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Hazard Communication (HazCom)

Diann Stedman

Your EHS contact for HazCom
[email protected]
814-865-6391

This program has been established to:

  • Ensure hazardous chemicals are properly identified in the workplace.
  • Ensure the hazards of these chemicals are communicated.
  • Ensure that employees understand and comply with safety standards related to chemicals.
  • Assign responsibilities to personnel which are necessary for successful implementation.
Yellow Binder with Safety Data Sheets SDS on the cover

Program Applicability

The Hazard Communication (HazCom) Program is designed to ensure employees are informed about the hazardous chemicals to which they may be exposed in the workplace. The program applies to all non‑laboratory work areas at Penn State that use hazardous chemicals, including but not limited to machine shops, maintenance shops, garage areas, and janitorial or custodial storage areas.

Chemical use in laboratories is covered under the Penn State Laboratory & Research Safety Plan. Work areas and laboratories operating under that plan are exempt from the requirements of the HazCom Program.

Program Requirements

The HazCom Program establishes requirements to ensure hazardous chemicals are properly labeled, documented, communicated, and used safely in applicable work areas.

Supervisor Responsibilities

  • Be familiar with the HazCom Program and its application within their areas of responsibility
  • Ensure all program requirements are implemented within their work groups
  • Maintain and keep Safety Data Sheet (SDS) inventories current
  • Investigate injuries and incidents involving hazardous chemicals within their work unit

Employee Responsibilities

  • Follow the safe work practices outlined in the HazCom Program
  • Maintain proper labeling on chemical containers
  • Review applicable Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
  • Follow instructions for the safe use of chemicals
  • Use required personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • Immediately report unsafe chemical conditions or concerns to their supervisor

Training Requirements

HazCom training is a two‑step process:

  1. General HazCom Training
  2. Work‑Group‑Specific HazCom Training

Additional training is required whenever:

  • A new chemical hazard is introduced into the work area
  • Changes to the work area may introduce a new or different hazard

Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

  • Each department is responsible for obtaining and maintaining SDSs for all hazardous chemicals used in their work unit
  • SDSs must be readily accessible to employees during work hours with no barriers to access

Container Labeling

  • Any chemical transferred from the manufacturer’s original container into a secondary container must be properly labeled

Chemical Inventory

  • Each work unit must maintain a list of hazardous chemicals used within the area

Recordkeeping Requirements

  • Work units must maintain records of:
    • General HazCom training
    • Work‑group‑specific HazCom training
    • Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

Documents and Forms

Program:

  • Hazard Communications
  • Appendix A – Definitions

Procedures/Templates

  • Appendix B – Training Roster for Work Unit‑Specific HazCom Training
  • Appendix C – Examples of HMIS Hazard Warning Labels
  • Appendix D – GHS Pictograms
  • Appendix E – Example of GHS Label
  • Hazard Communication Training Instructions
  • Hazard Communications (Template)
  • HazCom Work Group‑Specific Training

Access the Documents on SharePoint

Additional Resources