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What Is OSHA HazCom? A Complete Guide to Hazard Communication

Tellus EHS Team·

What Is OSHA HazCom?

The OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (HCS), also known as HazCom or the "Right to Know" law, is a federal regulation under **29 CFR 1910.1200** that requires employers to inform workers about chemical hazards in the workplace. It's one of the most frequently cited OSHA standards — and one of the most important for worker safety.

The standard ensures that chemical manufacturers, importers, distributors, and employers communicate chemical hazard information to workers through labels, Safety Data Sheets (SDSs), and training programs.

Who Does HazCom Apply To?

HazCom applies to virtually every workplace in America that uses, stores, or handles chemicals. This includes:

  • Manufacturing plants
  • Auto repair shops
  • Pest control companies
  • Agricultural operations
  • Laboratories
  • Cleaning services
  • Construction sites
  • Any business using chemical products

If your employees could be exposed to hazardous chemicals during normal work or in foreseeable emergencies, you need a HazCom program.

The Three Pillars of HazCom Compliance

1. Safety Data Sheets (SDSs)

Every hazardous chemical in your workplace must have a corresponding SDS — a standardized 16-section document that provides detailed information about the chemical's properties, hazards, safe handling, and emergency procedures.

Key requirements: - Maintain SDSs for every hazardous chemical on-site - Ensure SDSs are readily accessible to all employees during their shifts - Keep SDSs up to date (manufacturers must update within 3 months of new information)

2. Labels and Warnings

All chemical containers must have proper GHS-compliant labels that include: - Product identifier (chemical name) - Signal word (DANGER or WARNING) - Hazard statements (H-codes describing the nature of the hazard) - Pictograms (standardized diamond-shaped symbols) - Precautionary statements (how to handle safely) - Supplier information

3. Training

Employers must train employees on: - The HazCom standard and the company's written program - How to read and interpret SDSs - How to read and interpret chemical labels - Physical and health hazards of chemicals in their work area - Protective measures and emergency procedures

Training must occur at the time of initial assignment and whenever a new chemical hazard is introduced.

Building a Written HazCom Program

OSHA requires every covered employer to have a **written Hazard Communication Program**. This document must describe how your company implements each element of the HCS:

  1. **Chemical inventory list** — A complete list of all hazardous chemicals present at each worksite
  2. **SDS management procedures** — How you obtain, maintain, and provide access to SDSs
  3. **Labeling procedures** — How containers are labeled and who is responsible
  4. **Training program** — How employees are trained and how training is documented
  5. **Non-routine tasks** — Procedures for handling chemicals during unusual activities
  6. **Multi-employer workplaces** — How you communicate hazard information to contractors

Common HazCom Violations

HazCom consistently ranks in OSHA's Top 10 most-cited standards. The most common violations include:

  • No written HazCom program
  • Missing or incomplete SDSs
  • Employees not trained on chemical hazards
  • Secondary containers without proper labels
  • Chemical inventory not up to date
  • SDSs not readily accessible

How Technology Can Help

Modern HazCom compliance doesn't require binders full of paper SDSs and manual tracking spreadsheets. Digital platforms like Tellus EHS can:

  • **Automate SDS management** — AI-powered SDS parsing and searchable digital libraries
  • **Simplify inventory tracking** — Barcode scanning and photo capture for instant chemical logging
  • **Generate written programs** — AI-assisted HazCom program creation tailored to your business
  • **Track training compliance** — Automated assignment, scheduling, and certification tracking
  • **Provide mobile access** — SDS sheets available on any device, anywhere, anytime

Getting Started

If you're starting from scratch or looking to modernize your HazCom program, here's a simple roadmap:

  1. Conduct a chemical inventory audit
  2. Gather or update SDSs for all chemicals
  3. Write (or generate) your Written HazCom Program
  4. Label all chemical containers properly
  5. Train all employees
  6. Set up a system for ongoing maintenance

The good news? You don't have to do it alone. Tellus EHS was built to make every step faster, easier, and more reliable.