Hazard Communication Program

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Hazard Communication | Written Program, Office Workers, Contractors, Lab Workers, GHS
Program Requirements | Hazardous Material Inventory, Safety Data Sheets, Container Labeling, Asbestos Labeling, Spills
Additional Resources

The OSHA Hazard Communication Standard requires employees to train their employees to recognize chemical hazards, using the information provided on product labels and in safety data sheets (SDS), and to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves. 

EHS’s written Hazard Communication Program addresses these requirements and provides training to employees who may be exposed to hazardous chemicals on the job.

Accessing the Hazard Communication Program

PSU Hazard Communication Program (pdf) 
Appendix A - Office Brochure
Appendix B - Department Specific Information
Appendix C - Department Hazardous Chemical Inventory
Appendix D - GHS Pictogram Card

Office Workers

Office workers and others who may use small amounts of consumer products at work do not fall under the Hazard Communication Program.

Contractors

Prior to work a PSU representative will inform contractors about the hazards present in locations where work is to be performed. The PSU Hazard Communication Program may be provided upon request from the contractor. 

PSU representatives will request contractors provide a chemical inventory list and SDS for the material that will be introduced into the work area(s) as well as the specific location and schedule for chemical use and storage.

Laboratory Workers

Employees who work in laboratories are covered under OSHA’s laboratory standard. For more information please visit the EHS Laboratory Safety webpage.

Globally Harmonized System

The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) provides a common and coherent approach to classifying chemicals and communicating hazard information on labels and safety data sheets with the use of pictograms. 

Explanation of GHS Pictograms

Program Requirements

For complete information on program requirements please refer to section 5.0 of the PSU Hazard Communication Program. 

Hazardous Material Inventory

PSU departments working with hazardous chemicals are responsible for maintaining an inventory of hazardous materials in each work area. This should include a list of each material as identified on the SDS and container label and should be maintained for at least 30 years. 

Appendix C of the PSU Hazard Communication Program may assist in documenting this inventory.

Safety Data Sheets

Each chemical should have an accompanying SDS prepared by the manufacturer or supplier. The SDS should be accessible to all employees using or otherwise exposed to that chemical. 

SDS may be obtained through the following methods:

• Materials Management Hazardous Chemical Inventory
• Downloading or requesting from the manufacturer or supplier website
• Verbally requesting from the manufacturer or supplier
• Keeping the copy sent by the manufacturer or supplier when the chemical is received

SDS may be provided to affected employees through the following methods: 

• Searching the Materials Management Hazardous Chemical Inventory
• Electronic document or link saved in the departments network folder
• Department webpage
• Hard-copies in the workplace

Ask your supervisor how to obtain the SDS' for products used in your work area.

Container Labeling

Each chemical container in the workplace must be labeled, tagged or marked with either:

• The label on the original container, to include:
  • Product identifier;
  • Signal word;
  • Hazard statement(s);
  • Pictogram(s) (see Appendix D);
  • Precautionary statement(s); and
  • Name, address, and telephone number of the chemical manufacturer, importer, or other responsible party.

or:

• The product identifier and 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. 

More information on container labeling may be found in section 5.3 of the PSU Hazard Communication Program.

Asbestos-Containing Material Labeling

Pipes or piping systems which use asbestos as a pipe insulation material must be labeled with an asbestos warning label or an alternative method must be used to identify piping using signs, placards, or operating procedures.

Asbestos warnings must include the following information:

• Danger
• Contains asbestos fibers
• May cause cancer
• Causes damage to lungs
• Do not breathe dust
• Avoid creating dust

Asbestos warning signs are also placed at each entrance to mechanical and boiler rooms where employees may be expected to routinely enter and work around material either known to contain asbestos or are presumed to contain asbestos. 

More information on pipe labeling and asbestos warning signs may be found in sections 5.4 - 5.6 of the PSU Hazard Communication Program.

Chemical Spills, Accidents, and Emergencies

Employees should only attempt to clean up small spills if they have been trained to do so and has appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and cleanup equipment. 

Small spills are considered incidental spills that are readily controlled and do not pose undue hazards to those in the immediate area.

Major spills are spills that are extremely hazardous even in small quantities.

More information on spills may be found in section 5.8 of the PSU Hazard Communication Program. 

Additional Resources

OR-OSHA Wood Dust Fact Sheet