Hazard communication standard implementation programs

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... 

Hazard communication programs, commonly referred to as HazCom programs, help create a safer working environment and are required by law. These programs disseminate information about the hazards of all chemicals stored in the warehouse to employers and employees. 29 CFR 1910.1200, Hazard Communication Standard, requires employers to develop and implement written HazCom programs. 

The Hazard Commimication Standard reqirires each facility to conduct a hazard assessment for each chenucal in the workplace, maintain an inventory of chemicals in the workplace, retain MSDSs for each chemical in the workplace, properly label each chemical according to a uniform labeling policy, train each employee to understand the MSDSs, product labels, and Hazard Communication Standard, and develop a written program that explains how the Hazard Communication Standard is to be implemented at the facility. 

A written hazard-communication program must describe the employer s efforts to tell employees about the standard and how it is being implemented at the worksite. 

Entry into Confined Spaces. In 1993 OSHA adopted a confined space entry rule (93) requiring employers to evaluate the workplace to (/) determine if it contains any confined spaces, (2) mark or identify such confined spaces, and (3) develop and implement a permit program for entry into such spaces. The program must include a permit system which specifies the steps to be taken to identify, evaluate, control, and monitor possible electrical, mechanical, and chemical hazards select and use equipment institute stand-by attendance and establish communications. The reference standard (93) should be studied for details. 

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