Who Should Complete This Course?
The Hazard Communication Program covers all UAB Employees (including Faculty, Staff, and Other Employees) on campus. The Chemical Hygiene Plan includes anyone working in a laboratory. The Hazard Communication Plan applies to any hazardous material, which is known to be present in the workplace in such a manner that employees may be exposed under normal conditions or of use in a foreseeable emergency. This Plan is also applicable to employees involved in work operations where employees only handle chemicals in sealed containers, which are not opened under normal conditions. Regulatory Agencies require this training as a part of your Right-To-Understand.
By the end of this course, participants should be able to:
- Recognize any hazardous chemicals or materials in their workplace.
- Read and understand the Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and labels on any hazardous chemicals or materials.
- Describe the process for storing and disposing of hazardous chemicals or materials.
- Implement control measures to reduce hazardous chemical exposure and respond to emergencies.
Hazcom Frequently Asked Questions
The following Frequently Asked Questions were taken from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) website. For more information visit:
1910.1200 - Hazard Communication.
Do office workers need Hazcom?
Office workers who encounter hazardous chemicals only in isolated instances are not covered by the rule. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) considers most office products (such as pens, pencils, adhesive tape) to be exempt under the provisions of the rule, either as articles or as consumer products. For example, one employer specifically mentioned copy toner. OSHA has previously stated that intermittent or occasional use of a copying machine does not result in coverage under the rule. However, if an employee handles the chemicals to service the machine,
or operates it for long periods of time, then the program would have to be applied. If the office receives hazardous chemical deliveries from FedEx/UPS, then those employees must take Hazcom training.
How does Hazcom apply to pharmaceutical drugs?
The Hazard Communication Standard only applies to pharmaceuticals that the drug manufacturer has determined to be hazardous and that are known to be present in the workplace in such a manner that employees are exposed under normal conditions of use or in a foreseeable emergency.
How do temporary workers get Hazcom training?
In meeting the requirements of OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard, the temporary agency employer would, for example, be expected to provide generic hazard training and information concerning categories of chemicals employees may potentially encounter. Host employers would then be responsible for providing site-specific hazard training.
{/slider}Reference Materials, Websites, and Job Aids
After completing the course, feel free to return here and print any of the material you find useful.
- Hazard Communication (HS200) Course Material
- OSHA Hazard Standard Communication
- Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
- Spill Kits and Clean-Up
Call 205-934-2487 for more information.