606 Hazard Communication for the Employee

Training Requirements

Employee training must include at least:

• The methods and observations that may be used to detect the presence or release of a hazardous chemical in the work area (such as monitoring conducted by the employer, continuous monitoring devices, visual appearance or odor of hazardous chemicals when being released, etc.).
• The physical and health hazards, simple asphyxiation hazards, combustible dust hazards, pyrophoric gas hazards, and hazards not otherwise classified of chemicals in the work area.

Training need not cover each chemical separately. It may be organized by categories of hazard, such as carcinogens, sensitizers, or acutely toxic chemicals, that employees may encounter while performing their work.

• The measures employees can take to protect themselves from these hazards, including specific procedures the employer has implemented to protect employees from exposure to hazardous chemicals, such as appropriate work practices, emergency procedures, and personal protective equipment to be used.
• The details of the hazard communication program developed by the employer, including an explanation of the labels received on shipped containers and the workplace labeling system used by their employer; the safety data sheet, including the order of information and how employees can obtain and use the appropriate hazard information.

For more information on creating a workplace HAZCOM program, see OSHAcademy course 705 Hazard Communications Program.

Computer-based training may be part of an effective program, but employees must be able to ask questions and receive answers about the hazardous chemicals in their work area.

Remember, an employer has a responsibility to evaluate an employee's level of knowledge with regard to the hazards in the workplace, their familiarity with the requirements of the standard, and the employer's hazard communication program.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.