OSHA's Hazard Communication Requirements

Get answers to some of the most common questions surrounding OSHA's Hazard Communication Requirements.

The importance of the Hazard Communication Standard is multifaceted. The usefulness extends planning with hazard awareness training and regulatory imperatives. This information will further highlight additional benefits to employers, their employees as well as others who may come in contact with the facility. Hazardous communication within this topic is codified by statute as well as standards and regulations commonly referred to as the Hazard Communication Standard administered by the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration. In significant part, the topic will be conducted within the framework of CFR 1910.1200 and in keeping with provisions, which relate to covered workplace facilities. It is noted that any material which is explosive, flammable, poisonous, corrosive, reactive, or radioactive, or any combination, and requires special care in handling because of the hazards it poses to public health, safety, and/or the environment is a hazardous material. Also, any hazardous substance under the Clean Water Act, or any element, compound, mixture, solution, or substance designated under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA); Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA); Clean Water Act; Section 112 of the Clean Air Act; or Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Section 7 (Section 101(14) CERCLA) is a hazardous material. Though not part of this information, employers should also be mindful of the emergency planning and community right-to-know requirements. Hazards in the workplace come from various sources other than chemicals. Further information with universal application toward communicating what can be accomplished toward promoting safety for workers by way of effective communication urges you to keep in mind two important dynamics in this regard.