Hazard Communications
A standard set of rules were developed by OSHA to facilitate workplace chemical safety. The HazCom Standard (HCS) ensures workers are provided with information about the chemical hazards in their workplace. Chemical suppliers are required to evaluate the hazards of their chemicals and supply Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) to communicate those hazards. It requires that all hazardous chemicals be labeled and that the MSDS sheets are readily available to all exposed workers. The Grice Lab MSDSs are located in the Grice Conference Room (Room 106) and on the computer lab desktops (Rm108). It also requires that employers train their workers in HCS and how to safely handle chemicals.
Hazard Communication Diamond
 |
BLUE = HEALTH RED = FLAMMABILITY YELLOW = REACTIVITY WHITE = SPECIAL HAZARDS |
| # | Health | Flammability | Reactivity |
|---|---|---|---|
0 |
Not a health hazard | Will not burn | Normally stable |
1 | Slightly hazardous | Must be preheated to burn | Unstable if heated |
2 |
Hazardous - use proper PPE | Ignites when moderately heated | Violent chemical change possible |
3 | Extremely dangerous - use full protective clothing | Ignites at normal temperatures | Strong shock or heat may detonate |
4 | Too dangerous to contact | Extremely flammable | May detonate |
Related Links
- OSHA Hazard Communication Training
- Hazard Communication Standard Training Video
- OSHA Hazard Communication
- Hazard Communcations Standard
- GHS Pictograms
- WebWiser