Hazard Communication Program
1. Purpose
1.1. To ensure that all affected employees are aware of the dangers of all hazardous chemicals
used by (Insert Company Name), this Hazard Communication Program has been established.
2. Policy
2.1. (Insert Company Name) is committed to preventing exposures which could result in an injury
and/or illness and to complying with all applicable health and safety rules. We have adopted
this program to prevent illness and injury produced by exposure to liquids, solids, gases
vapors, fumes and mists and to comply with the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard, 29
CFR §1910.1200.
3. Eligibility
3.1. This program applies to all employees at (Insert Company Name)’s (Insert location name)
location with potential exposures to hazardous chemicals in the workplace.
4. Definitions
4.1. Administrative Control: Changes in work procedures such as written safety policies, rules,
supervision, schedules, and training with the goal of reducing the duration, frequency, and
severity of exposure to hazardous chemicals or situations.
4.2. Engineering Control: A control method that eliminates or reduces exposure to a chemical or
physical hazard through the use of engineered machinery or equipment. Examples include
self-capping syringe needles, ventilation systems such as a fume hood, sound-dampening
materials to reduce noise levels, safety interlocks, and radiation shielding.
4.3. Hazardous Chemical: Any chemical that poses a physical or health hazard.
4.4. Mixture: A solution composed of two or more substances in which they do not react.
4.5. OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Administration): Under the U.S. Department of Labor,
responsible for the regulation and enforcement of U.S. labor laws.
4.6. PPE (Personal Protective Equipment): Refers to protective clothing, helmets, goggles, or
other garment or equipment designed to protect the wearer's body from injury by blunt
impacts, electrical hazards, heat, chemicals, and infection, for job-related occupational safety
and health purposes.
4.7. Precautionary Statement: A phrase (and/or pictogram) that describes recommended
measures that should be taken to minimize or prevent adverse effects resulting from
exposure to a hazardous product, or improper storage or handling of a hazardous product.
4.8. Primary Container: Container in which the product is received from the manufacturer or
distributor.
4.9. Safety Data Sheet (SDS): A document that provides detailed information and a chemical
breakdown of a particular hazardous substance or mixture. Refer to Appendix B for
information about SDS contents.
4.10. Secondary Container: Container in which the product is dispensed into for use (e.g., squeeze
bottle).
5. Procedures
5.1. Identifying hazardous chemicals
5.1.1. The Position Title will maintain a list of all hazardous chemicals used in the facility, and
update the list as necessary. The hazardous chemical list will be updated upon receipt
of hazardous chemicals at the facility. The list of hazardous chemicals is located (Insert
Location).
5.1.2. The product identifier for each chemical on the list shall match the product identifier on
its label and on SDS.
5.2. Safety Data Sheets (SDSs)
5.2.1. The Position Title will maintain a SDS for every substance on the list of hazardous
chemicals. A library of SDSs will be kept (Insert Location). The SDS will also be kept
electronically (varies by employer – your organization will make this determination).
5.2.2. SDSs are readily available to all employees during their work shifts. Employees may
review SDSs for hazardous chemicals used in the workplace at any time.
5.2.3. Each time a new product is purchased or introduced to the facility a current (no more
than 5 years old or each time there is a revision) SDS will be obtained. The Position
Title will review each SDS to determine the known, or potential, hazards present to
determine if the chemical should be allowed into the facility. Whenever possible a less
hazardous substance should be procured. Upon review The Position Title will then
enter the chemical into the list of hazardous chemicals and will file the SDS
appropriately.
5.2.4. SDSs must be received at the facility either prior to, or at the time of receipt of the first
shipment of any potentially hazardous chemical purchased from a vendor. It may be
necessary to discontinue procurement from vendors failing to provide approved, and
current, SDSs in a timely manner.
5.2.5. Refer to Appendix B for information about the general format of SDSs.
5.3. Labels and Other Forms of Warning
5.3.1. It is the responsibility of all employees to ensure that all hazardous chemicals in the
facility are properly labeled. No container of chemicals may be used without the
proper labeling as described below. All workplace labels must be legible and
prominently displayed.
5.3.2. Primary Container Labels – Each container of hazardous chemicals received from the
chemical manufacturer, importer or distributor will be labeled with the following
information:
5.3.2.1. Product identifier
5.3.2.2. Signal word
5.3.2.3. Hazard statement(s)
5.3.2.4. Pictogram(s)
5.3.2.5. Precautionary statement(s)
5.3.2.6. Name, address and telephone number of the chemical manufacturer, importer
or other responsible party
5.3.3. Secondary Container Labels – When a chemical is transferred from the original
container to a portable or secondary container (e.g., a squeeze bottle), the container
will be labeled, tagged or marked with a GHS label containing either of the following
information:
5.3.3.1. All the information specified for the primary container labels; or
5.3.3.2. The product identifier and words, pictures, symbols, or a combination that
provide at least general information about the hazards of the chemicals, as
described on the chemical’s primary container label and/or in its SDS.
5.3.4. Refer to Appendix A for additional information related to labels and an example label.
5.4. Training
5.4.1. Each employee who works with or is potentially exposed to hazardous chemicals will
receive hazard communication training at the beginning of employment and whenever
a new hazard is introduced into their work area. This training will include information
about the following topics:
5.4.1.1. Requirements of this program and the OSHA hazard communication rules.
5.4.1.2. Hazardous chemicals present in their workplace and the chemicals’ applicable
hazards.
5.4.1.3. Any operations in their work area where hazardous chemicals are used.
5.4.1.4. How to understand and use the information on labels and in SDSs.
5.4.1.5. Methods used to detect the presence or release of hazardous chemicals in the
work area.
5.4.1.6. Steps taken to prevent or reduce exposure to hazardous chemicals.
5.4.1.7. How employees can protect themselves from exposure to these hazardous
chemicals through use of engineering controls/work practices and personal
protective equipment.
5.4.1.8. An explanation labeling present in the workplace.
5.4.1.9. Procedures to follow if there is a release of hazardous chemicals or if an
employee is exposed to these chemicals.
5.4.2. The Position Title is responsible to ensure that employees receive this training and will
monitor and maintain records of employee training.
5.4.3. After attending the training, employees will sign a form verifying that they understand
the above topics and how the topics are related to our hazard communication plan. An
example form to use is included in Appendix C.
5.5. Non-Routine Tasks
5.5.1. Before employees perform special (non-routine) tasks that may expose them to
hazardous chemicals, The Position Title will inform them about the chemicals’ hazards,
about how to control exposure, and what to do in an emergency. The Position Title
will evaluate the hazards of these tasks and provide appropriate controls including
Personal Protective Equipment and any additional training as required.
5.5.2. Examples of special (non-routine) tasks that may expose employees to hazardous
chemicals include the following: (include examples of special (non-routine) tasks).
5.6. Contractors
5.6.1. If employees of other employer(s) may be exposed to hazardous chemicals at the
workplace, (e.g., employees of a construction contractor working on-site) it is the
responsibility of The Position Title to provide contractors and their employees with the
following information:
5.6.1.1. The identity of any chemicals that the contractors may be exposed to;
5.6.1.2. How to review the chemicals’ SDSs;
5.6.1.3. Workplace labeling system; and
5.6.1.4. Safe work practices and personal protective equipment to prevent exposure.
5.6.2. The Position Title] will also obtain a Safety Data Sheet for any hazardous chemical a
contractor brings into the workplace.
5.7. Additional Information
5.7.1. Further information on this written program, the hazard communication standard, and
applicable Safety Data Sheets is available through The Position Titles.
6. Responsibilities
6.1. The Position Title (e.g., Safety Coordinator, Safety Manager, Operations Manager, etc.)
6.1.1. Ensures this program and its associated documentation is completed and maintained,
including a hazardous chemicals list, SDSs and training documentation.
6.1.2. Reviews and approves new chemicals.
6.1.3. Develops training materials and trains employees on the topics required by this
program.
6.1.4. Identifies hazardous chemicals used in non-routine tasks and assesses their risks.
6.1.5. Informs outside contractors who are performing work on company property about
potential hazards.
6.1.6. Ensure employees have access to this written program.
6.1.7. Reviews the effectiveness of this program to make sure that it satisfies the
requirements of all applicable federal, state or local requirements.
6.2. The Position Title (e.g., Managers, Supervisors, Line Management, etc.)
6.2.1. Ensures no unlabeled products containing hazardous chemicals will be released for use
until containers are appropriately labeled.
6.2.2. Ensures employees are trained about the specific hazards of the chemicals in their work
area, and all aspects of the Hazard Communication Program.
6.2.3. Ensures employees follow safe work practices in handling hazardous chemicals and in
using equipment that contain hazardous chemicals.
6.2.4. Informs employees about the addition of a new hazard classification / chemical
category to their work area at the time of introduction.
6.3. The Position Title (e.g., receiving department, purchasing department, etc.)
6.3.1. Requires that SDS documentation be provided by vendors as a condition of the
purchase of hazardous chemicals.
6.3.2. Sends updated SDSs to The Position Title when they are received.
6.3.3. Reviews incoming hazardous chemicals to verify correct labeling.
6.3.4. Holds hazardous chemicals in the receiving area until receipt of the SDS for the product.
6.4. The Position Title (e.g., Employees)
6.4.1. Understands the chemical hazards and health effects from potential exposures through
the use of labels, SDSs, and training.
6.4.2. Uses controls and/or personal protective equipment provided by the company to
minimize exposure.
6.4.3. Understands how to detect and respond to hazard chemical spills and hazardous
chemical exposures.
6.4.4. Notifies The Position Title of torn, damaged or illegible labels or of unlabeled
containers.
6.4.5. Knows and understands the consequences associated with not following company
policy concerning the safe handling and use of chemicals.
6.4.6. Participates in all required training.
7. Associated Documents
7.1. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Hazard Communication Standard,
29 CFR 1910.1200
Appendices
Appendix A: Understanding the Material Labeling System
Appendix B: Understanding the Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
Appendix C: Employee Training Evaluation Sheet
Appendix A: Understanding the Material Labeling System
“Product Identifier” is how the hazardous chemical is identified. This can be (but is not limited to) the
chemical name, code number or batch number. The manufacturer, importer or distributor can decide
the appropriate product identifier.
“Signal word” - A word used to indicate the relative level of severity of hazard and alert the reader to a
potential hazard on the label.

“Danger” is used for the more severe hazards,

“Warning” is used for the less severe
“Hazard statement” - A statement assigned to a hazard class and category that describes the nature of
the hazard(s) of a chemical, including, where appropriate, the degree of hazard.

For example: Harmful if inhaled [for Category 4 Acute Toxicity - Inhalation]
“Pictogram” means a composition that may include a symbol plus other graphic elements, such as a
border, background pattern, or color, that is intended to convey specific information about the hazards
of a chemical.
The GHS uses nine pictograms to convey the health, physical, and environmental hazards. The final
rule requires eight of these pictograms, the exception being the environment pictogram, since
environmental hazards are not within OSHA’s jurisdiction.
“Precautionary statement” means a phrase that describes recommended measures that should be
taken to minimize or prevent adverse effects resulting from exposure to a hazardous chemical, or
improper storage or handling.
For example: Wear face protection [for Explosives, Division 1.1]
Below is an example of a Primary Container Label:
Appendix B: Understanding the Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
The basic information found in a Safety Data Sheet is:

What it is

Who makes or sells it

Why is it hazardous

How can you be exposed to the hazard

What conditions could increase the hazard

How to handle the substance safely

What protection to use while working with it

What to do if exposed or if there is a spill or emergency
Safety Data Sheet Format
1. Section 1, Identification includes product identifier; manufacturer or distributor name,
address, phone number; emergency phone number; recommended use; restrictions on use.
2. Section 2, Hazard(s) identification includes all hazards regarding the chemical; required label
elements.
3. Section 3, Composition/information on ingredients identifies the ingredient(s) contained in
the product, including impurities and stabilizing additives. This section includes information on
substances, mixtures, and all chemicals where a trade secret is claimed.
4. Section 4, First-aid measures includes important symptoms/ effects, acute, delayed; required
treatment.
5. Section 5, Fire-fighting measures lists suitable extinguishing techniques, equipment; chemical
hazards from fire.
6. Section 6, Accidental release measures lists emergency procedures; protective equipment;
proper methods of containment and cleanup.
7. Section 7, Handling and storage lists precautions for safe handling and storage, including
incompatibilities.
8. Section 8, Exposure controls/personal protection indicates the exposure limits, engineering
controls, and personal protective equipment (PPE) that can be used to minimize worker
exposure.
9. Section 9, Physical and chemical properties lists the physical and chemical properties
associated with the substance or mixture.
10. Section 10, Stability and reactivity lists chemical stability and possibility of hazardous
reactions.
11. Section 11, Toxicological information includes routes of exposure; related symptoms, acute
and chronic effects; numerical measures of toxicity. This section identifies toxicological and
health effects information or indicates that such data are not available.
12. Section 12, Ecological information provides information to evaluate the environmental impact
of the chemical(s) if it were released to the environment.
13. Section 13, Disposal considerations provides guidance on proper disposal practices, recycling
or reclamation of the chemical(s) or its container, and safe handling practices.
14. Section 14, Transport information provides guidance on classification information for shipping
and transporting of hazardous chemical(s) by road, air, rail, or sea.
15. Section 15, Regulatory information identifies the safety, health, and environmental
regulations specific for the product that is not indicated anywhere else on the SDS.
16. Section 16, Other information, includes the date of preparation or last revision.
Appendix C: Employee Training Evaluation Sheet
____________________________
(Print Employee Name)
Instructions: Place an “X” in the appropriate box. If you mark “NO”, please explain on the back of
this evaluation form. You may also use the back of this sheet to give any comments you may have
on how to improve the Hazard Communication Program training.
Yes
1. The requirements of the Federal Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR
1910.1200) have been explained to me.
2. I have been told the operations in my work area where hazardous chemicals are
present.
3. I have been told when and where I may view the company’s written Hazard
Communication Program, list of hazardous chemicals and Safety Data Sheets for
each hazardous chemical in my work area.
4. I have been taught the methods and observations that will help me detect the
release of any hazardous chemical in my work area.
5. I have been taught the physical and health hazards that the hazardous chemicals in
my work area present.
6. I have been instructed in the measures that I can take to help protect myself from
accidental overexposure to the hazardous chemicals in my work area.
7. I have been instructed how to obtain and use the hazard information contained in
the written Hazard Communication Program, the labeling system used by my
facility, and the Safety Data Sheets that are available to me.
_____________________________________
(Employee Signature)
No
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(Date)
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