Written Hazard Communication Program

Program Identification

Company Name: [________________________________]

Facility Address: [________________________________]

City, State, ZIP: [________________________________]

Program Effective Date: [__/__/____]

Last Revision Date: [__/__/____]

Program Administrator: [________________________________]

Title: [________________________________]

Phone: [________________________________]

Email: [________________________________]

Section 1: Purpose and Scope

1.1 Purpose

This Hazard Communication Program (HazCom Program) has been developed to comply with the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1200. The purpose of this program is to ensure that information about chemical hazards in the workplace and associated protective measures is transmitted to all affected employees.

1.2 Scope

This program applies to:

☐ All employees who may be exposed to hazardous chemicals under normal working conditions or during foreseeable emergencies

☐ All work areas where hazardous chemicals are used, stored, or handled

☐ All hazardous chemicals known to be present in the workplace

1.3 Responsible Parties

Program Administrator:

Name: [________________________________]

Title: [________________________________]

Responsibilities:
☐ Maintain the written HazCom program
☐ Maintain the chemical inventory
☐ Ensure SDSs are available
☐ Coordinate employee training
☐ Evaluate program effectiveness

Department Supervisors:

Responsibilities:
☐ Ensure employees receive HazCom training
☐ Ensure proper labeling in work areas
☐ Ensure SDSs are accessible
☐ Enforce safe work practices
☐ Report new chemicals to Program Administrator

Employees:

Responsibilities:
☐ Attend HazCom training
☐ Follow safe work practices
☐ Use required PPE
☐ Report unlabeled containers
☐ Report new chemicals to supervisor

Section 2: Hazard Classification

2.1 Chemical Hazard Classification

Chemical manufacturers and importers are responsible for evaluating and classifying the hazards of chemicals they produce or import. [Company Name] relies on the classifications provided by manufacturers and importers through Safety Data Sheets and labels.

2.2 Hazard Categories

Physical Hazards:
- Flammable (solids, liquids, gases, aerosols)
- Oxidizers
- Explosives
- Self-reactive chemicals
- Pyrophoric chemicals
- Gases under pressure
- Corrosive to metals
- Other physical hazards

Health Hazards:
- Acute toxicity
- Skin corrosion/irritation
- Serious eye damage/irritation
- Respiratory or skin sensitization
- Germ cell mutagenicity
- Carcinogenicity
- Reproductive toxicity
- Specific target organ toxicity (single or repeated exposure)
- Aspiration hazard

Section 3: Chemical Inventory

3.1 Chemical Inventory List

A complete inventory of all hazardous chemicals known to be present in this workplace is maintained and updated at least annually.

Inventory Location: [________________________________]

Inventory Format: ☐ Spreadsheet ☐ Database ☐ Paper list ☐ Other: [________]

Last Updated: [__/__/____]

Updated By: [________________________________]

3.2 Inventory Contents

The chemical inventory includes:

☐ Chemical name (as it appears on the SDS)
☐ Manufacturer name
☐ Department/location where used
☐ Physical form (solid, liquid, gas)
☐ Quantity typically on-site
☐ Primary hazard classification

3.3 Sample Chemical Inventory

(Full inventory attached as Appendix A)

3.4 New Chemical Approval

Before any new chemical is introduced to the workplace:

1. ☐ Obtain SDS from supplier before chemical arrives
2. ☐ Review SDS for hazards and required controls
3. ☐ Add chemical to inventory
4. ☐ Determine if additional PPE or controls are needed
5. ☐ Train affected employees before use
6. ☐ Ensure proper storage location identified
7. ☐ Approval by: [________________________________]

Section 4: Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

4.1 SDS Requirements

Safety Data Sheets are maintained for every hazardous chemical in the workplace. SDSs provide detailed information about chemical hazards, safe handling, and emergency procedures.

4.2 SDS Access

SDSs are available to all employees at all times during their work shift:

Primary SDS Location:

☐ Physical binders
- Location(s): [________________________________]

☐ Electronic system
- System name: [________________________________]
- Access instructions: [________________________________]

☐ Both physical and electronic

Backup Access Method: [________________________________]

SDS Access During Emergency: [________________________________]

4.3 SDS Format

All SDSs are in the 16-section GHS format:

4.4 SDS Management

Obtaining SDSs:

☐ SDSs are obtained before or upon receipt of chemicals
☐ SDSs are requested from manufacturers/suppliers when not received
☐ Missing SDS follow-up process: [________________________________]

Maintaining SDSs:

☐ SDSs are reviewed for completeness upon receipt
☐ SDSs are organized alphabetically by product name
☐ SDSs are updated when new versions are received
☐ Old SDSs are retained for 30 years (per 29 CFR 1910.1020)

Responsible Person: [________________________________]

Section 5: Labels and Other Forms of Warning

5.1 Manufacturer Labels

All containers of hazardous chemicals received from manufacturers must be labeled with:

☐ Product identifier
☐ Signal word (Danger or Warning)
☐ Hazard statement(s)
☐ Pictogram(s)
☐ Precautionary statement(s)
☐ Supplier identification (name, address, phone)

5.2 GHS Pictograms

5.3 Workplace Labels

Secondary Container Labeling:

Containers into which chemicals are transferred must be labeled with:

☐ Product identifier (chemical name)
☐ Words, pictures, symbols, or combination providing hazard information

Exception: Secondary containers do not require labels if:
- The chemical is for immediate use by the employee who made the transfer
- The employee maintains control of the container during use

Workplace Labeling System:

☐ Use manufacturer labels on secondary containers
☐ Use simplified workplace labels with product name and hazard info
☐ Use NFPA or HMIS labeling system
☐ Other: [________________________________]

Sample Workplace Label Format:
[PRODUCT NAME]
[PRIMARY HAZARD(S)]
[PRECAUTIONARY INFORMATION]
See SDS for more information

5.4 Label Maintenance

☐ Labels are checked regularly for legibility
☐ Damaged or missing labels are replaced immediately
☐ Employees are trained to report missing/damaged labels
☐ Responsible person: [________________________________]

5.5 Signs and Placards

In addition to container labels, the following areas are marked with appropriate signs:

Section 6: Employee Training

6.1 Training Requirements

All employees who work with or may be exposed to hazardous chemicals receive training:

Initial Training:
- Before initial assignment to work with hazardous chemicals
- Training date documented

Additional Training When:
- New chemical hazards are introduced
- Work processes change
- New hazard information becomes available
- Employee demonstrates need for refresher training

6.2 Training Content

Training includes:

☐ Overview of Hazard Communication Standard requirements
- Purpose of the standard
- Employee rights under the standard

☐ Location and availability of:
- Written HazCom program
- Chemical inventory
- Safety Data Sheets

☐ Physical and health hazards of chemicals in work areas
- Types of hazards present
- How hazards may cause harm

☐ How to detect the presence or release of hazardous chemicals
- Visual indicators
- Odors (where safe to rely on)
- Monitoring methods

☐ Protective measures
- Work practices
- Emergency procedures
- Personal protective equipment required

☐ How to read and understand:
- Container labels and warnings
- Safety Data Sheets

☐ Specific procedures for:
- [________________________________]
- [________________________________]

6.3 Training Documentation

Training records include:

☐ Employee name
☐ Date of training
☐ Training topics covered
☐ Trainer name and qualifications
☐ Employee signature acknowledging training

Training records location: [________________________________]

Training records retention: [____] years

6.4 Training Schedule

Section 7: Non-Routine Tasks

7.1 Hazardous Non-Routine Tasks

Employees performing non-routine tasks involving hazardous chemicals receive additional training before performing the task.

Non-routine tasks at this facility include:

7.2 Procedures for Non-Routine Tasks

Before performing a non-routine task:

1. ☐ Supervisor identifies the task as non-routine
2. ☐ Hazards are identified and documented
3. ☐ Affected employees receive task-specific training
4. ☐ Required PPE is identified and provided
5. ☐ Emergency procedures are reviewed
6. ☐ Work is authorized by: [________________________________]

Section 8: Unlabeled Pipes

8.1 Pipe Labeling

Pipes containing hazardous chemicals are identified by:

☐ Labels on pipes
☐ Color coding system
☐ Signs/placards
☐ Combination of above

8.2 Pipe Identification System

Pipe identification system reference: [________________________________]

8.3 Pipe Hazard Information

Employees working in areas with unlabeled pipes are informed of:

☐ Contents of pipes in their work area
☐ Hazards associated with the contents
☐ What to do in case of leak or rupture
☐ Location of emergency shut-off valves

Section 9: Contractor Notification

9.1 Informing Contractors

Before contractors begin work at this facility, they are informed of:

☐ Hazardous chemicals to which their employees may be exposed
☐ Location and availability of SDSs
☐ Precautionary measures for normal operations
☐ Emergency procedures
☐ Labeling system used at this facility

Contractor notification provided by: [________________________________]

Documentation: ☐ Written notification ☐ Pre-job meeting ☐ Both

9.2 Contractor Information to Employer

Contractors working at this facility must provide:

☐ SDSs for any hazardous chemicals they bring on-site
☐ Information about hazards their work may create
☐ Precautionary measures their workers will use

Contractor information received by: [________________________________]

9.3 Multi-Employer Worksite Coordination

At multi-employer worksites:

☐ HazCom information is shared between employers
☐ Employees are warned of hazards created by other employers' work
☐ Coordinating employer: [________________________________]

Section 10: Emergency Procedures

10.1 Chemical Spill Response

In case of chemical spill:

1. ☐ Alert others in the area
2. ☐ Evacuate if necessary (see SDS for guidance)
3. ☐ Notify supervisor immediately
4. ☐ Contain spill if safe to do so
5. ☐ Use appropriate spill kit and PPE
6. ☐ Do not return until area is declared safe

Spill kit locations:
- [________________________________]
- [________________________________]
- [________________________________]

Spill response coordinator: [________________________________]

Phone: [________________________________]

10.2 Chemical Exposure Response

In case of chemical exposure:

1. ☐ Remove from exposure area
2. ☐ Follow first aid procedures on SDS
3. ☐ Seek medical attention if needed
4. ☐ Report exposure to supervisor
5. ☐ Document incident

Emergency contacts:

10.3 Fire/Explosion

In case of fire involving hazardous chemicals:

1. ☐ Sound alarm and evacuate
2. ☐ Call 911
3. ☐ Do not attempt to fight chemical fires unless trained
4. ☐ Inform emergency responders of chemicals involved
5. ☐ Provide SDSs to emergency responders

Location of emergency SDS binder for first responders: [________________________________]

Section 11: Program Evaluation

11.1 Annual Review

This HazCom program is reviewed at least annually to evaluate:

☐ Accuracy of chemical inventory
☐ Availability and accessibility of SDSs
☐ Adequacy of labeling
☐ Effectiveness of training
☐ Compliance with regulatory changes
☐ Incident/near-miss review related to chemical hazards

Review date: [__/__/____]

Reviewed by: [________________________________]

Next scheduled review: [__/__/____]

11.2 Program Modifications

The program is updated when:

☐ New chemicals are introduced
☐ Work processes change
☐ Regulations change
☐ Incidents indicate need for improvement
☐ Training reveals gaps

Appendices

☐ Appendix A: Chemical Inventory
☐ Appendix B: SDS Index
☐ Appendix C: Training Sign-In Sheets
☐ Appendix D: Training Acknowledgment Form
☐ Appendix E: Contractor Notification Form
☐ Appendix F: Non-Routine Task Hazard Assessment Form

Program Certification

This Hazard Communication Program has been developed and implemented to comply with 29 CFR 1910.1200.

Program Administrator:

Signature: _________________________________

Name: [________________________________]

Title: [________________________________]

Date: [__/__/____]

Management Approval:

Signature: _________________________________

Name: [________________________________]

Title: [________________________________]

Date: [__/__/____]

Revision History

Sources and References

• 29 CFR 1910.1200: Hazard Communication
• OSHA Publication 3491: Hazard Communication Standard Pictogram
• OSHA Publication 3844: Hazard Communication Standard Labels
• OSHA Publication 3514: Hazard Communication Safety Data Sheets
• OSHA Hazard Communication Resources: www.osha.gov/hazcom