of health and physical hazards, including the classification of mixtures.

• Chemical manufacturers and importers are required to provide employees with a label that includes a harmonized signal word, picture, and hazard statement for each hazard class and category. Precautionary statements must also be provided to workers.

• Employers are required to train employees on the new labels, elements, and safety data sheet format to facilitate recognition and understanding.