# OSHA Hazard Communication Standard - 29 CFR 1926.59

## General Requirements

### Purpose:
Ensure chemical hazard information is transmitted to employers and employees through comprehensive hazard communication program.

### Scope:
Applies to all construction work where employees may be exposed to hazardous chemicals under normal conditions or in foreseeable emergencies.

## Written Hazard Communication Program

### Required Elements:
1. **Hazardous Chemical Inventory**: List of all hazardous chemicals in workplace
2. **Safety Data Sheets (SDS)**: For each hazardous chemical
3. **Container Labeling**: Identification and hazard warnings
4. **Employee Information and Training**: Comprehensive program
5. **Multi-Employer Coordination**: Information sharing procedures

### Program Administration:
- Designate responsible person
- Review and update annually
- Make available to employees
- Include site-specific procedures

## Chemical Inventory

### Inventory Requirements:
- Complete list of hazardous chemicals
- Product identifiers matching SDS
- Work area locations
- Maximum quantities present
- Update when chemicals added/removed

### Information Sources:
- Purchase records and invoices
- SDS from suppliers
- Physical inventory surveys
- Contractor chemical lists

## Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

### SDS Requirements:
- Must be readily accessible to employees
- Available for each hazardous chemical
- English language versions required
- Updated within 90 days of new information

### 16-Section Format:
1. Identification
2. Hazard(s) identification
3. Composition/information on ingredients
4. First-aid measures
5. Fire-fighting measures
6. Accidental release measures
7. Handling and storage
8. Exposure controls/personal protection
9. Physical and chemical properties
10. Stability and reactivity
11. Toxicological information
12. Ecological information
13. Disposal considerations
14. Transport information
15. Regulatory information
16. Other information

### Availability:
- Electronic or paper format acceptable
- Accessible during each work shift
- Available in work areas where chemicals present

## Container Labeling

### Primary Container Labels:
- Product identifier
- Signal word (Danger or Warning)
- Hazard statement(s)
- Precautionary statement(s)
- Supplier identification

### Secondary Container Requirements:
- Transfer containers must be labeled
- May use alternative labeling systems
- Must identify contents and hazards
- Temporary exemption for immediate use

### Workplace Labeling Systems:
- May supplement GHS labels
- Can use symbols, words, or numbers
- Must train employees on system
- Include hazard warnings

## Training Requirements

### Initial Training Topics:
- HazCom program overview
- Hazardous chemical locations
- How to read and use SDS
- Label and marking systems
- Physical and health hazards
- Protective measures and PPE
- Emergency response procedures

### Additional Training Required:
- When new hazardous chemicals introduced
- When new hazard categories encountered
- When employee changes job assignments
- Periodic refresher training

### Documentation:
- Training records maintained
- Employee attendance documented
- Training content and dates recorded
- Trainer qualifications documented

## Multi-Employer Coordination

### Information Sharing Requirements:
- Hazardous chemicals brought to workplace
- Precautionary measures needed
- Labeling systems used
- Emergency contact information

### Contractor Responsibilities:
- Provide SDS for chemicals brought on-site
- Inform site supervisor of hazards
- Follow site HazCom procedures
- Train their employees appropriately

## Physical and Health Hazards

### Physical Hazards Include:
- Explosives
- Flammable gases/liquids/solids
- Oxidizers
- Compressed gases
- Corrosive to metals

### Health Hazards Include:
- Carcinogens
- Acute toxicity
- Skin/eye irritation
- Respiratory sensitizers
- Target organ toxicity

### Hazard Determination:
- Review available scientific evidence
- Consider mixtures and combinations
- Evaluate exposure potential
- Document decision rationale

## Emergency Procedures

### Emergency Information Required:
- First aid measures for exposure
- Fire suppression methods
- Spill cleanup procedures
- Emergency contact numbers
- Medical surveillance requirements

### Incident Response:
- Immediate response procedures
- Personnel evacuation plans
- Emergency equipment locations
- Medical treatment protocols
- Regulatory notification requirements

## Common Violations

### Top HazCom Citations:
1. Missing or inadequate SDS
2. Improper container labeling
3. Insufficient employee training
4. No written HazCom program
5. Poor multi-employer coordination

### Compliance Tips:
- Conduct regular chemical inventories
- Maintain current SDS library
- Implement consistent labeling
- Provide comprehensive training
- Document all program elements

## Special Construction Considerations

### Temporary Work Sites:
- Portable SDS storage systems
- Mobile training capabilities
- Contractor coordination procedures
- Site-specific hazard communication

### Chemical Storage:
- Segregation requirements
- Secondary containment needs
- Access control measures
- Environmental protection

### PPE Integration:
- Coordinate with PPE program
- Specify required protection levels
- Address compatibility issues
- Include in training materials

## Program Evaluation

### Regular Review Elements:
- Chemical inventory accuracy
- SDS completeness and currency
- Training effectiveness
- Labeling compliance
- Employee understanding

### Performance Indicators:
- Incident rates involving chemicals
- Training completion rates
- SDS availability metrics
- Employee knowledge assessments
- Audit findings and corrections

## Global Harmonization System (GHS)

### GHS Implementation:
- Standardized hazard classification
- Uniform label elements
- Consistent SDS format
- International harmonization

### Transition Requirements:
- Chemical manufacturers/importers: 2015
- Distributors: 2015-2016
- Employers: 2016
- Full compliance required

### Benefits:
- Improved hazard communication
- Reduced trade barriers
- Enhanced worker protection
- Consistent global approach