Hazard Communication (HazCom): Your Guide to GHS and Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

In any workplace that handles chemicals, understanding Hazard Communication (HazCom) isn’t just a good idea—it’s a legal and ethical imperative. OSHA’s HazCom Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200) ensures that employees are informed about the chemical hazards they might encounter, enabling them to work safely. A cornerstone of modern HazCom is the adoption of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) and the reliance on Safety Data Sheets (SDS).

This guide will demystify HazCom, GHS, and SDS, providing you with the knowledge to maintain a compliant and safe chemical environment.

What is Hazard Communication (HazCom)?

Hazard Communication is all about ensuring that information about chemical hazards and associated protective measures is transmitted to workers. The goal is to reduce chemical-related injuries and illnesses by empowering employees with the knowledge to identify, understand, and safely handle hazardous substances.

An effective HazCom program includes:

1. Written HazCom Program: A comprehensive plan outlining how your workplace will meet the standard.
2. Container Labeling: All chemical containers must be properly labeled.
3. Safety Data Sheets (SDS): Readily accessible information sheets for every hazardous chemical.
4. Employee Training: Ensuring all employees understand the hazards and how to protect themselves.

The Globally Harmonized System (GHS)

Prior to GHS, chemical hazard information varied significantly from country to country, leading to confusion and increased risk. The Globally Harmonized System (GHS), developed by the United Nations, provides a standardized approach to classifying chemical hazards and communicating that information on labels and Safety Data Sheets. OSHA adopted GHS into its HazCom Standard (HazCom 2012) to improve consistency and worker understanding.

Key elements introduced by GHS include:

• Standardized Pictograms: Nine distinct symbols that convey specific types of hazards at a glance (e.g., flammability, corrosivity, health hazards).
• Signal Words: “Danger” (for more severe hazards) or “Warning” (for less severe hazards) to indicate the relative level of severity.
• Hazard Statements: Standardized phrases describing the nature of the hazard (e.g., “Highly flammable liquid and vapor”).
• Precautionary Statements: Standardized phrases describing recommended measures to minimize or prevent adverse effects (e.g., “Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection”).

Understanding Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

The Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is your primary source of detailed information about a hazardous chemical. Under GHS, SDSs now follow a standardized 16-section format, making it easier for users to find critical information quickly, regardless of the manufacturer or supplier.

Here’s a quick overview of the 16 sections:

1. Identification: Product identifier, manufacturer/supplier contact, recommended use, restrictions.
2. Hazard(s) Identification: All hazards of the chemical and required label elements (pictograms, signal word, etc.).
3. Composition/Information on Ingredients: Chemical ingredients and impurities.
4. First-Aid Measures: Essential first aid procedures and symptoms.
5. Fire-Fighting Measures: Suitable extinguishing techniques and hazards from fire.
6. Accidental Release Measures: Emergency procedures, protective equipment, proper containment, and cleanup methods.
7. Handling and Storage: Precautions for safe handling and storage, including incompatibilities.
8. Exposure Controls/Personal Protection: OSHA PELs, ACGIH TLVs, and appropriate engineering controls and PPE.
9. Physical and Chemical Properties: Characteristics like appearance, odor, pH, flash point, etc.
10. Stability and Reactivity: Chemical stability and possibility of hazardous reactions.
11. Toxicological Information: Routes of exposure, symptoms, and acute/chronic effects.
12. Ecological Information: Environmental impact (non-mandatory, but encouraged by GHS).
13. Disposal Considerations: Waste treatment methods (non-mandatory).
14. Transport Information: UN number, shipping name, hazard class (non-mandatory).
15. Regulatory Information: Safety, health, and environmental regulations (non-mandatory).
16. Other Information: Date of preparation or last revision.

• Key takeaway: All hazardous chemicals in your workplace must have an SDS, and they must be readily accessible to all employees during their work shift.

Employee Training: The Critical Link

Even with clear labels and comprehensive SDSs, your HazCom program isn’t complete without effective employee training. Workers must be trained on:

• The requirements of OSHA’s HazCom Standard.
• How to read and understand chemical labels and GHS pictograms.
• How to locate and interpret information on an SDS.
• The specific hazards of chemicals in their work area.
• Measures they can take to protect themselves, including emergency procedures and proper use of PPE.

Training should be provided when an employee is first assigned to work with hazardous chemicals and whenever a new chemical hazard is introduced into the workplace.

Conclusion

Hazard Communication is a fundamental pillar of workplace safety. By embracing the clear, consistent framework of GHS and leveraging the detailed information in SDSs, your business can significantly reduce chemical-related incidents. Investing in a robust HazCom program and thorough employee training is not just about avoiding fines—it’s about cultivating a safe, informed, and healthy environment for everyone.

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