Hazard communication: what the standard asks of you
8 scenes, about 2.4 minEvaluate, then tell people
Every chemical produced or imported has to be evaluated for its hazards, and what that evaluation finds has to reach the people who work with it. That is the whole point of the hazard communication standard.
Visual: A drum of chemical on the left, an information flow line running right toward a worker icon.
Scope: normal use and emergencies
It applies to any chemical known to be present in the workplace in a way that could expose an employee under normal use, or in a foreseeable emergency. Coverage is wide on purpose.
Visual: A floor plan of a plant with shaded zones marking where covered chemicals sit.
Who classifies what
Chemical manufacturers and importers classify the hazards of what they make. Employers are not required to classify, but they do have to pass on the classification they receive.
Visual: Two columns, manufacturer and employer, with a handoff arrow between their duties.
The written program
Each workplace needs a written hazard communication program. It describes how labels, safety data sheets and training will be handled, and it lists the hazardous chemicals present.
Visual: A document outline with three labelled sections: labels, data sheets, training.
Six things on every label
Shipped containers carry a label with the product identifier, a signal word, hazard statements, pictograms, precautionary statements, and the name and address of the responsible party.
Visual: A container label drawn as six numbered callouts around a diamond pictogram.
16 sections, always accessible
Safety data sheets follow a fixed sixteen section order, so the same information is always in the same place. They must be readily accessible to employees in their work area during every shift.
Visual: A grid of sixteen numbered tiles, with the accessibility tiles highlighted.
Train on day one, and on change
Employees get information and training on hazardous chemicals in their work area at the time of their initial assignment, and again whenever a new hazard is introduced.
Visual: A timeline with two marked points: first assignment, and a new chemical arriving.
What training has to cover
Training covers how to detect a release, the physical and health hazards involved, how to protect yourself, and how to read the labels and the data sheets. That last part is what turns paperwork into safety.
Visual: Four cards fanned out: detect, hazards, protect, read the paperwork.