Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom): Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn how the HazCom standard ensures you have the necessary safety data sheets for chemicals used in your workplace.
The Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom) is a safety requirement designed to ensure that workers know about the chemical hazards they might encounter on the job.
Who it's for
This standard applies to anyone who uses chemicals in their work, such as solvents, glues, or cleaners.
What you get
You are entitled to access standardized safety data sheets (SDS) for every chemical used in your workspace. These sheets provide essential information about the substances you handle.
What it costs you
There is no direct monetary fee to comply, but it does require your time. You will need to spend time organizing and maintaining a binder of all your SDS sheets to keep them accessible.
The catch to know
It is easy to overlook the smaller items. Missing safety data sheets for even common cleaners can result in an official citation.
How to apply
- Identify all chemicals used in your workspace.
- Collect a safety data sheet (SDS) for every single one.
- Organize these sheets into a dedicated SDS binder.
- Ensure the binder is easily accessible to everyone handling the chemicals.