Hazard Communication (HazCom) Awareness
Overview
The Hazard Communication Standard ensures workers have the right to know about chemical hazards in their workplace. This system includes standardized labels, safety data sheets, and training to protect workers from chemical exposures and accidents.
Why This Is Important
Chemical exposures cause thousands of workplace illnesses and injuries annually. Without proper hazard communication, workers may unknowingly use dangerous chemicals improperly, mix incompatible substances, or fail to use appropriate protection, leading to burns, poisoning, or long-term health effects.
The HazCom standard creates a universal language for chemical hazards that protects workers regardless of their experience level or language barriers. Understanding these communication tools can literally save lives and prevent permanent health damage.
Best Practices & Safety Tips
Read Labels First
Always read chemical labels before using any product. Labels contain critical hazard warnings and basic safety precautions including product identifier, hazard pictograms, signal words, and precautionary statements.
Understand SDS
Safety Data Sheets provide detailed information about chemical properties, hazards, and emergency procedures with 16 standardized sections covering exposure controls, first aid measures, and emergency procedures.
Attend Training
Participate in HazCom training to understand how to interpret labels, use SDS information, and protect yourself through chemical identification, hazard recognition, protective measures, and emergency response.
Know Pictograms
GHS pictograms provide instant visual recognition of chemical hazard types and severity levels including fire and explosion, health hazards, environmental dangers, and physical hazards.
Chemical Inventory
Maintain current list of all hazardous chemicals in use at your workplace, including location and quantities.
Proper Storage
Store chemicals according to SDS requirements, separating incompatible materials and maintaining proper conditions.
Use Required PPE
Wear personal protective equipment specified on labels and SDS for each chemical you work with.
Know Emergency Procedures
Understand spill cleanup, first aid, and emergency contact information for all chemicals in your work area.
Additional Safety Measures
- Dispose Properly - Follow SDS guidelines for safe disposal of chemical waste and contaminated materials
- Regular Updates - Ensure SDS are current and accessible to all workers
- Language Considerations - Provide translated materials when needed for non-English speaking workers
- Workplace Labeling - Maintain proper labeling on secondary containers and transfer vessels
Discussion Questions
- Where can you find SDS for chemicals used in your work area?
- What hazardous chemicals do we use most commonly in our work?
- Who should you contact if you have questions about chemical hazards?
- How can we improve chemical hazard communication in our workplace?
Action Items
- Locate and review SDS for chemicals in your work area
- Identify and understand GHS pictograms on chemical containers
- Ensure proper PPE is available for chemical handling tasks
- Report missing or damaged chemical labels immediately
Related Safety Topics
- Safety Data Sheets (SDS) - What You Need to Know
- Labeling and Handling Chemicals Safely
- Personal Protective Equipment
Takeaway: Hazard communication protects you by providing the information needed to work safely with chemicals. Take time to read labels, understand SDS information, and follow safety precautions. Your health and safety depend on using this information to make informed decisions about chemical use and protection.