Hazard Communication

Chemicals used in campus office and research operations alike pose a wide range of health hazards (such as irritation, sensitization, and carcinogenicity) and physical hazards (such as flammability, corrosion, and reactivity). OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) is designed to ensure that information about these hazards and associated protective measures is disseminated. At the U, it is the responsibility of each supervisor to ensure that chemicals in their areas are properly labeled and Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) are available. Additionally, supervisors must have documented that the employees in their organization know what chemicals are present, what the chemical’s hazards are and how to respond to a spill or release.

Also provided is a sample training record for supervisors’ use. Each work unit is responsible for maintaining these training records.