The Hazard Communication Standard (HCS)
To understand how the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) applies to your workplace, it helps to know how the standard is organized.
The standard is divided into regulatory paragraphs that describe requirements, which are further supplemented by appendices that contain specific details.
The HCS creates a downstream flow of information from chemical manufacturers, importers, and distributors to employers that use the products:
- Chemical manufacturers and importers must classify the hazards of the chemicals they produce or import, and prepare appropriate labels and safety data sheets (SDSs) to convey the hazards, as well as recommended protective measures.
- Chemical manufacturers, importers, and distributors must ensure that the containers of these hazardous chemicals are labeled when shipped, and that SDSs are provided downstream with the first shipment and when the SDSs are updated.
- Employers who use but do not manufacture or import chemicals are not responsible for classifying a chemical when they rely on the classification provided by the manufacturer or importer. They must receive a label and SDS based on that classification.
Right to Understand
The HCS gives employees the right to know which hazardous chemicals are present and to understand the hazards and protective measures. For example, knowing that a chemical is a strong acid is not enough. Employees must also understand its hazards and how to protect themselves.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
1-2. In addition to knowing which hazardous chemicals are present, what must employees understand?
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