HazCom Training

Key Definitions

The chemical industry and OSHA use a number of terms and words that may not be familiar or completely understood by the average employee. For this reason the standard contains an extensive list of definitions of these words and terms. For purposes of our training we will review a limited number of them.  For a complete list the student will need to refer to the standard.

• Chemical Name: The scientific designation of a chemical or a name that clearly identifies the chemical.
• Hazardous Chemical: Any chemical that is a physical or health hazard.
• Health Hazard: A chemical for which there is statistically significant evidence that acute or chronic health effects may occur in exposed employees, including:
  • Carcinogens
  • Toxic or highly toxic agents
  • Reproductive toxins
  • Irritants
  • Corrosives
  • Sensitizers
  • Agents that damage the eyes, lungs, skin, mucous membranes, etc.
• Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL): OSHA’s term for the level of exposure to specific chemicals that is allowed, typically in an eight hour period. It is usually stated in parts per million (PPM).
• Physical Hazard: A chemical for which there is scientific evidence that it is a:
  • Combustible liquid
  • Compressed gas
  • Explosive
  • Flammable
  • Oxidizer
  • Water reactive, etc.
• Safety Data Sheet: Written or printed material concerning a hazardous chemical that is prepared in accordance with this standard. In conjunction with the Global Harmonization System, Material Safety Data Sheets are now called Safety Data Sheets (SDS).