What is the HazCom Standard?

What is the HazCom Standard?

Jan 27, 2026 | Resources

Hazard Communication: What is the HazCom Standard?

Hazard communication

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.

Read more about OSHA here.

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.

What Does OSHA Stand For? 

What Does OSHA Stand For? 

Nov 3, 2025 | Resources

What Does OSHA Stand For? 

OSHA regulation

Chemical safety is a critical challenge for companies handling hazardous substances. In the United States, the regulatory framework that shapes how chemicals must be managed and communicated is largely based on OSHA. But what does OSHA stand for, and why is it so significant? 

OSHA Meaning 

So, what is OSHA? OSHA is short for Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the federal agency within the US Department of Labor. OSHA’s main responsibility is to help companies ensure safe and healthy working conditions for employees. This includes setting workplace standards, conducting inspections, issues fine for non-compliance, and provides training and resources. 

While OSHA’s rules cover a wide range of workplace hazards, its guidance on hazardous chemicals is among the most widely used and recognised. 

How OSHA Started 

OSHA was established in 1971 following the passage of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. Before this legislation, workplace injuries and deaths in the US were alarmingly common, with limited legal protections for workers. The Act empowered the federal government to create enforceable standards and to hold employers accountable for unsafe working conditions. OSHA has since evolved into one of the most influential bodies governing workplace safety practices. 

OSHA’s HazCom Standard 

A key part of OSHA’s regulatory framework is the Hazard Communication, often referred to as HazCom. This standard requires employers to inform and train workers about the chemicals they may be exposed to on the job. It includes requirements for: 

HazCom also aligns closely with the Globally Harmonised System (GHS) for labelling and classifying chemicals. 

OSHA for Employers 

For employers, OSHA represents both a responsibility and a support system. Employers must: 

  • Provide a workplace free from recognised hazards 
  • Comply with OSHA standards relevant to their industry 
  • Maintain records of injuries and illnesses 
  • Train employees on safety procedures 
  • Ensure proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) 

OSHA for Employees 

Employees also have defined rights under OSHA regulations. These include: 

  • The right to a safe workplace 
  • The right to receive training in a language they understand 
  • Access to relevant safety information, including SDS 
  • The right to request an OSHA inspection 
  • Protection from retaliation for reporting safety concerns 

Chemical Management Plan 

A strong chemical management plan is essential for meeting OSHA’s chemical safety requirements. It ensures hazardous substances are properly tracked, labelled, stored, and handled. Modern tools such as a chemical inventory management system and OSHA compliance software make this process far more efficient. These systems help organisations maintain accurate chemical inventories, keep SDS libraries up to date, manage storage locations, record incidents, and generate compliance reports, all of which support HazCom alignment and safer day-to-day operations. 

OSHA plays a crucial role in shaping safe and healthy workplaces in the US.  Whether you are an employer or employee, understanding OSHA’s purpose and requirements is key to creating safer, more informed, and compliant workplaces.