Fact Sheet: OSHA 40-Hour HAZWOPER

Training
Hazardous Communication

The OSHA Hazard Communication Standard Employers are required to ensure all of their
1910.1200 (HCS) provides employees with the employees are effectively trained and properly
informed of all potentially hazardous chemicals
right-to-know hazards and identities of
in their workplace.
chemicals to which they are exposed in the
workplace.
Employee training must teach the following:
▪ Knowledge of the HCS
OSHA communication requirements must be ▪ Measures of protection
consistent with the Globally Harmonized ▪ Location of hazardous material operations
System of Classification and Labeling of ▪ Availability of SDS
Chemicals (GHS), which provides a universally
agreed upon criteria for classification of
chemical hazards, and a standardized approach
to label elements and Safety Data Sheets (SDS).

The Steps of the HCS

Step 1: Hazard determination requires the

manufacturer or importer of the chemicals to
evaluate and test chemicals for hazards.

Step 2: Hazard classification determines whether a

chemical is considered carcinogenic, corrosive, or
highly toxic. It also determines target organ effects
of bodily exposure to chemical hazards. An example of a written hazard
communication program
Step 3: The employer must develop, implement,
and maintain a written hazard communication
program that must be kept – and be readily
available - at the workplace. The program must Remember…
include:
▪ Information on hazards and identities of A hazardous chemical is any chemical that is
chemicals, all of which must be properly classified as:
labeled, legible, have applicable warnings, are • A physical hazard
in English, and contain chemical manufacturer • A health hazard
information • A simple asphyxiant
• Combustible dust
Step 4: Employers must allow for access to SDS, • Pyrophoric gas
which provide details of hazards associated with • A hazard not otherwise classified
given chemicals and describe proper procedures
for their safe use and handling.