What Must Be Covered in HAZCOM Training?

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1200(h)(3) states that training must include:

• Methods used to detect the presence or release of hazardous chemicals in the work area
• The physical and health hazards of chemicals in the work area
• Protective measures employees can take, such as proper PPE use and emergency procedures
• Details of the company’s hazard communication program, including labeling systems and safety data sheets

Our hazard communication training programs detail all of these things and more. Each training kit can be purchased in USB or DVD format and in English or Spanish. It includes everything you need to facilitate in-house training, including a safety video, PowerPoint, presenter’s guide, quiz, and certificate of completion. Choose from general industry or specific courses that can be reused as many times as needed. We also offer online course options.

Providing hazardous materials training will keep you compliant with OSHA’s HAZCOM standard and increase workplace safety.

Who Needs Hazard Communication Safety Training?

Any employee who may be exposed to hazardous chemicals must receive HAZCOM training. Employers are responsible for providing this training and ensuring that employees understand the hazards they may encounter, how to read labels and safety data sheets, and how to follow your company’s hazard communication procedures.

When Must HAZCOM Training Be Completed?

HAZCOM training must be completed when employees first start the job and anytime a new chemical is introduced [1910.1200(h)(1)]. The training can cover categories of hazards or specific chemicals. Either way, detailed information about each chemical should always be available on labels and safety data sheets.

How Often Is HAZCOM Training Required?

OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard, also known as the Right-to-Know Law, doesn’t detail specific intervals for training, other than providing training for any new hazards that are introduced. However, to ensure that employees are practicing safe habits, you should provide periodic refresher training. Our reusable training kits make it easy to conduct annual refreshers or retrain employees when needed.

What Are the Five Requirements for HAZCOM?

Training is only one element of hazard communication. The Hazard Communication Standard details five HAZCOM requirements that businesses must adhere to if they have chemical hazards in the workplace. These are:

• Chemical inventory: A list of hazardous chemicals in the workplace
• Safety data sheets (SDS): Detailed information sheets for all chemicals in the workplace
• Labeling: Proper labeling of all hazardous chemicals, including pictograms, hazard statements, and precautionary statements
• Training: Effective training for employees on chemical hazards and protective measures
• Written hazard communication program: A document that describes how the standard is being implemented and what company procedures are

How Has the Hazard Communication Standard Evolved?

In 2012, the HCS was amended to align with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals. Major changes included criteria for hazard classification, labels, safety data sheets, and training. This helped standardize the way chemical hazard information is communicated across different countries.

In addition to OSHA HAZCOM training, we also offer specific GHS training videos. Whether you need general HAZCOM training or GHS-focused instruction, our kits make compliance easy.