HazCom Training

Elements of the Program

The HazCom standard requires that five elements be addressed in the training of employees.

1. The Written Program. Each company that uses hazardous chemicals must have a written HazCom program.  While OSHA establishes rules and guidelines for compliance with the standard, each company is responsible for taking that information and developing a program that fulfills those requirements.
2. The Chemical Inventory. Every company that uses hazardous chemicals must maintain an inventory or list of every hazardous chemical in the work place.
3. Safety Data Sheets. Originally called Material Safety Data Sheets or MSDS, now called Safety Data Sheets or SDS these documents regarding chemicals must be retained by the company and provided for any employee that uses the chemical. Additionally, the standard requires that employees be trained on how to use the SDSs. The name change is one of the things brought about by Global Harmonization.
4. Labels and Labeling. The standard requires that employees be trained on the labels used by the company for their hazardous chemicals. OSHA does not provide a specific label design, but does regulate the information that is required to be on the label. Global Harmonization has further organized and improved these labeling requirements.
5. Information and Training. The “Right to Understand” standard requires that companies provide written training to each and every employee that has exposure to hazardous chemicals in the work place. The training you are now receiving is SSTs training program developed in compliance with this regulation.