Hazard Communication Standard HCS 29 CFR

The HCS requires information on hazardous chemicals to be transmitted to employees through labels, material safety data sheets (MSDS), and training programs. A written hazard communications program and record keeping are also required. 

A substance is a hazardous chemical if it is a physical hazard or a health hazard . A flammable or explosive liquid is a physical hazard . A flammable liquid means any liquid having a flash point below 110 F (37.8 C), except any mixture having components with flashpoints of 100 F (37.8 C) or higher, the total of which make up 99% or more of the total volume of the mixture . Health hazard means a chemical for which diere is statistically significant evidence based on at least one valid study that acute or chronic health effects may occur in exposed employees . Hexane and all the solvents listed in Table 14.10.3 would require a MSDS, since all are flammable liquids (physical hazards) as defined by OSHA and/or possible healfli hazards because all, except hexane isomers, have an U.S. OSHA PEL. However, hexane isomers have an American Conference of Industrial Hygien- 

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The Society has a history of collaboration and outreach. The OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (HCS), 29 CFR 1910.1200, was published in 1983. Shortly thereafter, SCHC and OSHA collaborated to educate stakeholders on the new HCS. Jointly sponsored seminars were held on a regional basis with both OSHA and SCHC participating to inform both members and stakeholders about the HCS. Recently, SCHC and OSHA have signed an alliance to provide information and training on hazard communication, MSDSs, and the new GHS of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals. This alliance is another step in the longstanding relationship between SCHC and OSHA to promote effective hazard communication. 

OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200) The US OSHA s Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) ensures that information about chemical hazards and associated protective measures is provided to workers and employers. This is accomplished by requiring chemical manufacturers and importers to evaluate the hazards of the chemicals they produce or import, and to provide information through labels on shipped containers and MSDSs. Employers with hazardous chemicals in their workplaces must prepare and implement a written hazard communication program, and must ensure that containers are labeled, employees are provided access to MSDSs, and an effective training program is conducted for all potentially exposed employees. The HCS provides workers the right-to-know the... 

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulation 29 CFR 1910.1200 et seq.. Hazard Communication Standard (HCS). It requires the development and dissemination of such information. Chemical manufacturers and importers are required to evaluate the hazards of the chemicals they produce or import, and prepare labels and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) to convey the hazard information to their downstream customers. All employers with hazardous chemicals in their workplaces must have labels and MSDSs for their exposed workers, and train them to handle the chemicals appropriately. See also Hazardous Communication (HAZCOM). 

HCS is one of the most often cited standards by OSHA. It is found in 29 CFR 1910.1200 and 29 CFR 1926.59. The basic goal of a hazard communication program is to be sure employers and employees know about work hazards and how to protect themselves this should help to reduce the incidence of chemical source illness and injuries. The following information wiU walk you through the steps and requirements for complying with the HCS and act as a template for planning how to comply with other OSHA standards. OSHA has estimated that more than 32 million workers are exposed to 650,000 hazardous chemical products in more than 3,000,000 American workplaces. This poses a serious problem for exposed workers and their employers. 

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