This sample Hazard Communication Program is provided by the Missouri On-Site Safety and Health Consultation Program. In order to comply with OSHA’s standard for Hazard Communication, 29 CFR 1910.1200, this written program must be site specific. Modify the template to reflect the policies and procedures at your company. Since OSHA regulations set minimum requirements, you may choose to add additional information to your site specific program. There is no requirement to follow this sample and its use does not guarantee compliance with the OSHA standard.
To prepare writing your program, please follow these steps:
1. Read the Hazard Communication Standard 29 CFR 1910.1200.
2. The following information may be useful in developing your program:
- OSHA's GHS Topic Page
- OSHA's Labels and Pictograms Brief
- OSHA's Training Requirements Fact Sheet
- Quick Card on Labeling Requirements
- Quick Card on new Safety Data Sheet Format
- Quick Card on Pictograms
3. Add information to make it site specific to your company.
4. For clarification or assistance, contact the Missouri On-Site Safety and Health Consultation at 573-522-SAFE.
Hazard Communication Program
(To customize, please complete and remove the highlighted areas of the program)
Date Created:
Date Reviewed:
1. Company Policy
To ensure that information about the dangers of all hazardous chemicals used by (Name of Company) is known by all affected workers, the following Hazard Communication Program has been implemented. Under this program, workers will be informed of the requirements of the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard, the operations where exposure to hazardous chemicals may occur, and how workers can access this program, as well as labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDSs).
This program applies to any chemical which is known to be present in the workplace in such a manner that workers may be exposed under normal conditions of use or in a foreseeable emergency. All work areas that involve potential exposure to chemicals are part of the Hazard Communication Program. Copies of the Hazard Communication Program are available in the (Location) for review by any interested worker.
(Name of person or job title) is the program coordinator, with overall responsibility for the program, including reviewing and updating this program as necessary.
2. Chemical Inventory (Attach list)
A list is attached to this program that identifies all hazardous chemicals with a potential for employee exposure at this workplace. Detailed information about the physical, health, and other hazards of each chemical is included in a SDS; the product identifier for each chemical on the list matches and can be easily cross-referenced with the product identifier on its label and on its SDS.
3. Safety Data Sheets (Name of Company) will obtain a SDS for each hazardous chemical from the distributor or supplier.
SDSs are readily available to all employees during their work shifts. Employees can review SDSs for all hazardous chemicals used at this workplace. (Identify the file location if they are stored in a paper file. Describe how to access them if they are stored electronically).
The SDSs are updated and managed by (Name of persons or job title responsible for managing SDS). If a SDS is not immediately available for a hazardous chemical, employees can obtain the required information by calling (Name of persons or job title responsible for providing information in an emergency).
SDSs for chemicals that are no longer actively used will be kept in an archived file for 30 years.
4. Labeling Containers of Hazardous Chemicals
The labeling system to be used by (Name of Company) will follow the requirements in the 2012 revision of the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard and will be consistent with the United Nations Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of Classification of Labeling of Chemicals. The label on the chemical is intended to convey information about the hazards posed by the chemical through standardized label elements, including symbols, signal words and hazard statements.
All hazardous chemical containers used at this workplace will have:
- The original manufacturer’s label that includes a product identifier, an appropriate signal word, hazard statement(s), pictogram(s), precautionary statement(s) and the name, address, and telephone number of the chemical manufacturer, importer, or other responsible party;
- A label with the appropriate elements previously described;
- Workplace labeling that includes the product identifier and words, pictures, symbols, or combination that provides at least general information regarding the hazards of the chemicals.
(Name of persons or job title of employee managing container labeling)will ensure that all containers are appropriately labeled. No container will be released for use until this information is verified. Workplace labels will be legible and in English.
Small quantities intended for immediate use may be placed in a container without a label, provided that the individual keeps it in their possession at all times and the product is used up during the work shift or properly disposed of at the end of the work day.
5. Training Employees about Chemical Hazards
Before they start their jobs or are exposed to new hazardous chemicals, employees must attend a hazard communication training that covers the following topics:
- An overview of the requirements in OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard;
- Hazardous chemicals present in their workplace;
- Any operations in their work area where hazardous chemicals are used;
- The location of the written Hazard Communication Program and where it may be reviewed;
- How to understand and use the information on labels and in SDSs;
- Physical and health hazards of the chemicals in their work areas;
- Methods used to detect the presence or release of hazardous chemicals in the work area;
- Steps we have taken to prevent or reduce exposure to these chemicals;
- How employees can protect themselves from exposure to these hazardous chemicals through use of engineering controls/work practices and personal protective equipment (PPE);
- An explanation of any special labeling present in the workplace;
- What are pictograms?
- What are the signal words?
- What are the hazard statements?
- What are the precautionary statements?
- Emergency procedures to follow if an employee is exposed to these chemicals.
(Name of persons or job title responsible for managing the training program) is responsible to ensure that employees receive this training. After attending the training, employees will sign a form verifying that they understand the above topics and how the topics are related to our Hazard Communication Program.
6. Informing Employees about Non-routine Tasks
Before employees perform special (non-routine) tasks that may expose them to hazardous chemicals, (Name of persons or job title) will inform them about the chemicals’ hazards. They also will inform them about how to control exposure and what to do in an emergency. The employer will evaluate the hazards of these tasks and provide appropriate controls including PPE and additional training as required.
Examples of special tasks that may expose employees to hazardous chemicals include the following:(include examples of special (non-routine) tasks).
7. Chemicals in Unlabeled Pipes
Work activities may be performed by workers in areas where chemicals are transferred through unlabeled pipes. Prior to starting work in these areas, the worker shall be informed by (Name of persons or job title) about the identity and hazards of the chemicals in the pipe, as well as precautionary measures required to be followed.
8. Informing Contractors and Other Employers about Hazardous Chemicals
If employees of other employer(s) may be exposed to hazardous chemicals at our workplace (for example, employees of a construction contractor working on-site), it is the responsibility of (Name of persons or job title) to provide contractors and their employees with the following information:
- SDSs for hazardous chemicals to which they may be exposed while on the work site;
- Precautions the employees may take to lessen the possibility of exposure by usage of appropriate protective measures;
- The labeling system used in the work place.
(Name of persons or job title) will also obtain a SDS for any hazardous chemical a contractor brings into the workplace.
Sample Chemical Inventory List
|
Product Identifier |
Trade Name |
Operation/Department Used |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Format of SDSs as part of Global Harmonization System
Section 1, Identification includes product identifier; manufacturer or distributor name, address, phone number; emergency phone number; recommended use; restrictions on use.
Section 2, Hazard(s) identification includes all hazards regarding the chemical; required label elements.
Section 3, Composition/information on ingredients includes information on chemical ingredients; trade secret claims.
Section 4, First-aid measures includes important symptoms/effects, acute, delayed; required treatment.
Section 5, Fire-fighting measures lists suitable extinguishing techniques, equipment; chemical hazards from fire.
Section 6, Accidental release measures lists emergency procedures; protective equipment; proper methods of containment and cleanup.
Section 7, Handling and storage lists precautions for safe handling and storage, including incompatibilities.
Section 8, Exposure controls/personal protection lists OSHA's Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs); Threshold Limit Values (TLVs); appropriate engineering controls; PPE.
Section 9, Physical and chemical properties lists the chemical's characteristics.
Section 10, Stability and reactivity lists chemical stability and possibility of hazardous reactions.
Section 11, Toxicological information includes routes of exposure; related symptoms, acute and chronic effects; numerical measures of toxicity.
Section 12, Ecological information*
Section 13, Disposal considerations*
Section 14, Transport information*
Section 15, Regulatory information*
Section 16, Other information, includes the date of preparation or last revision.
*Note: Since other Agencies regulate this information, OSHA will not be enforcing Sections 12 through 15 (29 CFR 1910.1200(g)(2)).
HCS Pictograms and Hazards
Text Version of HCS Pictogram and Hazards
Sample Label 
Hazard Communication Training Roster
Training Performed By:
|
Employee Name |
Employee Signature |
Training Date |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|