Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom) & SDS Essentials:

Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom) & SDS Essentials

At Your Safety Company, we believe that clear communication about workplace hazards is paramount to preventing injuries and illnesses. The OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom), often referred to as the "Right-to-Know" law, ensures that information about chemical hazards and protective measures is readily available to all employees.

This guide provides a simplified explanation of the HazCom standard, highlights the critical importance of Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and offers practical advice on how to use them effectively in your workplace.

What is the Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom)?

The HazCom Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200) is OSHA's regulation to ensure that the hazards of all chemicals produced or imported are evaluated, and that information concerning their hazards is transmitted to employers and employees.

The core idea is that everyone has a right to know about the chemicals they work with and how to protect themselves.

The "Big Three" of HazCom Compliance:

The standard is built around three main pillars that employers must implement:

  1. Labels: Chemical containers must be labeled with clear, concise information about the hazards.

  2. Safety Data Sheets (SDS): Detailed information about each chemical must be available through SDS.

  3. Training: Employees must be trained on how to understand labels and SDS, and how to protect themselves from chemical hazards.

The Importance of Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are the backbone of the HazCom Standard. They are comprehensive documents that provide detailed information about a hazardous chemical. Think of an SDS as a passport for a chemical, containing all the vital information you need to handle it safely.

Prior to 2012, these documents were called Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). The updated HazCom standard (aligned with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals - GHS) standardized the format to a 16-section SDS. This consistent format makes it easier for workers to find critical information quickly, regardless of the chemical or manufacturer.

Why are SDS Important?

  • Comprehensive Information: They provide much more detail than a label, covering everything from chemical properties to first aid measures.

  • Risk Assessment: They are essential tools for employers to conduct thorough risk assessments related to chemical exposure.

  • Emergency Response: In case of spills, fires, or medical emergencies involving chemicals, the SDS provides crucial information for first responders and medical personnel.

  • Employee Training: SDS are a primary resource for training employees on specific chemical hazards and safe handling procedures.

  • Compliance: Having readily accessible and up-to-date SDS for all hazardous chemicals is a fundamental requirement of the HazCom standard.

The 16 Sections of an SDS: What to Look For

The standardized 16-section format helps you quickly navigate and find the information you need:

  1. Identification: Product identifier, manufacturer/supplier contact information, recommended use, restrictions.

  2. Hazard(s) Identification: All hazards of the chemical and required label elements (pictograms, signal word, hazard statements, precautionary statements).

  3. Composition/Information on Ingredients: Chemical ingredients, trade secret claims.

  4. First-Aid Measures: Symptoms and effects (acute and delayed), required treatment.

  5. Fire-Fighting Measures: Suitable extinguishing techniques, specific hazards from the chemical, special protective equipment.

  6. Accidental Release Measures: Emergency procedures, protective equipment, proper containment and clean-up.

  7. Handling and Storage: Precautions for safe handling and storage, incompatibilities.

  8. Exposure Controls/Personal Protection: OSHA PELs, ACGIH TLVs, appropriate engineering controls, and recommended PPE (e.g., gloves, eye protection, respirators).

  9. Physical and Chemical Properties: Appearance, odor, pH, flash point, flammability, vapor pressure, etc.

  10. Stability and Reactivity: Chemical stability and possibility of hazardous reactions.

  11. Toxicological Information: Routes of exposure, symptoms related to exposure, acute and chronic effects.

  12. Ecological Information: Environmental impact (non-mandatory for OSHA, but often included).

  13. Disposal Considerations: Waste treatment methods (non-mandatory for OSHA, but often included).

  14. Transport Information: Shipping classification (non-mandatory for OSHA, but often included).

  15. Regulatory Information: Safety, health, and environmental regulations specific to the product (non-mandatory for OSHA, but often included).

  16. Other Information: Date of preparation or last revision.

How to Use SDS Effectively in Your Workplace

  1. Maintain an SDS Library:

    • Keep a current SDS for every hazardous chemical in your workplace.

    • Ensure they are readily accessible to all employees during their work shifts (electronically or in hard copy).

    • Organize them logically (e.g., alphabetically, by department).

  2. Employee Training:

    • Train all employees on the HazCom standard, including how to read and understand SDS.

    • Teach them where to find SDS and how to use the information to protect themselves.

    • Emphasize the importance of understanding the hazards and recommended PPE.

  3. Hazard Assessment:

    • Use the information in the SDS (especially Sections 2, 8, and 11) to conduct thorough hazard assessments for tasks involving chemicals.

    • Determine appropriate engineering controls, administrative controls, and PPE based on the SDS recommendations.

  4. Emergency Preparedness:

    • Integrate SDS information into your emergency response plans for spills, fires, and medical incidents.

    • Ensure first responders have access to relevant SDS during an emergency.

  5. Review and Update:

    • Regularly review your SDS library to ensure all sheets are current. Manufacturers are required to update SDS within three months of becoming aware of significant new information regarding a chemical's hazards or ways to protect against them.

    • Remove SDS for chemicals no longer in use.

Conclusion

The Hazard Communication Standard and Safety Data Sheets are powerful tools for creating a safer workplace. By understanding the hazards of the chemicals you work with and knowing how to access and interpret SDS, you empower yourself and your employees to make informed decisions that prevent injuries and illnesses. Your Safety Company is committed to providing the resources and equipment you need to achieve HazCom compliance and ensure a safe environment for everyone.