What is a hazcom deficiency?
A HazCom deficiency is a violation of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) Hazard Communication Standard (HCS). The HCS is a set of regulations that require employers to provide employees with information about the hazardous chemicals they may be exposed to in the workplace. This information must include the chemical's identity, its physical and chemical properties, its health effects, and the precautions that employees must take to protect themselves from exposure to the chemical.
HazCom deficiencies can occur for a variety of reasons, including:
* Failure to provide employees with access to safety data sheets (SDSs). SDSs are detailed documents that provide comprehensive information about hazardous chemicals. Employers are required to maintain SDSs for all of the hazardous chemicals in their workplace and to make them readily accessible to employees.
* Failure to train employees on the HCS. Employees must be trained on the HCS before they can work with hazardous chemicals. This training must include information about the HCS requirements, the hazardous chemicals in the workplace, and the precautions that employees must take to protect themselves from exposure to hazardous chemicals.
* Failure to label hazardous chemicals properly. Hazardous chemicals must be labeled with the chemical's identity, its physical and chemical properties, and its health effects. The label must also include instructions on how to use the chemical safely.
* Failure to develop and implement a written HazCom program. Employers are required to develop and implement a written HazCom program that describes how they will comply with the HCS requirements. This program must include procedures for identifying and evaluating hazardous chemicals, training employees on the HCS, labeling hazardous chemicals, and providing employees with access to SDSs.
HazCom deficiencies can pose a serious risk to employees' health and safety. By complying with the HCS requirements, employers can help to protect their employees from exposure to hazardous chemicals and reduce the risk of accidents and injuries.