Hazard Communication: What is the HazCom Standard?
The Hazard Communication (HazCom) Standard explains how organisations must identify and communicate chemical hazards to protect workers. Although the regulation originates in the United States, it aligns closely with global standards. As a result, it remains highly relevant for companies operating internationally.
HazCom Explained
HazCom is short for the Hazard Communication Standard. It provides a regulatory framework that requires employers to communicate chemical hazard information clearly and consistently to workers and others who may encounter hazardous substances in the workplace.
More specifically, HazCom ensures that organisations identify, classify, and communicate chemical risks in a way workers can easily understand and act upon. Therefore, the standard covers information on potential health effects, physical hazards, and safe handling practices.
Who does HazCom apply to? HazCom applies to companies that manufacture, import, distribute or use hazardous chemicals. This includes employers across industries such as oil and gas, energy, manufacturing and logistics, as well as contractors and suppliers involved in chemical handling.
Core Elements of HazCom
The HazCom Standard relies on several core elements. Together, these elements ensure that chemical hazards are communicated effectively throughout the workplace.
- Hazard classification: Organisations must assess and classify chemicals based on their physical, health, and environmental hazards. This classification establishes the foundation for all subsequent hazard communication. As a result, employers can identify and communicate hazards consistently across products and locations.
- Labelling requirements: Employers must clearly label containers that hold hazardous chemicals. These labels include product identifiers, hazard pictograms, signal words, hazard statements, and precautionary statements. Consequently, workers can quickly recognise risks and take appropriate protective measures.
Together, these elements help workers quickly recognise risks and take appropriate precautions. - Safety data sheets (SDS): SDS provide detailed information about a chemical’s properties, hazards, safe handling, storage, emergency measures and disposal. HazCom follows the internationally recognised 16-section SDS format.
- Employee training: Employers must train workers to understand chemical hazards, labels, and SDS. As a result, hazard information is not only available but also effectively applied in day-to-day operations.
HazCom in the United States
In the United States, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) enforces the HazCom Standard. Employers must comply with HazCom requirements wherever hazardous chemicals are present in the workplace.
Compliance requires employers to classify chemicals accurately, label containers correctly, maintain up-to-date SDS, and provide appropriate employee training. Furthermore, employers must develop and maintain a written hazard communication programme that explains how they meet these requirements.
HazCom vs GHS
OSHA’s HazCom Standard aligns with the Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). This alignment helps promote consistency between U.S. regulations and international chemical safety standards.
However, HazCom and GHS are not identical. GHS is an international system that the United Nations developed to standardise chemical classification and labelling worldwide. In contrast, HazCom functions as a national regulatory standard.
HazCom represents the United States’ implementation of GHS. It adopts GHS principles, such as hazard classes, pictograms, and the 16-section SDS format, while remaining a national regulatory standard.
HazCom in a Global Context
Although HazCom is a US regulation, its alignment with GHS makes it highly relevant globally. Many countries across Europe, the Middle East, the Americas and Asia-Pacific have implemented GHS-based chemical safety regulations.
For multinational companies, understanding HazCom supports consistent hazard communication across regions, simplifies compliance efforts and contributes to safer operations.
Overall, the HazCom Standard plays a critical role in ensuring that organisations clearly identify and communicate chemical hazards in the workplace. By understanding HazCom and its alignment with the Globally Harmonised System, companies can strengthen compliance, improve workplace safety, and maintain consistent hazard communication across regions.
