Hazard Communications

e-CFR Data is current as of February 10, 2012
Title 29: Labor
PART 1910—OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARDS (CONTINUED)
Subpart Z—Toxic and Hazardous Substances
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§ 1910.1200 Hazard communication.
(a) Purpose. (1) The purpose of this section is to ensure that the hazards of all chemicals produced or imported are
evaluated, and that information concerning their hazards is transmitted to employers and employees. This transmittal
of information is to be accomplished by means of comprehensive hazard communication programs, which are to
include container labeling and other forms of warning, material safety data sheets and employee training.
(2) This occupational safety and health standard is intended to address comprehensively the issue of evaluating the
potential hazards of chemicals, and communicating information concerning hazards and appropriate protective
measures to employees, and to preempt any legal requirements of a state, or political subdivision of a state,
pertaining to this subject. Evaluating the potential hazards of chemicals, and communicating information concerning
hazards and appropriate protective measures to employees, may include, for example, but is not limited to, provisions
for: developing and maintaining a written hazard communication program for the workplace, including lists of
hazardous chemicals present; labeling of containers of chemicals in the workplace, as well as of containers of
chemicals being shipped to other workplaces; preparation and distribution of material safety data sheets to
employees and downstream employers; and development and implementation of employee training programs
regarding hazards of chemicals and protective measures. Under section 18 of the Act, no state or political subdivision
of a state may adopt or enforce, through any court or agency, any requirement relating to the issue addressed by this
Federal standard, except pursuant to a Federally-approved state plan.
(b) Scope and application. (1) This section requires chemical manufacturers or importers to assess the hazards of
chemicals which they produce or import, and all employers to provide information to their employees about the
hazardous chemicals to which they are exposed, by means of a hazard communication program, labels and other
forms of warning, material safety data sheets, and information and training. In addition, this section requires
distributors to transmit the required information to employers. (Employers who do not produce or import chemicals
need only focus on those parts of this rule that deal with establishing a workplace program and communicating
information to their workers. Appendix E of this section is a general guide for such employers to help them determine
their compliance obligations under the rule.)
(2) This section applies to any chemical which is known to be present in the workplace in such a manner that
employees may be exposed under normal conditions of use or in a foreseeable emergency.
(3) This section applies to laboratories only as follows:
(i) Employers shall ensure that labels on incoming containers of hazardous chemicals are not removed or defaced;
(ii) Employers shall maintain any material safety data sheets that are received with incoming shipments of hazardous
chemicals, and ensure that they are readily accessible during each workshift to laboratory employees when they are
in their work areas;
(iii) Employers shall ensure that laboratory employees are provided information and training in accordance with
paragraph (h) of this section, except for the location and availability of the written hazard communication program
under paragraph (h)(2)(iii) of this section; and,
(iv) Laboratory employers that ship hazardous chemicals are considered to be either a chemical manufacturer or a
distributor under this rule, and thus must ensure that any containers of hazardous chemicals leaving the laboratory
are labeled in accordance with paragraph (f)(1) of this section, and that a material safety data sheet is provided to
distributors and other employers in accordance with paragraphs (g)(6) and (g)(7) of this section.

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(4) In work operations where employees only handle chemicals in sealed containers which are not opened under
normal conditions of use (such as are found in marine cargo handling, warehousing, or retail sales), this section
applies to these operations only as follows:
(i) Employers shall ensure that labels on incoming containers of hazardous chemicals are not removed or defaced;
(ii) Employers shall maintain copies of any material safety data sheets that are received with incoming shipments of
the sealed containers of hazardous chemicals, shall obtain a material safety data sheet as soon as possible for
sealed containers of hazardous chemicals received without a material safety data sheet if an employee requests the
material safety data sheet, and shall ensure that the material safety data sheets are readily accessible during each
work shift to employees when they are in their work area(s); and,
(iii) Employers shall ensure that employees are provided with information and training in accordance with paragraph
(h) of this section (except for the location and availability of the written hazard communication program under
paragraph (h)(2)(iii) of this section), to the extent necessary to protect them in the event of a spill or leak of a
hazardous chemical from a sealed container.
(5) This section does not require labeling of the following chemicals:
(i) Any pesticide as such term is defined in the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 U.S.C. 136 et
seq. ), when subject to the labeling requirements of that Act and labeling regulations issued under that Act by the
Environmental Protection Agency;
(ii) Any chemical substance or mixture as such terms are defined in the Toxic Substances Control Act (15 U.S.C.
2601 et seq. ), when subject to the labeling requirements of that Act and labeling regulations issued under that Act by
the Environmental Protection Agency.
(iii) Any food, food additive, color additive, drug, cosmetic, or medical or veterinary device or product, including
materials intended for use as ingredients in such products ( e.g. flavors and fragrances), as such terms are defined in
the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 301 et seq. ) or the Virus-Serum-Toxin Act of 1913 (21 U.S.C.
151 et seq. ), and regulations issued under those Acts, when they are subject to the labeling requirements under
those Acts by either the Food and Drug Administration or the Department of Agriculture;
(iv) Any distilled spirits (beverage alcohols), wine, or malt beverage intended for nonindustrial use, as such terms are
defined in the Federal Alcohol Administration Act (27 U.S.C. 201 et seq. ) and regulations issued under that Act,
when subject to the labeling requirements of that Act and labeling regulations issued under that Act by the Bureau of
Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms;
(v) Any consumer product or hazardous substance as those terms are defined in the Consumer Product Safety Act
(15 U.S.C. 2051 et seq. ) and Federal Hazardous Substances Act (15 U.S.C. 1261 et seq. ) respectively, when
subject to a consumer product safety standard or labeling requirement of those Acts, or regulations issued under
those Acts by the Consumer Product Safety Commission; and,
(vi) Agricultural or vegetable seed treated with pesticides and labeled in accordance with the Federal Seed Act (7
U.S.C. 1551 et seq. ) and the labeling regulations issued under that Act by the Department of Agriculture.
(6) This section does not apply to: (i) Any hazardous waste as such term is defined by the Solid Waste Disposal Act,
as amended by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, as amended (42 U.S.C. 6901 et seq. ), when
subject to regulations issued under that Act by the Environmental Protection Agency;
(ii) Any hazardous substance as such term is defined by the Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation and Liability ACT (CERCLA) (42 U.S.C. 9601 et seq. ) when the hazardous substance is the focus of
remedial or removal action being conducted under CERCLA in accordance with Environmental Protection Agency
regulations;
(iii) Tobacco or tobacco products;

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(iv) Wood or wood products, including lumber which will not be processed, where the chemical manufacturer or
importer can establish that the only hazard they pose to employees is the potential for flammability or combustibility
(wood or wood products which have been treated with a hazardous chemical covered by this standard, and wood
which may be subsequently sawed or cut, generating dust, are not exempted);
(v) Articles (as that term is defined in paragraph (c) of this section);
(vi) Food or alcoholic beverages which are sold, used, or prepared in a retail establishment (such as a grocery store,
restaurant, or drinking place), and foods intended for personal consumption by employees while in the workplace;
(vii) Any drug, as that term is defined in the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 301 et seq. ), when it is
in solid, final form for direct administration to the patient ( e.g., tablets or pills); drugs which are packaged by the
chemical manufacturer for sale to consumers in a retail establishment ( e.g ., over-the-counter drugs); and drugs
intended for personal consumption by employees while in the workplace ( e.g ., first aid supplies);
(viii) Cosmetics which are packaged for sale to consumers in a retail establishment, and cosmetics intended for
personal consumption by employees while in the workplace;
(ix) Any consumer product or hazardous substance, as those terms are defined in the Consumer Product Safety Act
(15 U.S.C. 2051 et seq. ) and Federal Hazardous Substances Act (15 U.S.C. 1261 et seq. ) respectively, where the
employer can show that it is used in the workplace for the purpose intended by the chemical manufacturer or importer
of the product, and the use results in a duration and frequency of exposure which is not greater than the range of
exposures that could reasonably be experienced by consumers when used for the purpose intended;
(x) Nuisance particulates where the chemical manufacturer or importer can establish that they do not pose any
physical or health hazard covered under this section;
(xi) Ionizing and nonionizing radiation; and,
(xii) Biological hazards.
(c) Definitions. Article means a manufactured item other than a fluid or particle: (i) which is formed to a specific shape
or design during manufacture; (ii) which has end use function(s) dependent in whole or in part upon its shape or
design during end use; and (iii) which under normal conditions of use does not release more than very small
quantities, e.g., minute or trace amounts of a hazardous chemical (as determined under paragraph (d) of this
section), and does not pose a physical hazard or health risk to employees.
Assistant Secretary means the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health, U.S. Department of
Labor, or designee.
Chemical means any element, chemical compound or mixture of elements and/or compounds.
Chemical manufacturer means an employer with a workplace where chemical(s) are produced for use or distribution.
Chemical name means the scientific designation of a chemical in accordance with the nomenclature system
developed by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) or the Chemical Abstracts Service
(CAS) rules of nomenclature, or a name which will clearly identify the chemical for the purpose of conducting a
hazard evaluation.
Combustible liquid means any liquid having a flashpoint at or above 100 °F (37.8 °C), but below 200 °F (93.3 °C),
except any mixture having components with flashpoints of 200 °F (93.3 °C), or higher, the total volume of which make
up 99 percent or more of the total volume of the mixture.
Commercial account means an arrangement whereby a retail distributor sells hazardous chemicals to an employer,
generally in large quantities over time and/or at costs that are below the regular retail price.

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Common name means any designation or identification such as code name, code number, trade name, brand name
or generic name used to identify a chemical other than by its chemical name.
Compressed gas means:
(i) A gas or mixture of gases having, in a container, an absolute pressure exceeding 40 psi at 70 °F (21.1 °C); or
(ii) A gas or mixture of gases having, in a container, an absolute pressure exceeding 104 psi at 130 °F (54.4 °C)
regardless of the pressure at 70 °F (21.1 °C); or
(iii) A liquid having a vapor pressure exceeding 40 psi at 100 °F (37.8 °C) as determined by ASTM D–323–72.
Container means any bag, barrel, bottle, box, can, cylinder, drum, reaction vessel, storage tank, or the like that
contains a hazardous chemical. For purposes of this section, pipes or piping systems, and engines, fuel tanks, or
other operating systems in a vehicle, are not considered to be containers.
Designated representative means any individual or organization to whom an employee gives written authorization to
exercise such employee's rights under this section. A recognized or certified collective bargaining agent shall be
treated automatically as a designated representative without regard to written employee authorization.
Director means the Director, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services, or designee.
Distributor means a business, other than a chemical manufacturer or importer, which supplies hazardous chemicals
to other distributors or to employers.
Employee means a worker who may be exposed to hazardous chemicals under normal operating conditions or in
foreseeable emergencies. Workers such as office workers or bank tellers who encounter hazardous chemicals only in
non-routine, isolated instances are not covered.
Employer means a person engaged in a business where chemicals are either used, distributed, or are produced for
use or distribution, including a contractor or subcontractor.
Explosive means a chemical that causes a sudden, almost instantaneous release of pressure, gas, and heat when
subjected to sudden shock, pressure, or high temperature.
Exposure or exposed means that an employee is subjected in the course of employment to a chemical that is a
physical or health hazard, and includes potential ( e.g. accidental or possible) exposure. “Subjected” in terms of
health hazards includes any route of entry ( e.g. inhalation, ingestion, skin contact or absorption.)
Flammable means a chemical that falls into one of the following categories:
(i) Aerosol, flammable means an aerosol that, when tested by the method described in 16 CFR 1500.45, yields a
flame projection exceeding 18 inches at full valve opening, or a flashback (a flame extending back to the valve) at any
degree of valve opening;
(ii) Gas, flammable means: (A) A gas that, at ambient temperature and pressure, forms a flammable mixture with air
at a concentration of thirteen (13) percent by volume or less; or
(B) A gas that, at ambient temperature and pressure, forms a range of flammable mixtures with air wider than twelve
(12) percent by volume, regardless of the lower limit;
(iii) Liquid, flammable means any liquid having a flashpoint below 100 °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 percent or more of the total
volume of the mixture.

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(iv) Solid, flammable means a solid, other than a blasting agent or explosive as defined in §1910.109(a), that is liable
to cause fire through friction, absorption of moisture, spontaneous chemical change, or retained heat from
manufacturing or processing, or which can be ignited readily and when ignited burns so vigorously and persistently as
to create a serious hazard. A chemical shall be considered to be a flammable solid if, when tested by the method
described in 16 CFR 1500.44, it ignites and burns with a self-sustained flame at a rate greater than one-tenth of an
inch per second along its major axis.
Flashpoint means the minimum temperature at which a liquid gives off a vapor in sufficient concentration to ignite
when tested as follows:
(i) Tagliabue Closed Tester (See American National Standard Method of Test for Flash Point by Tag Closed Tester,
Z11.24–1979 (ASTM D 56–79)) for liquids with a viscosity of less than 45 Saybolt Universal Seconds (SUS) at 100 °F
(37.8 °C), that do not contain suspended solids and do not have a tendency to form a surface film under test; or
(ii) Pensky-Martens Closed Tester (see American National Standard Method of Test for Flash Point by PenskyMartens Closed Tester, Z11.7–1979 (ASTM D 93–79)) for liquids with a viscosity equal to or greater than 45 SUS at
100 °F (37.8 °C), or that contain suspended solids, or that have a tendency to form a surface film under test; or
(iii) Setaflash Closed Tester (see American National Standard Method of Test for Flash Point by Setaflash Closed
Tester (ASTM D 3278–78)).
Organic peroxides, which undergo autoaccelerating thermal decomposition, are excluded from any of the flashpoint
determination methods specified above.
Foreseeable emergency means any potential occurrence such as, but not limited to, equipment failure, rupture of
containers, or failure of control equipment which could result in an uncontrolled release of a hazardous chemical into
the workplace.
Hazardous chemical means any chemical which is a physical hazard or a health hazard.
Hazard warning means any words, pictures, symbols, or combination thereof appearing on a label or other
appropriate form of warning which convey the specific physical and health hazard(s), including target organ effects, of
the chemical(s) in the container(s). (See the definitions for “physical hazard” and “health hazard” to determine the
hazards which must be covered.)
Health hazard means a chemical for which there is statistically significant evidence based on at least one study
conducted in accordance with established scientific principles that acute or chronic health effects may occur in
exposed employees. The term “health hazard” includes chemicals which are carcinogens, toxic or highly toxic agents,
reproductive toxins, irritants, corrosives, sensitizers, hepatotoxins, nephrotoxins, neurotoxins, agents which act on the
hematopoietic system, and agents which damage the lungs, skin, eyes, or mucous membranes. Appendix A provides
further definitions and explanations of the scope of health hazards covered by this section, and appendix B describes
the criteria to be used to determine whether or not a chemical is to be considered hazardous for purposes of this
standard.
Identity means any chemical or common name which is indicated on the material safety data sheet (MSDS) for the
chemical. The identity used shall permit cross-references to be made among the required list of hazardous
chemicals, the label and the MSDS.
Immediate use means that the hazardous chemical will be under the control of and used only by the person who
transfers it from a labeled container and only within the work shift in which it is transferred.
Importer means the first business with employees within the Customs Territory of the United States which receives
hazardous chemicals produced in other countries for the purpose of supplying them to distributors or employers
within the United States.
Label means any written, printed, or graphic material displayed on or affixed to containers of hazardous chemicals.

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Material safety data sheet (MSDS) means written or printed material concerning a hazardous chemical which is
prepared in accordance with paragraph (g) of this section.
Mixture means any combination of two or more chemicals if the combination is not, in whole or in part, the result of a
chemical reaction.
Organic peroxide means an organic compound that contains the bivalent -O-O-structure and which may be
considered to be a structural derivative of hydrogen peroxide where one or both of the hydrogen atoms has been
replaced by an organic radical.
Oxidizer means a chemical other than a blasting agent or explosive as defined in §1910.109(a), that initiates or
promotes combustion in other materials, thereby causing fire either of itself or through the release of oxygen or other
gases.
Physical hazard means a chemical for which there is scientifically valid evidence that it is a combustible liquid, a
compressed gas, explosive, flammable, an organic peroxide, an oxidizer, pyrophoric, unstable (reactive) or waterreactive.
Produce means to manufacture, process, formulate, blend, extract, generate, emit, or repackage.
Pyrophoric means a chemical that will ignite spontaneously in air at a temperature of 130 °F (54.4 °C) or below.
Responsible party means someone who can provide additional information on the hazardous chemical and
appropriate emergency procedures, if necessary.
Specific chemical identity means the chemical name, Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) Registry Number, or any
other information that reveals the precise chemical designation of the substance.
Trade secret means any confidential formula, pattern, process, device, information or compilation of information that
is used in an employer's business, and that gives the employer an opportunity to obtain an advantage over
competitors who do not know or use it. Appendix D sets out the criteria to be used in evaluating trade secrets.
Unstable (reactive) means a chemical which in the pure state, or as produced or transported, will vigorously
polymerize, decompose, condense, or will become self-reactive under conditions of shocks, pressure or temperature.
Use means to package, handle, react, emit, extract, generate as a byproduct, or transfer.
Water-reactive means a chemical that reacts with water to release a gas that is either flammable or presents a health
hazard.
Work area means a room or defined space in a workplace where hazardous chemicals are produced or used, and
where employees are present.
Workplace means an establishment, job site, or project, at one geographical location containing one or more work
areas.
(d) Hazard determination. (1) Chemical manufacturers and importers shall evaluate chemicals produced in their
workplaces or imported by them to determine if they are hazardous. Employers are not required to evaluate
chemicals unless they choose not to rely on the evaluation performed by the chemical manufacturer or importer for
the chemical to satisfy this requirement.
(2) Chemical manufacturers, importers or employers evaluating chemicals shall identify and consider the available
scientific evidence concerning such hazards. For health hazards, evidence which is statistically significant and which
is based on at least one positive study conducted in accordance with established scientific principles is considered to
be sufficient to establish a hazardous effect if the results of the study meet the definitions of health hazards in this

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section. Appendix A shall be consulted for the scope of health hazards covered, and appendix B shall be consulted
for the criteria to be followed with respect to the completeness of the evaluation, and the data to be reported.
(3) The chemical manufacturer, importer or employer evaluating chemicals shall treat the following sources as
establishing that the chemicals listed in them are hazardous:
(i) 29 CFR part 1910, subpart Z, Toxic and Hazardous Substances, Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(OSHA); or,
(ii) Threshold Limit Values for Chemical Substances and Physical Agents in the Work Environment, American
Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) (latest edition). The chemical manufacturer, importer, or
employer is still responsible for evaluating the hazards associated with the chemicals in these source lists in
accordance with the requirements of this standard.
(4) Chemical manufacturers, importers and employers evaluating chemicals shall treat the following sources as
establishing that a chemical is a carcinogen or potential carcinogen for hazard communication purposes:
(i) National Toxicology Program (NTP), Annual Report on Carcinogens (latest edition);
(ii) International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) Monographs (latest editions); or
(iii) 29 CFR part 1910, subpart Z, Toxic and Hazardous Substances, Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Note: The Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances published by the National Institute for
Occupational Safety and Health indicates whether a chemical has been found by NTP or IARC to be a
potential carcinogen.
(5) The chemical manufacturer, importer or employer shall determine the hazards of mixtures of chemicals as follows:
(i) If a mixture has been tested as a whole to determine its hazards, the results of such testing shall be used to
determine whether the mixture is hazardous;
(ii) If a mixture has not been tested as a whole to determine whether the mixture is a health hazard, the mixture shall
be assumed to present the same health hazards as do the components which comprise one percent (by weight or
volume) or greater of the mixture, except that the mixture shall be assumed to present a carcinogenic hazard if it
contains a component in concentrations of 0.1 percent or greater which is considered to be a carcinogen under
paragraph (d)(4) of this section;
(iii) If a mixture has not been tested as a whole to determine whether the mixture is a physical hazard, the chemical
manufacturer, importer, or employer may use whatever scientifically valid data is available to evaluate the physical
hazard potential of the mixture; and,
(iv) If the chemical manufacturer, importer, or employer has evidence to indicate that a component present in the
mixture in concentrations of less than one percent (or in the case of carcinogens, less than 0.1 percent) could be
released in concentrations which would exceed an established OSHA permissible exposure limit or ACGIH Threshold
Limit Value, or could present a health risk to employees in those concentrations, the mixture shall be assumed to
present the same hazard.
(6) Chemical manufacturers, importers, or employers evaluating chemicals shall describe in writing the procedures
they use to determine the hazards of the chemical they evaluate. The written procedures are to be made available,
upon request, to employees, their designated representatives, the Assistant Secretary and the Director. The written
description may be incorporated into the written hazard communication program required under paragraph (e) of this
section.
(e) Written hazard communication program. (1) Employers shall develop, implement, and maintain at each workplace,
a written hazard communication program which at least describes how the criteria specified in paragraphs (f), (g), and

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(h) of this section for labels and other forms of warning, material safety data sheets, and employee information and
training will be met, and which also includes the following:
(i) A list of the hazardous chemicals known to be present using an identity that is referenced on the appropriate
material safety data sheet (the list may be compiled for the workplace as a whole or for individual work areas); and,
(ii) The methods the employer will use to inform employees of the hazards of non-routine tasks (for example, the
cleaning of reactor vessels), and the hazards associated with chemicals contained in unlabeled pipes in their work
areas.
(2) Multi-employer workplaces. Employers who produce, use, or store hazardous chemicals at a workplace in such a
way that the employees of other employer(s) may be exposed (for example, employees of a construction contractor
working on-site) shall additionally ensure that the hazard communication programs developed and implemented
under this paragraph (e) include the following:
(i) The methods the employer will use to provide the other employer(s) on-site access to material safety data sheets
for each hazardous chemical the other employer(s)' employees may be exposed to while working;
(ii) The methods the employer will use to inform the other employer(s) of any precautionary measures that need to be
taken to protect employees during the workplace's normal operating conditions and in foreseeable emergencies; and,
(iii) The methods the employer will use to inform the other employer(s) of the labeling system used in the workplace.
(3) The employer may rely on an existing hazard communication program to comply with these requirements,
provided that it meets the criteria established in this paragraph (e).
(4) The employer shall make the written hazard communication program available, upon request, to employees, their
designated representatives, the Assistant Secretary and the Director, in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR
1910.20 (e).
(5) Where employees must travel between workplaces during a workshift, i.e., their work is carried out at more than
one geographical location, the written hazard communication program may be kept at the primary workplace facility.
(f) Labels and other forms of warning. (1) The chemical manufacturer, importer, or distributor shall ensure that each
container of hazardous chemicals leaving the workplace is labeled, tagged or marked with the following information:
(i) Identity of the hazardous chemical(s);
(ii) Appropriate hazard warnings; and
(iii) Name and address of the chemical manufacturer, importer, or other responsible party.
(2)(i) For solid metal (such as a steel beam or a metal casting), solid wood, or plastic items that are not exempted as
articles due to their downstream use, or shipments of whole grain, the required label may be transmitted to the
customer at the time of the initial shipment, and need not be included with subsequent shipments to the same
employer unless the information on the label changes;
(ii) The label may be transmitted with the initial shipment itself, or with the material safety data sheet that is to be
provided prior to or at the time of the first shipment; and,
(iii) This exception to requiring labels on every container of hazardous chemicals is only for the solid material itself,
and does not apply to hazardous chemicals used in conjunction with, or known to be present with, the material and to
which employees handling the items in transit may be exposed (for example, cutting fluids or pesticides in grains).
(3) Chemical manufacturers, importers, or distributors shall ensure that each container of hazardous chemicals
leaving the workplace is labeled, tagged, or marked in accordance with this section in a manner which does not

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conflict with the requirements of the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act (49 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. ) and
regulations issued under that Act by the Department of Transportation.
(4) If the hazardous chemical is regulated by OSHA in a substance-specific health standard, the chemical
manufacturer, importer, distributor or employer shall ensure that the labels or other forms of warning used are in
accordance with the requirements of that standard.
(5) Except as provided in paragraphs (f)(6) and (f)(7) of this section, the employer shall ensure that each container of
hazardous chemicals in the workplace is labeled, tagged or marked with the following information:
(i) Identity of the hazardous chemical(s) contained therein; and,
(ii) Appropriate hazard warnings, or alternatively, words, pictures, symbols, or combination thereof, which provide at
least general information regarding the hazards of the chemicals, and which, in conjunction with the other information
immediately available to employees under the hazard communication program, will provide employees with the
specific information regarding the physical and health hazards of the hazardous chemical.
(6) The employer may use signs, placards, process sheets, batch tickets, operating procedures, or other such written
materials in lieu of affixing labels to individual stationary process containers, as long as the alternative method
identifies the containers to which it is applicable and conveys the information required by paragraph (f)(5) of this
section to be on a label. The written materials shall be readily accessible to the employees in their work area
throughout each work shift.
(7) The employer is not required to label portable containers into which hazardous chemicals are transferred from
labeled containers, and which are intended only for the immediate use of the employee who performs the transfer.
For purposes of this section, drugs which are dispensed by a pharmacy to a health care provider for direct
administration to a patient are exempted from labeling.
(8) The employer shall not remove or deface existing labels on incoming containers of hazardous chemicals, unless
the container is immediately marked with the required information.
(9) The employer shall ensure that labels or other forms of warning are legible, in English, and prominently displayed
on the container, or readily available in the work area throughout each work shift. Employers having employees who
speak other languages may add the information in their language to the material presented, as long as the
information is presented in English as well.
(10) The chemical manufacturer, importer, distributor or employer need not affix new labels to comply with this
section if existing labels already convey the required information.
(11) Chemical manufacturers, importers, distributors, or employers who become newly aware of any significant
information regarding the hazards of a chemical shall revise the labels for the chemical within three months of
becoming aware of the new information. Labels on containers of hazardous chemicals shipped after that time shall
contain the new information. If the chemical is not currently produced or imported, the chemical manufacturer,
importers, distributor, or employer shall add the information to the label before the chemical is shipped or introduced
into the workplace again.
(g) Material safety data sheets. (1) Chemical manufacturers and importers shall obtain or develop a material safety
data sheet for each hazardous chemical they produce or import. Employers shall have a material safety data sheet in
the workplace for each hazardous chemical which they use.
(2) Each material safety data sheet shall be in English (although the employer may maintain copies in other
languages as well), and shall contain at least the following information:
(i) The identity used on the label, and, except as provided for in paragraph (i) of this section on trade secrets:
(A) If the hazardous chemical is a single substance, its chemical and common name(s);

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(B) If the hazardous chemical is a mixture which has been tested as a whole to determine its hazards, the chemical
and common name(s) of the ingredients which contribute to these known hazards, and the common name(s) of the
mixture itself; or,
(C) If the hazardous chemical is a mixture which has not been tested as a whole:
( 1 ) The chemical and common name(s) of all ingredients which have been determined to be health hazards, and
which comprise 1% or greater of the composition, except that chemicals identified as carcinogens under paragraph
(d) of this section shall be listed if the concentrations are 0.1% or greater; and,
( 2 ) The chemical and common name(s) of all ingredients which have been determined to be health hazards, and
which comprise less than 1% (0.1% for carcinogens) of the mixture, if there is evidence that the ingredient(s) could be
released from the mixture in concentrations which would exceed an established OSHA permissible exposure limit or
ACGIH Threshold Limit Value, or could present a health risk to employees; and,
( 3 ) The chemical and common name(s) of all ingredients which have been determined to present a physical hazard
when present in the mixture;
(ii) Physical and chemical characteristics of the hazardous chemical (such as vapor pressure, flash point);
(iii) The physical hazards of the hazardous chemical, including the potential for fire, explosion, and reactivity;
(iv) The health hazards of the hazardous chemical, including signs and symptoms of exposure, and any medical
conditions which are generally recognized as being aggravated by exposure to the chemical;
(v) The primary route(s) of entry;
(vi) The OSHA permissible exposure limit, ACGIH Threshold Limit Value, and any other exposure limit used or
recommended by the chemical manufacturer, importer, or employer preparing the material safety data sheet, where
available;
(vii) Whether the hazardous chemical is listed in the National Toxicology Program (NTP) Annual Report on
Carcinogens (latest edition) or has been found to be a potential carcinogen in the International Agency for Research
on Cancer (IARC) Monographs (latest editions), or by OSHA;
(viii) Any generally applicable precautions for safe handling and use which are known to the chemical manufacturer,
importer or employer preparing the material safety data sheet, including appropriate hygienic practices, protective
measures during repair and maintenance of contaminated equipment, and procedures for clean-up of spills and
leaks;
(ix) Any generally applicable control measures which are known to the chemical manufacturer, importer or employer
preparing the material safety data sheet, such as appropriate engineering controls, work practices, or personal
protective equipment;
(x) Emergency and first aid procedures;
(xi) The date of preparation of the material safety data sheet or the last change to it; and,
(xii) The name, address and telephone number of the chemical manufacturer, importer, employer or other responsible
party preparing or distributing the material safety data sheet, who can provide additional information on the
hazardous chemical and appropriate emergency procedures, if necessary.
(3) If no relevant information is found for any given category on the material safety data sheet, the chemical
manufacturer, importer or employer preparing the material safety data sheet shall mark it to indicate that no
applicable information was found.

10

(4) Where complex mixtures have similar hazards and contents (i.e. the chemical ingredients are essentially the
same, but the specific composition varies from mixture to mixture), the chemical manufacturer, importer or employer
may prepare one material safety data sheet to apply to all of these similar mixtures.
(5) The chemical manufacturer, importer or employer preparing the material safety data sheet shall ensure that the
information recorded accurately reflects the scientific evidence used in making the hazard determination. If the
chemical manufacturer, importer or employer preparing the material safety data sheet becomes newly aware of any
significant information regarding the hazards of a chemical, or ways to protect against the hazards, this new
information shall be added to the material safety data sheet within three months. If the chemical is not currently being
produced or imported the chemical manufacturer or importer shall add the information to the material safety data
sheet before the chemical is introduced into the workplace again.
(6)(i) Chemical manufacturers or importers shall ensure that distributors and employers are provided an appropriate
material safety data sheet with their initial shipment, and with the first shipment after a material safety data sheet is
updated;
(ii) The chemical manufacturer or importer shall either provide material safety data sheets with the shipped containers
or send them to the distributor or employer prior to or at the time of the shipment;
(iii) If the material safety data sheet is not provided with a shipment that has been labeled as a hazardous chemical,
the distributor or employer shall obtain one from the chemical manufacturer or importer as soon as possible; and,
(iv) The chemical manufacturer or importer shall also provide distributors or employers with a material safety data
sheet upon request.
(7)(i) Distributors shall ensure that material safety data sheets, and updated information, are provided to other
distributors and employers with their initial shipment and with the first shipment after a material safety data sheet is
updated;
(ii) The distributor shall either provide material safety data sheets with the shipped containers, or send them to the
other distributor or employer prior to or at the time of the shipment;
(iii) Retail distributors selling hazardous chemicals to employers having a commercial account shall provide a material
safety data sheet to such employers upon request, and shall post a sign or otherwise inform them that a material
safety data sheet is available;
(iv) Wholesale distributors selling hazardous chemicals to employers over-the-counter may also provide material
safety data sheets upon the request of the employer at the time of the over-the-counter purchase, and shall post a
sign or otherwise inform such employers that a material safety data sheet is available;
(v) If an employer without a commercial account purchases a hazardous chemical from a retail distributor not required
to have material safety data sheets on file ( i.e., the retail distributor does not have commercial accounts and does
not use the materials), the retail distributor shall provide the employer, upon request, with the name, address, and
telephone number of the chemical manufacturer, importer, or distributor from which a material safety data sheet can
be obtained;
(vi) Wholesale distributors shall also provide material safety data sheets to employers or other distributors upon
request; and,
(vii) Chemical manufacturers, importers, and distributors need not provide material safety data sheets to retail
distributors that have informed them that the retail distributor does not sell the product to commercial accounts or
open the sealed container to use it in their own workplaces.
(8) The employer shall maintain in the workplace copies of the required material safety data sheets for each
hazardous chemical, and shall ensure that they are readily accessible during each work shift to employees when they
are in their work area(s). (Electronic access, microfiche, and other alternatives to maintaining paper copies of the
material safety data sheets are permitted as long as no barriers to immediate employee access in each workplace
are created by such options.)

11

(9) Where employees must travel between workplaces during a workshift, i.e., their work is carried out at more than
one geographical location, the material safety data sheets may be kept at the primary workplace facility. In this
situation, the employer shall ensure that employees can immediately obtain the required information in an
emergency.
(10) Material safety data sheets may be kept in any form, including operating procedures, and may be designed to
cover groups of hazardous chemicals in a work area where it may be more appropriate to address the hazards of a
process rather than individual hazardous chemicals. However, the employer shall ensure that in all cases the
required information is provided for each hazardous chemical, and is readily accessible during each work shift to
employees when they are in in their work area(s).
(11) Material safety data sheets shall also be made readily available, upon request, to designated representatives
and to the Assistant Secretary, in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1910.20(e). The Director shall also be
given access to material safety data sheets in the same manner.
(h) Employee information and training. (1) Employers shall provide employees with effective information and training
on hazardous chemicals in their work area at the time of their initial assignment, and whenever a new physical or
health hazard the employees have not previously been trained about is introduced into their work area. Information
and training may be designed to cover categories of hazards ( e.g., flammability, carcinogenicity) or specific
chemicals. Chemical-specific information must always be available through labels and material safety data sheets.
(2) Information. Employees shall be informed of:
(i) The requirements of this section;
(ii) Any operations in their work area where hazardous chemicals are present; and,
(iii) The location and availability of the written hazard communication program, including the required list(s) of
hazardous chemicals, and material safety data sheets required by this section.
(3) Training. Employee training shall include at least:
(i) Methods and observations that may be used to detect the presence or release of a hazardous chemical in the work
area (such as monitoring conducted by the employer, continuous monitoring devices, visual appearance or odor of
hazardous chemicals when being released, etc.);
(ii) The physical and health hazards of the chemicals in the work area;
(iii) The measures employees can take to protect themselves from these hazards, including specific procedures the
employer has implemented to protect employees from exposure to hazardous chemicals, such as appropriate work
practices, emergency procedures, and personal protective equipment to be used; and,
(iv) The details of the hazard communication program developed by the employer, including an explanation of the
labeling system and the material safety data sheet, and how employees can obtain and use the appropriate hazard
information.
(i) Trade secrets. (1) The chemical manufacturer, importer, or employer may withhold the specific chemical identity,
including the chemical name and other specific identification of a hazardous chemical, from the material safety data
sheet, provided that:
(i) The claim that the information withheld is a trade secret can be supported;
(ii) Information contained in the material safety data sheet concerning the properties and effects of the hazardous
chemical is disclosed;

12

(iii) The material safety data sheet indicates that the specific chemical identity is being withheld as a trade secret;
and,
(iv) The specific chemical identity is made available to health professionals, employees, and designated
representatives in accordance with the applicable provisions of this paragraph.
(2) Where a treating physician or nurse determines that a medical emergency exists and the specific chemical identity
of a hazardous chemical is necessary for emergency or first-aid treatment, the chemical manufacturer, importer, or
employer shall immediately disclose the specific chemical identity of a trade secret chemical to that treating physician
or nurse, regardless of the existence of a written statement of need or a confidentiality agreement. The chemical
manufacturer, importer, or employer may require a written statement of need and confidentiality agreement, in
accordance with the provisions of paragraphs (i) (3) and (4) of this section, as soon as circumstances permit.
(3) In non-emergency situations, a chemical manufacturer, importer, or employer shall, upon request, disclose a
specific chemical identity, otherwise permitted to be withheld under paragraph (i)(1) of this section, to a health
professional (i.e. physician, industrial hygienist, toxicologist, epidemiologist, or occupational health nurse) providing
medical or other occupational health services to exposed employee(s), and to employees or designated
representatives, if:
(i) The request is in writing;
(ii) The request describes with reasonable detail one or more of the following occupational health needs for the
information:
(A) To assess the hazards of the chemicals to which employees will be exposed;
(B) To conduct or assess sampling of the workplace atmosphere to determine employee exposure levels;
(C) To conduct pre-assignment or periodic medical surveillance of exposed employees;
(D) To provide medical treatment to exposed employees;
(E) To select or assess appropriate personal protective equipment for exposed employees;
(F) To design or assess engineering controls or other protective measures for exposed employees; and,
(G) To conduct studies to determine the health effects of exposure.
(iii) The request explains in detail why the disclosure of the specific chemical identity is essential and that, in lieu
thereof, the disclosure of the following information to the health professional, employee, or designated representative,
would not satisfy the purposes described in paragraph (i)(3)(ii) of this section:
(A) The properties and effects of the chemical;
(B) Measures for controlling workers' exposure to the chemical;
(C) Methods of monitoring and analyzing worker exposure to the chemical; and,
(D) Methods of diagnosing and treating harmful exposures to the chemical;
(iv) The request includes a description of the procedures to be used to maintain the confidentiality of the disclosed
information; and,
(v) The health professional, and the employer or contractor of the services of the health professional (i.e. downstream
employer, labor organization, or individual employee), employee, or designated representative, agree in a written

13

confidentiality agreement that the health professional, employee, or designated representative, will not use the trade
secret information for any purpose other than the health need(s) asserted and agree not to release the information
under any circumstances other than to OSHA, as provided in paragraph (i)(6) of this section, except as authorized by
the terms of the agreement or by the chemical manufacturer, importer, or employer.
(4) The confidentiality agreement authorized by paragraph (i)(3)(iv) of this section:
(i) May restrict the use of the information to the health purposes indicated in the written statement of need;
(ii) May provide for appropriate legal remedies in the event of a breach of the agreement, including stipulation of a
reasonable pre-estimate of likely damages; and,
(iii) May not include requirements for the posting of a penalty bond.
(5) Nothing in this standard is meant to preclude the parties from pursuing non-contractual remedies to the extent
permitted by law.
(6) If the health professional, employee, or designated representative receiving the trade secret information decides
that there is a need to disclose it to OSHA, the chemical manufacturer, importer, or employer who provided the
information shall be informed by the health professional, employee, or designated representative prior to, or at the
same time as, such disclosure.
(7) If the chemical manufacturer, importer, or employer denies a written request for disclosure of a specific chemical
identity, the denial must:
(i) Be provided to the health professional, employee, or designated representative, within thirty days of the request;
(ii) Be in writing;
(iii) Include evidence to support the claim that the specific chemical identity is a trade secret;
(iv) State the specific reasons why the request is being denied; and,
(v) Explain in detail how alternative information may satisfy the specific medical or occupational health need without
revealing the specific chemical identity.
(8) The health professional, employee, or designated representative whose request for information is denied under
paragraph (i)(3) of this section may refer the request and the written denial of the request to OSHA for consideration.
(9) When a health professional, employee, or designated representative refers the denial to OSHA under paragraph
(i)(8) of this section, OSHA shall consider the evidence to determine if:
(i) The chemical manufacturer, importer, or employer has supported the claim that the specific chemical identity is a
trade secret;
(ii) The health professional, employee, or designated representative has supported the claim that there is a medical
or occupational health need for the information; and,
(iii) The health professional, employee or designated representative has demonstrated adequate means to protect the
confidentiality.
(10)(i) If OSHA determines that the specific chemical identity requested under paragraph (i)(3) of this section is not a
bona fide trade secret, or that it is a trade secret, but the requesting health professional, employee, or designated
representative has a legitimate medical or occupational health need for the information, has executed a written
confidentiality agreement, and has shown adequate means to protect the confidentiality of the information, the
chemical manufacturer, importer, or employer will be subject to citation by OSHA.

14

(ii) If a chemical manufacturer, importer, or employer demonstrates to OSHA that the execution of a confidentiality
agreement would not provide sufficient protection against the potential harm from the unauthorized disclosure of a
trade secret specific chemical identity, the Assistant Secretary may issue such orders or impose such additional
limitations or conditions upon the disclosure of the requested chemical information as may be appropriate to assure
that the occupational health services are provided without an undue risk of harm to the chemical manufacturer,
importer, or employer.
(11) If a citation for a failure to release specific chemical identity information is contested by the chemical
manufacturer, importer, or employer, the matter will be adjudicated before the Occupational Safety and Health
Review Commission in accordance with the Act's enforcement scheme and the applicable Commission rules of
procedure. In accordance with the Commission rules, when a chemical manufacturer, importer, or employer
continues to withhold the information during the contest, the Administrative Law Judge may review the citation and
supporting documentation in camera or issue appropriate orders to protect the confidentiality of such matters.
(12) Notwithstanding the existence of a trade secret claim, a chemical manufacturer, importer, or employer shall,
upon request, disclose to the Assistant Secretary any information which this section requires the chemical
manufacturer, importer, or employer to make available. Where there is a trade secret claim, such claim shall be made
no later than at the time the information is provided to the Assistant Secretary so that suitable determinations of trade
secret status can be made and the necessary protections can be implemented.
(13) Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed as requiring the disclosure under any circumstances of process or
percentage of mixture information which is a trade secret.
(j) Effective dates. Chemical manufacturers, importers, distributors, and employers shall be in compliance with all
provisions of this section by March 11, 1994.

Note: The effective date of the clarification that the exemption of wood and wood products from the
Hazard Communication standard in paragraph (b)(6)(iv) only applies to wood and wood products
including lumber which will not be processed, where the manufacturer or importer can establish that the
only hazard they pose to employees is the potential for flammability or combustibility, and that the
exemption does not apply to wood or wood products which have been treated with a hazardous chemical
covered by this standard, and wood which may be subsequently sawed or cut generating dust has been
stayed from March 11, 1994 to August 11, 1994.
Appendix A to §1910.1200—Health Hazard Definitions (Mandatory)
Although safety hazards related to the physical characteristics of a chemical can be objectively defined in
terms of testing requirements (e.g. flammability), health hazard definitions are less precise and more
subjective. Health hazards may cause measurable changes in the body—such as decreased pulmonary
function. These changes are generally indicated by the occurrence of signs and symptoms in the exposed
employees—such as shortness of breath, a non-measurable, subjective feeling. Employees exposed to
such hazards must be apprised of both the change in body function and the signs and symptoms that
may occur to signal that change.
The determination of occupational health hazards is complicated by the fact that many of the effects or
signs and symptoms occur commonly in non-occupationally exposed populations, so that effects of
exposure are difficult to separate from normally occurring illnesses. Occasionally, a substance causes an
effect that is rarely seen in the population at large, such as angiosarcomas caused by vinyl chloride
exposure, thus making it easier to ascertain that the occupational exposure was the primary causative
factor. More often, however, the effects are common, such as lung cancer. The situation is further
complicated by the fact that most chemicals have not been adequately tested to determine their health
hazard potential, and data do not exist to substantiate these effects.
There have been many attempts to categorize effects and to define them in various ways. Generally, the
terms “acute” and “chronic” are used to delineate between effects on the basis of severity or duration.

15

“Acute” effects usually occur rapidly as a result of short-term exposures, and are of short duration.
“Chronic” effects generally occur as a result of long-term exposure, and are of long duration.
The acute effects referred to most frequently are those defined by the American National Standards
Institute (ANSI) standard for Precautionary Labeling of Hazardous Industrial Chemicals (Z129.1–1988)—
irritation, corrosivity, sensitization and lethal dose. Although these are important health effects, they do
not adequately cover the considerable range of acute effects which may occur as a result of occupational
exposure, such as, for example, narcosis.
Similarly, the term chronic effect is often used to cover only carcinogenicity, teratogenicity, and
mutagenicity. These effects are obviously a concern in the workplace, but again, do not adequately cover
the area of chronic effects, excluding, for example, blood dyscrasias (such as anemia), chronic bronchitis
and liver atrophy.
The goal of defining precisely, in measurable terms, every possible health effect that may occur in the
workplace as a result of chemical exposures cannot realistically be accomplished. This does not negate
the need for employees to be informed of such effects and protected from them. Appendix B, which is
also mandatory, outlines the principles and procedures of hazard assessment.
For purposes of this section, any chemicals which meet any of the following definitions, as determined by
the criteria set forth in appendix B are health hazards. However, this is not intended to be an exclusive
categorization scheme. If there are available scientific data that involve other animal species or test
methods, they must also be evaluated to determine the applicability of the HCS.7
1. Carcinogen: A chemical is considered to be a carcinogen if:
(a) It has been evaluated by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), and found to be a
carcinogen or potential carcinogen; or
(b) It is listed as a carcinogen or potential carcinogen in the Annual Report on Carcinogens published by
the National Toxicology Program (NTP) (latest edition); or,
(c) It is regulated by OSHA as a carcinogen.
2. Corrosive: A chemical that causes visible destruction of, or irreversible alterations in, living tissue by
chemical action at the site of contact. For example, a chemical is considered to be corrosive if, when
tested on the intact skin of albino rabbits by the method described by the U.S. Department of
Transportation in appendix A to 49 CFR part 173, it destroys or changes irreversibly the structure of the
tissue at the site of contact following an exposure period of four hours. This term shall not refer to action
on inanimate surfaces.
3. Highly toxic: A chemical falling within any of the following categories:
(a) A chemical that has a median lethal dose (LD50) of 50 milligrams or less per kilogram of body weight
when administered orally to albino rats weighing between 200 and 300 grams each.
(b) A chemical that has a median lethal dose (LD50) of 200 milligrams or less per kilogram of body weight
when administered by continuous contact for 24 hours (or less if death occurs within 24 hours) with the
bare skin of albino rabbits weighing between two and three kilograms each.
(c) A chemical that has a median lethal concentration (LC50) in air of 200 parts per million by volume or
less of gas or vapor, or 2 milligrams per liter or less of mist, fume, or dust, when administered by

16

continuous inhalation for one hour (or less if death occurs within one hour) to albino rats weighing
between 200 and 300 grams each.
4. Irritant: A chemical, which is not corrosive, but which causes a reversible inflammatory effect on living
tissue by chemical action at the site of contact. A chemical is a skin irritant if, when tested on the intact
skin of albino rabbits by the methods of 16 CFR 1500.41 for four hours exposure or by other appropriate
techniques, it results in an empirical score of five or more. A chemical is an eye irritant if so determined
under the procedure listed in 16 CFR 1500.42 or other appropriate techniques.
5. Sensitizer: A chemical that causes a substantial proportion of exposed people or animals to develop an
allergic reaction in normal tissue after repeated exposure to the chemical.
6. Toxic. A chemical falling within any of the following categories:
(a) A chemical that has a median lethal dose (LD50) of more than 50 milligrams per kilogram but not more
than 500 milligrams per kilogram of body weight when administered orally to albino rats weighing
between 200 and 300 grams each.
(b) A chemical that has a median lethal dose (LD50) of more than 200 milligrams per kilogram but not
more than 1,000 milligrams per kilogram of body weight when administered by continuous contact for 24
hours (or less if death occurs within 24 hours) with the bare skin of albino rabbits weighing between two
and three kilograms each.
(c) A chemical that has a median lethal concentration (LC50) in air of more than 200 parts per million but
not more than 2,000 parts per million by volume of gas or vapor, or more than two milligrams per liter but
not more than 20 milligrams per liter of mist, fume, or dust, when administered by continuous inhalation
for one hour (or less if death occurs within one hour) to albino rats weighing between 200 and 300 grams
each.
7. Target organ effects.
The following is a target organ categorization of effects which may occur, including examples of signs and
symptoms and chemicals which have been found to cause such effects. These examples are presented
to illustrate the range and diversity of effects and hazards found in the workplace, and the broad scope
employers must consider in this area, but are not intended to be all-inclusive.
a. Hepatotoxins: Chemicals which produce liver damage3
Signs & Symptoms: Jaundice; liver enlargement
Chemicals: Carbon tetrachloride; nitrosamines
b. Nephrotoxins: Chemicals which produce kidney damage
Signs & Symptoms: Edema; proteinuria
Chemicals: Halogenated hydrocarbons; uranium
c. Neurotoxins: Chemicals which produce their primary toxic effects on the nervous system
Signs & Symptoms: Narcosis; behavioral changes; decrease in motor functions

17

Chemicals: Mercury; carbon disulfide
d. Agents which act on the blood or hemato-poietic system: Decrease hemoglobin function; deprive the
body tissues of oxygen
Signs & Symptoms: Cyanosis; loss of consciousness
Chemicals: Carbon monoxide; cyanides
e. Agents which damage the lung: Chemicals which irritate or damage pulmonary tissue
Signs & Symptoms: Cough; tightness in chest; shortness of breath
Chemicals: Silica; asbestos
f. Reproductive toxins: Chemicals which affect the reproductive capabilities including chromosomal
damage (mutations) and effects on fetuses (teratogenesis)
Signs & Symptoms: Birth defects; sterility
Chemicals: Lead; DBCP
g. Cutaneous hazards: Chemicals which affect the dermal layer of the body
Signs & Symptoms: Defatting of the skin; rashes; irritation
Chemicals: Ketones; chlorinated compounds
h. Eye hazards: Chemicals which affect the eye or visual capacity
Signs & Symptoms: Conjunctivitis; corneal damage
Chemicals: Organic solvents; acids
Appendix B to §1910.1200—Hazard Determination (Mandatory)
The quality of a hazard communication program is largely dependent upon the adequacy and accuracy of
the hazard determination. The hazard determination requirement of this standard is performanceoriented. Chemical manufacturers, importers, and employers evaluating chemicals are not required to
follow any specific methods for determining hazards, but they must be able to demonstrate that they have
adequately ascertained the hazards of the chemicals produced or imported in accordance with the criteria
set forth in this Appendix.
Hazard evaluation is a process which relies heavily on the professional judgment of the evaluator,
particularly in the area of chronic hazards. The performance-orientation of the hazard determination does
not diminish the duty of the chemical manufacturer, importer or employer to conduct a thorough
evaluation, examining all relevant data and producing a scientifically defensible evaluation. For purposes
of this standard, the following criteria shall be used in making hazard determinations that meet the
requirements of this standard.
1. Carcinogenicity: As described in paragraph (d)(4) of this section and appendix A of this section, a
determination by the National Toxicology Program, the International Agency for Research on Cancer, or

18

OSHA that a chemical is a carcinogen or potential carcinogen will be considered conclusive evidence for
purposes of this section. In addition, however, all available scientific data on carcinogenicity must be
evaluated in accordance with the provisions of this appendix and the requirements of the rule.
2. Human data: Where available, epidemiological studies and case reports of adverse health effects shall
be considered in the evaluation.
3. Animal data: Human evidence of health effects in exposed populations is generally not available for the
majority of chemicals produced or used in the workplace. Therefore, the available results of toxicological
testing in animal populations shall be used to predict the health effects that may be experienced by
exposed workers. In particular, the definitions of certain acute hazards refer to specific animal testing
results (see appendix A).
4. Adequacy and reporting of data. The results of any studies which are designed and conducted
according to established scientific principles, and which report statistically significant conclusions
regarding the health effects of a chemical, shall be a sufficient basis for a hazard determination and
reported on any material safety data sheet. In vitro studies alone generally do not form the basis for a
definitive finding of hazard under the HCS since they have a positive or negative result rather than a
statistically significant finding.
The chemical manufacturer, importer, or employer may also report the results of other scientifically valid
studies which tend to refute the findings of hazard.
Appendix C to §1910.1200 [Reserved]
Appendix D to §1910.1200—Definition of “Trade Secret” (Mandatory)
The following is a reprint of the Restatement of Torts section 757, comment b (1939):
b. Definition of trade secret. A trade secret may consist of any formula, pattern, device or compilation of
information which is used in one's business, and which gives him an opportunity to obtain an advantage
over competitors who do not know or use it. It may be a formula for a chemical compound, a process of
manufacturing, treating or preserving materials, a pattern for a machine or other device, or a list of
customers. It differs from other secret information in a business (see s759 of the Restatement of Torts
which is not included in this Appendix) in that it is not simply information as to single or ephemeral events
in the conduct of the business, as, for example, the amount or other terms of a secret bid for a contract or
the salary of certain employees, or the security investments made or contemplated, or the date fixed for
the announcement of a new policy or for bringing out a new model or the like. A trade secret is a process
or device for continuous use in the operations of the business. Generally it relates to the production of
goods, as, for example, a machine or formula for the production of an article. It may, however, relate to
the sale of goods or to other operations in the business, such as a code for determining discounts,
rebates or other concessions in a price list or catalogue, or a list of specialized customers, or a method of
bookkeeping or other office management.
Secrecy. The subject matter of a trade secret must be secret. Matters of public knowledge or of general
knowledge in an industry cannot be appropriated by one as his secret. Matters which are completely
disclosed by the goods which one markets cannot be his secret. Substantially, a trade secret is known
only in the particular business in which it is used. It is not requisite that only the proprietor of the business
know it. He may, without losing his protection, communicate it to employees involved in its use. He may
likewise communicate it to others pledged to secrecy. Others may also know of it independently, as, for
example, when they have discovered the process or formula by independent invention and are keeping it
secret. Nevertheless, a substantial element of secrecy must exist, so that, except by the use of improper
means, there would be difficulty in acquiring the information. An exact definition of a trade secret is not
possible. Some factors to be considered in determining whether given information is one's trade secret

19

are: (1) The extent to which the information is known outside of his business; (2) the extent to which it is
known by employees and others involved in his business; (3) the extent of measures taken by him to
guard the secrecy of the information; (4) the value of the information to him and his competitors; (5) the
amount of effort or money expended by him in developing the information; (6) the ease or difficulty with
which the information could be properly acquired or duplicated by others.
Novelty and prior art. A trade secret may be a device or process which is patentable; but it need not be
that. It may be a device or process which is clearly anticipated in the prior art or one which is merely a
mechanical improvement that a good mechanic can make. Novelty and invention are not requisite for a
trade secret as they are for patentability. These requirements are essential to patentability because a
patent protects against unlicensed use of the patented device or process even by one who discovers it
properly through independent research. The patent monopoly is a reward to the inventor. But such is not
the case with a trade secret. Its protection is not based on a policy of rewarding or otherwise encouraging
the development of secret processes or devices. The protection is merely against breach of faith and
reprehensible means of learning another's secret. For this limited protection it is not appropriate to require
also the kind of novelty and invention which is a requisite of patentability. The nature of the secret is,
however, an important factor in determining the kind of relief that is appropriate against one who is
subject to liability under the rule stated in this Section. Thus, if the secret consists of a device or process
which is a novel invention, one who acquires the secret wrongfully is ordinarily enjoined from further use
of it and is required to account for the profits derived from his past use. If, on the other hand, the secret
consists of mechanical improvements that a good mechanic can make without resort to the secret, the
wrongdoer's liability may be limited to damages, and an injunction against future use of the improvements
made with the aid of the secret may be inappropriate.
Appendix E to §1910.1200—(Advisory)—Guidelines for Employer Compliance
The Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) is based on a simple concept—that employees have both a
need and a right to know the hazards and identities of the chemicals they are exposed to when working.
They also need to know what protective measures are available to prevent adverse effects from
occurring. The HCS is designed to provide employees with the information they need.
Knowledge acquired under the HCS will help employers provide safer workplaces for their employees.
When employers have information about the chemicals being used, they can take steps to reduce
exposures, substitute less hazardous materials, and establish proper work practices. These efforts will
help prevent the occurrence of work-related illnesses and injuries caused by chemicals.
The HCS addresses the issues of evaluating and communicating hazards to workers. Evaluation of
chemical hazards involves a number of technical concepts, and is a process that requires the
professional judgment of experienced experts. That's why the HCS is designed so that employers who
simply use chemicals, rather than produce or import them, are not required to evaluate the hazards of
those chemicals. Hazard determination is the responsibility of the producers and importers of the
materials. Producers and importers of chemicals are then required to provide the hazard information to
employers that purchase their products.
Employers that don't produce or import chemicals need only focus on those parts of the rule that deal with
establishing a workplace program and communicating information to their workers. This appendix is a
general guide for such employers to help them determine what's required under the rule. It does not
supplant or substitute for the regulatory provisions, but rather provides a simplified outline of the steps an
average employer would follow to meet those requirements.
1. Becoming Familiar With The Rule.
OSHA has provided a simple summary of the HCS in a pamphlet entitled “Chemical Hazard
Communication,” OSHA Publication Number 3084. Some employers prefer to begin to become familiar

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with the rule's requirements by reading this pamphlet. A copy may be obtained from your local OSHA
Area Office, or by contacting the OSHA Publications Office at (202) 523–9667.
The standard is long, and some parts of it are technical, but the basic concepts are simple. In fact, the
requirements reflect what many employers have been doing for years. You may find that you are already
largely in compliance with many of the provisions, and will simply have to modify your existing programs
somewhat. If you are operating in an OSHA-approved State Plan State, you must comply with the State's
requirements, which may be different than those of the Federal rule. Many of the State Plan States had
hazard communication or “right-to-know” laws prior to promulgation of the Federal rule. Employers in
State Plan States should contact their State OSHA offices for more information regarding applicable
requirements.
The HCS requires information to be prepared and transmitted regarding all hazardous chemicals. The
HCS covers both physical hazards (such as flammability), and health hazards (such as irritation, lung
damage, and cancer). Most chemicals used in the workplace have some hazard potential, and thus will
be covered by the rule.
One difference between this rule and many others adopted by OSHA is that this one is performanceoriented. That means that you have the flexibility to adapt the rule to the needs of your workplace, rather
than having to follow specific, rigid requirements. It also means that you have to exercise more judgment
to implement an appropriate and effective program.
The standard's design is simple. Chemical manufacturers and importers must evaluate the hazards of the
chemicals they produce or import. Using that information, they must then prepare labels for containers,
and more detailed technical bulletins called material safety data sheets (MSDS).
Chemical manufacturers, importers, and distributors of hazardous chemicals are all required to provide
the appropriate labels and material safety data sheets to the employers to which they ship the chemicals.
The information is to be provided automatically. Every container of hazardous chemicals you receive
must be labeled, tagged, or marked with the required information. Your suppliers must also send you a
properly completed material safety data sheet (MSDS) at the time of the first shipment of the chemical,
and with the next shipment after the MSDS is updated with new and significant information about the
hazards.
You can rely on the information received from your suppliers. You have no independent duty to analyze
the chemical or evaluate the hazards of it.
Employers that “use” hazardous chemicals must have a program to ensure the information is provided to
exposed employees. “Use” means to package, handle, react, or transfer. This is an intentionally broad
scope, and includes any situation where a chemical is present in such a way that employees may be
exposed under normal conditions of use or in a foreseeable emergency.
The requirements of the rule that deal specifically with the hazard communication program are found in
this section in paragraphs (e), written hazard communication program; (f), labels and other forms of
warning; (g), material safety data sheets; and (h), employee information and training. The requirements of
these paragraphs should be the focus of your attention. Concentrate on becoming familiar with them,
using paragraphs (b), scope and application, and (c), definitions, as references when needed to help
explain the provisions.
There are two types of work operations where the coverage of the rule is limited. These are laboratories
and operations where chemicals are only handled in sealed containers ( e.g ., a warehouse). The limited
provisions for these workplaces can be found in paragraph (b) of this section, scope and application.
Basically, employers having these types of work operations need only keep labels on containers as they
are received; maintain material safety data sheets that are received, and give employees access to them;

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and provide information and training for employees. Employers do not have to have written hazard
communication programs and lists of chemicals for these types of operations.
The limited coverage of laboratories and sealed container operations addresses the obligation of an
employer to the workers in the operations involved, and does not affect the employer's duties as a
distributor of chemicals. For example, a distributor may have warehouse operations where employees
would be protected under the limited sealed container provisions. In this situation, requirements for
obtaining and maintaining MSDSs are limited to providing access to those received with containers while
the substance is in the workplace, and requesting MSDSs when employees request access for those not
received with the containers. However, as a distributor of hazardous chemicals, that employer will still
have responsibilities for providing MSDSs to downstream customers at the time of the first shipment and
when the MSDS is updated. Therefore, although they may not be required for the employees in the work
operation, the distributor may, nevertheless, have to have MSDSs to satisfy other requirements of the
rule.
2. Identify Responsible Staff
Hazard communication is going to be a continuing program in your facility. Compliance with the HCS is
not a “one shot deal.” In order to have a successful program, it will be necessary to assign responsibility
for both the initial and ongoing activities that have to be undertaken to comply with the rule. In some
cases, these activities may already be part of current job assignments. For example, site supervisors are
frequently responsible for on-the-job training sessions. Early identification of the responsible employees,
and involvement of them in the development of your plan of action, will result in a more effective program
design. Evaluation of the effectiveness of your program will also be enhanced by involvement of affected
employees.
For any safety and health program, success depends on commitment at every level of the organization.
This is particularly true for hazard communication, where success requires a change in behavior. This will
only occur if employers understand the program, and are committed to its success, and if employees are
motivated by the people presenting the information to them.
3. Identify Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace.
The standard requires a list of hazardous chemicals in the workplace as part of the written hazard
communication program. The list will eventually serve as an inventory of everything for which an MSDS
must be maintained. At this point, however, preparing the list will help you complete the rest of the
program since it will give you some idea of the scope of the program required for compliance in your
facility.
The best way to prepare a comprehensive list is to survey the workplace. Purchasing records may also
help, and certainly employers should establish procedures to ensure that in the future purchasing
procedures result in MSDSs being received before a material is used in the workplace.
The broadest possible perspective should be taken when doing the survey. Sometimes people think of
“chemicals” as being only liquids in containers. The HCS covers chemicals in all physical forms—liquids,
solids, gases, vapors, fumes, and mists—whether they are “contained” or not. The hazardous nature of
the chemical and the potential for exposure are the factors which determine whether a chemical is
covered. If it's not hazardous, it's not covered. If there is no potential for exposure (e.g., the chemical is
inextricably bound and cannot be released), the rule does not cover the chemical.
Look around. Identify chemicals in containers, including pipes, but also think about chemicals generated
in the work operations. For example, welding fumes, dusts, and exhaust fumes are all sources of
chemical exposures. Read labels provided by suppliers for hazard information. Make a list of all
chemicals in the workplace that are potentially hazardous. For your own information and planning, you

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may also want to note on the list the location(s) of the products within the workplace, and an indication of
the hazards as found on the label. This will help you as you prepare the rest of your program.
Paragraph (b) of this section, scope and application, includes exemptions for various chemicals or
workplace situations. After compiling the complete list of chemicals, you should review paragraph (b) of
this section to determine if any of the items can be eliminated from the list because they are exempted
materials. For example, food, drugs, and cosmetics brought into the workplace for employee consumption
are exempt. So rubbing alcohol in the first aid kit would not be covered.
Once you have compiled as complete a list as possible of the potentially hazardous chemicals in the
workplace, the next step is to determine if you have received material safety data sheets for all of them.
Check your files against the inventory you have just compiled. If any are missing, contact your supplier
and request one. It is a good idea to document these requests, either by copy of a letter or a note
regarding telephone conversations. If you have MSDSs for chemicals that are not on your list, figure out
why. Maybe you don't use the chemical anymore. Or maybe you missed it in your survey. Some suppliers
do provide MSDSs for products that are not hazardous. These do not have to be maintained by you.
You should not allow employees to use any chemicals for which you have not received an MSDS. The
MSDS provides information you need to ensure proper protective measures are implemented prior to
exposure.
4. Preparing and Implementing a Hazard Communication Program
All workplaces where employees are exposed to hazardous chemicals must have a written plan which
describes how the standard will be implemented in that facility. Preparation of a plan is not just a paper
exercise—all of the elements must be implemented in the workplace in order to be in compliance with the
rule. See paragraph (e) of this section for the specific requirements regarding written hazard
communication programs. The only work operations which do not have to comply with the written plan
requirements are laboratories and work operations where employees only handle chemicals in sealed
containers. See paragraph (b) of this section, scope and application, for the specific requirements for
these two types of workplaces.
The plan does not have to be lengthy or complicated. It is intended to be a blueprint for implementation of
your program—an assurance that all aspects of the requirements have been addressed.
Many trade associations and other professional groups have provided sample programs and other
assistance materials to affected employers. These have been very helpful to many employers since they
tend to be tailored to the particular industry involved. You may wish to investigate whether your industry
trade groups have developed such materials.
Although such general guidance may be helpful, you must remember that the written program has to
reflect what you are doing in your workplace. Therefore, if you use a generic program it must be adapted
to address the facility it covers. For example, the written plan must list the chemicals present at the site,
indicate who is to be responsible for the various aspects of the program in your facility, and indicate
where written materials will be made available to employees.
If OSHA inspects your workplace for compliance with the HCS, the OSHA compliance officer will ask to
see your written plan at the outset of the inspection. In general, the following items will be considered in
evaluating your program.
The written program must describe how the requirements for labels and other forms of warning, material
safety data sheets, and employee information and training, are going to be met in your facility. The
following discussion provides the type of information compliance officers will be looking for to decide
whether these elements of the hazard communication program have been properly addressed:

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A. Labels and Other Forms of Warning
In-plant containers of hazardous chemicals must be labeled, tagged, or marked with the identity of the
material and appropriate hazard warnings. Chemical manufacturers, importers, and distributors are
required to ensure that every container of hazardous chemicals they ship is appropriately labeled with
such information and with the name and address of the producer or other responsible party. Employers
purchasing chemicals can rely on the labels provided by their suppliers. If the material is subsequently
transferred by the employer from a labeled container to another container, the employer will have to label
that container unless it is subject to the portable container exemption. See paragraph (f) of this section for
specific labeling requirements.
The primary information to be obtained from an OSHA-required label is an identity for the material, and
appropriate hazard warnings. The identity is any term which appears on the label, the MSDS, and the list
of chemicals, and thus links these three sources of information. The identity used by the supplier may be
a common or trade name (“Black Magic Formula”), or a chemical name (1,1,1,-trichloroethane). The
hazard warning is a brief statement of the hazardous effects of the chemical (“flammable,” “causes lung
damage”). Labels frequently contain other information, such as precautionary measures (“do not use near
open flame”), but this information is provided voluntarily and is not required by the rule. Labels must be
legible, and prominently displayed. There are no specific requirements for size or color, or any specified
text.
With these requirements in mind, the compliance officer will be looking for the following types of
information to ensure that labeling will be properly implemented in your facility:
1. Designation of person(s) responsible for ensuring labeling of in-plant containers;
2. Designation of person(s) responsible for ensuring labeling of any shipped containers;
3. Description of labeling system(s) used;
4. Description of written alternatives to labeling of in-plant containers (if used); and,
5. Procedures to review and update label information when necessary.
Employers that are purchasing and using hazardous chemicals—rather than producing or distributing
them—will primarily be concerned with ensuring that every purchased container is labeled. If materials
are transferred into other containers, the employer must ensure that these are labeled as well, unless
they fall under the portable container exemption (paragraph (f)(7) of this section). In terms of labeling
systems, you can simply choose to use the labels provided by your suppliers on the containers. These
will generally be verbal text labels, and do not usually include numerical rating systems or symbols that
require special training. The most important thing to remember is that this is a continuing duty—all inplant containers of hazardous chemicals must always be labeled. Therefore, it is important to designate
someone to be responsible for ensuring that the labels are maintained as required on the containers in
your facility, and that newly purchased materials are checked for labels prior to use.
B. Material Safety Data Sheets
Chemical manufacturers and importers are required to obtain or develop a material safety data sheet for
each hazardous chemical they produce or import. Distributors are responsible for ensuring that their
customers are provided a copy of these MSDSs. Employers must have an MSDS for each hazardous
chemical which they use. Employers may rely on the information received from their suppliers. The
specific requirements for material safety data sheets are in paragraph (g) of this section.

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There is no specified format for the MSDS under the rule, although there are specific information
requirements. OSHA has developed a non-mandatory format, OSHA Form 174, which may be used by
chemical manufacturers and importers to comply with the rule. The MSDS must be in English. You are
entitled to receive from your supplier a data sheet which includes all of the information required under the
rule. If you do not receive one automatically, you should request one. If you receive one that is obviously
inadequate, with, for example, blank spaces that are not completed, you should request an appropriately
completed one. If your request for a data sheet or for a corrected data sheet does not produce the
information needed, you should contact your local OSHA Area Office for assistance in obtaining the
MSDS.
The role of MSDSs under the rule is to provide detailed information on each hazardous chemical,
including its potential hazardous effects, its physical and chemical characteristics, and recommendations
for appropriate protective measures. This information should be useful to you as the employer
responsible for designing protective programs, as well as to the workers. If you are not familiar with
material safety data sheets and with chemical terminology, you may need to learn to use them yourself. A
glossary of MSDS terms may be helpful in this regard. Generally speaking, most employers using
hazardous chemicals will primarily be concerned with MSDS information regarding hazardous effects and
recommended protective measures. Focus on the sections of the MSDS that are applicable to your
situation.
MSDSs must be readily accessible to employees when they are in their work areas during their
workshifts. This may be accomplished in many different ways. You must decide what is appropriate for
your particular workplace. Some employers keep the MSDSs in a binder in a central location ( e.g., in the
pick-up truck on a construction site). Others, particularly in workplaces with large numbers of chemicals,
computerize the information and provide access through terminals. As long as employees can get the
information when they need it, any approach may be used. The employees must have access to the
MSDSs themselves—simply having a system where the information can be read to them over the phone
is only permitted under the mobile worksite provision, paragraph (g)(9) of this section, when employees
must travel between workplaces during the shift. In this situation, they have access to the MSDSs prior to
leaving the primary worksite, and when they return, so the telephone system is simply an emergency
arrangement.
In order to ensure that you have a current MSDS for each chemical in the plant as required, and that
employee access is provided, the compliance officers will be looking for the following types of information
in your written program:
1. Designation of person(s) responsible for obtaining and maintaining the MSDSs;
2. How such sheets are to be maintained in the workplace ( e.g., in notebooks in the work area(s) or in a
computer with terminal access), and how employees can obtain access to them when they are in their
work area during the work shift;
3. Procedures to follow when the MSDS is not received at the time of the first shipment;
4. For producers, procedures to update the MSDS when new and significant health information is found;
and,
5. Description of alternatives to actual data sheets in the workplace, if used.
For employers using hazardous chemicals, the most important aspect of the written program in terms of
MSDSs is to ensure that someone is responsible for obtaining and maintaining the MSDSs for every
hazardous chemical in the workplace. The list of hazardous chemicals required to be maintained as part
of the written program will serve as an inventory. As new chemicals are purchased, the list should be

25

updated. Many companies have found it convenient to include on their purchase orders the name and
address of the person designated in their company to receive MSDSs.
C. Employee Information and Training
Each employee who may be “exposed” to hazardous chemicals when working must be provided
information and trained prior to initial assignment to work with a hazardous chemical, and whenever the
hazard changes. “Exposure” or “exposed” under the rule means that “an employee is subjected to a
hazardous chemical in the course of employment through any route of entry (inhalation, ingestion, skin
contact or absorption, etc.) and includes potential ( e.g., accidental or possible) exposure.” See paragraph
(h) of this section for specific requirements. Information and training may be done either by individual
chemical, or by categories of hazards (such as flammability or carcinogenicity). If there are only a few
chemicals in the workplace, then you may want to discuss each one individually. Where there are large
numbers of chemicals, or the chemicals change frequently, you will probably want to train generally
based on the hazard categories ( e.g., flammable liquids, corrosive materials, carcinogens). Employees
will have access to the substance-specific information on the labels and MSDSs.
Information and training is a critical part of the hazard communication program. Information regarding
hazards and protective measures are provided to workers through written labels and material safety data
sheets. However, through effective information and training, workers will learn to read and understand
such information, determine how it can be obtained and used in their own workplaces, and understand
the risks of exposure to the chemicals in their workplaces as well as the ways to protect themselves. A
properly conducted training program will ensure comprehension and understanding. It is not sufficient to
either just read material to the workers, or simply hand them material to read. You want to create a
climate where workers feel free to ask questions. This will help you to ensure that the information is
understood. You must always remember that the underlying purpose of the HCS is to reduce the
incidence of chemical source illnesses and injuries. This will be accomplished by modifying behavior
through the provision of hazard information and information about protective measures. If your program
works, you and your workers will better understand the chemical hazards within the workplace. The
procedures you establish regarding, for example, purchasing, storage, and handling of these chemicals
will improve, and thereby reduce the risks posed to employees exposed to the chemical hazards involved.
Furthermore, your workers' comprehension will also be increased, and proper work practices will be
followed in your workplace.
If you are going to do the training yourself, you will have to understand the material and be prepared to
motivate the workers to learn. This is not always an easy task, but the benefits are worth the effort. More
information regarding appropriate training can be found in OSHA Publication No. 2254 which contains
voluntary training guidelines prepared by OSHA's Training Institute. A copy of this document is available
from OSHA's Publications Office at (202) 219–4667.
In reviewing your written program with regard to information and training, the following items need to be
considered:
1. Designation of person(s) responsible for conducting training;
2. Format of the program to be used (audiovisuals, classroom instruction, etc.);
3. Elements of the training program (should be consistent with the elements in paragraph (h) of this
section); and,
4. Procedure to train new employees at the time of their initial assignment to work with a hazardous
chemical, and to train employees when a new hazard is introduced into the workplace.

26

The written program should provide enough details about the employer's plans in this area to assess
whether or not a good faith effort is being made to train employees. OSHA does not expect that every
worker will be able to recite all of the information about each chemical in the workplace. In general, the
most important aspects of training under the HCS are to ensure that employees are aware that they are
exposed to hazardous chemicals, that they know how to read and use labels and material safety data
sheets, and that, as a consequence of learning this information, they are following the appropriate
protective measures established by the employer. OSHA compliance officers will be talking to employees
to determine if they have received training, if they know they are exposed to hazardous chemicals, and if
they know where to obtain substance-specific information on labels and MSDSs.
The rule does not require employers to maintain records of employee training, but many employers
choose to do so. This may help you monitor your own program to ensure that all employees are
appropriately trained. If you already have a training program, you may simply have to supplement it with
whatever additional information is required under the HCS. For example, construction employers that are
already in compliance with the construction training standard (29 CFR 1926.21) will have little extra
training to do.
An employer can provide employees information and training through whatever means are found
appropriate and protective. Although there would always have to be some training on-site (such as
informing employees of the location and availability of the written program and MSDSs), employee
training may be satisfied in part by general training about the requirements of the HCS and about
chemical hazards on the job which is provided by, for example, trade associations, unions, colleges, and
professional schools. In addition, previous training, education and experience of a worker may relieve the
employer of some of the burdens of informing and training that worker. Regardless of the method relied
upon, however, the employer is always ultimately responsible for ensuring that employees are adequately
trained. If the compliance officer finds that the training is deficient, the employer will be cited for the
deficiency regardless of who actually provided the training on behalf of the employer.
D. Other Requirements
In addition to these specific items, compliance officers will also be asking the following questions in
assessing the adequacy of the program:
Does a list of the hazardous chemicals exist in each work area or at a central location?
Are methods the employer will use to inform employees of the hazards of non-routine tasks outlined?
Are employees informed of the hazards associated with chemicals contained in unlabeled pipes in their
work areas?
On multi-employer worksites, has the employer provided other employers with information about labeling
systems and precautionary measures where the other employers have employees exposed to the initial
employer's chemicals?
Is the written program made available to employees and their designated representatives?
If your program adequately addresses the means of communicating information to employees in your
workplace, and provides answers to the basic questions outlined above, it will be found to be in
compliance with the rule.
5. Checklist for Compliance
The following checklist will help to ensure you are in compliance with the rule:

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Obtained a copy of the rule. ____
Read and understood the requirements. ____
Assigned responsibility for tasks. ____
Prepared an inventory of chemicals. ____
Ensured containers are labeled. ____
Obtained MSDS for each chemical. ____
Prepared written program. ____
Made MSDSs available to workers. ____
Conducted training of workers. ____
Established procedures to maintain current program. ____
Established procedures to evaluate effectiveness. ____
6. Further Assistance
If you have a question regarding compliance with the HCS, you should contact your local OSHA Area
Office for assistance. In addition, each OSHA Regional Office has a Hazard Communication Coordinator
who can answer your questions. Free consultation services are also available to assist employers, and
information regarding these services can be obtained through the Area and Regional offices as well.
The telephone number for the OSHA office closest to you should be listed in your local telephone
directory. If you are not able to obtain this information, you may contact OSHA's Office of Information and
Consumer Affairs at (202) 219–8151 for further assistance in identifying the appropriate contacts.
[59 FR 6170, Feb. 9, 1994, as amended at 59 FR 17479, Apr. 13, 1994; 59 FR 65948, Dec. 22, 1994; 61 FR 9245,
Mar. 7. 1996]
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