 |
Hazard Communication |
|
| What is Hazard Communication? |
|
|
|
Chemicals pose a wide range of health hazards (such as irritation, sensitization, and carcinogenicity) and
physical hazards (such as flammability, corrosion, and reactivity). OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (HCS)
is designed to ensure that information about these hazards and associated protective measures is disseminated. This is accomplished by requiring chemical manufacturers and importers to evaluate the
hazards of the chemicals they produce or import, and to provide information about them through labels on shipped
containers and more detailed information sheets called material safety data sheets (MSDSs). All employers with
hazardous chemicals in their workplaces must prepare and implement a written hazard communication program, and
must ensure that all containers are labeled, employees are provided access to
MSDSs, and an effective training program is conducted for all potentially exposed employees.
The HCS provides people the right-to-know the hazards and identities of the chemicals they are exposed to in the
workplace. When employees have this information, they may effectively participate in their employers’ protective
programs and take steps to protect themselves. In addition, the standard gives employers the information they need
to design and implement an effective protective program for employees potentially exposed to hazardous chemicals.
Together these actions will result in a reduction of chemical source illnesses and injuries in American
workplaces.
|
|
|
|
Back to Top
