A Winning HazCom Gameplan
Five ways to keep workers safe through implementing an effective hazard communications program.
- By Rick Gehrke
- Aug 01, 2023
Missing or inadequate hazard communication programs were OSHA’s no. 1 cited issue in 2022 in the general industry sector. There were a total of 2,424 cited violations, which moved it up from the number two spot the previous year when it was second only to respiratory protection.
Chemical manufacturers and importers are required to classify the hazards of chemicals they produce or import, and all employers are required to provide information to their employees about the hazardous chemicals to which they are exposed. OSHA requires this to be done through a written hazard communication (HazCom) program, labels, other forms of warning, safety data sheets, and training.
It’s common to associate hazardous chemicals with images of barrels of toxic liquids and large pools of waste. But in reality, even common substances like paints, cleaners, degreasers, or detergents in the workplace may be considered hazardous chemicals. Without an effective hazard communication program, you could be putting workers at risk and face financial penalties.
An effective HazCom program ensures all hazardous chemicals in the facility are identified and labeled, and that up-to-date, properly written safety data sheets are available. It also includes provisions for training all potentially exposed employees on chemical hazards, safe handling, and protective measures. Below are five key steps to ensuring your HazCom program is successful.
1. Document Inventory and Exposure
HazCom programs start with inventorying and classifying any hazardous chemicals a facility produces, imports, handles, or creates through the mixing of different substances.
This can be a significant undertaking for larger facilities, but the program’s effectiveness will depend on the accuracy of your hazardous chemical inventory, and your facility must have this list present and accessible to employees and auditors.
Before you begin the documenting process, consider reading 29 CFR 1910.1200(b)(5 & 6) so you’ll know what the exceptions are for certain chemicals.
Another critical component of the plan is developing an equally thorough list of the positions and people who will handle these hazardous materials. Any employee who could be exposed during normal operations or in an emergency needs to be properly documented. This process will tie directly into effective training programs.
This article originally appeared in the August 1, 2023 issue of Occupational Health & Safety.