Hazard Communication Requirements

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is responsible for the creation of health and safety policies and procedures in the workplace. OSHA is also responsible for maintaining compliance and enforcement of the policies it creates across America. OSHA outlines hazard communication requirements in relation to material safety data sheets (MSDS), labeling of chemicals and employee training.

MSDS

• Material safety data sheets include information on potentially hazardous chemicals. MSDSs must include chemical identity, manufacturer information, physical and chemical characteristics, reactivity information and safe handling instructions. OSHA requires that all chemicals in the workplace have a MSDS and that each sheet be located in an accessible area to all employees. The location of MSDSs must be easily and quickly referenced in the case of an accident.

Training

• OSHA hazard communication requirements include minimum training requirements of all employees. All employees must receive training on methods of detecting the presence of hazardous chemicals, the hazards of the chemicals available in the workplace, procedures to prevent exposure to chemical hazards and details of the workplace specific hazard communication program. This includes training the employee on proper personal protective equipment, the location of MSDSs and the appearance or odor of hazardous chemicals being released.

Labels

• OSHA requires the labeling of hazardous materials in the effort to communicate the danger of chemicals and substances to all individuals. Compliance labels include chemical, caution, biohazard warning, biohazard lab and hazardous waste. The chemical label must be affixed to areas such as disinfecting tubs, containers of amalgam capsules, chemiclaves and manufacturer's bottles without warnings. Labels contain information also found in MSDSs. Labels go directly on the chemical or area as a preventative measure.