Modes of Instruction:
Safety Links offers this course in the following formats:
- "Open" enrollment in Central Florida
- At your site anywhere in North America
- Online in the comfort of your home or office (coming soon!)
Course Introduction/ Synopsis:
Chemicals 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 to workers and employers. This is accomplished by requiring chemical manufacturers and importers to evaluate the hazards of the chemicals they produce or import, and to provide information about them through labels on shipped containers and more detailed information sheets called material safety data sheets (MSDSs).
All employers with hazardous chemicals in their workplaces must prepare and implement a written hazard communication program, and must ensure that all containers are labeled, employees are provided access to MSDSs, and an effective training program is conducted for all potentially exposed employees.
The purpose of hazard communication training is to explain and reinforce the information presented to employees through the written mediums of labels and material safety data sheets, and to apply this information in their workplace. Labels and material safety data sheets will only be successful when employees understand the information presented and are aware of the actions to be taken to avoid or minimize exposure, and thus the occurrence of adverse effects.
Learning objectives:
- Describe the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Hazard Communication Standards
- Describe the basic elements of the Hazard Communications Program
- Discuss the nature of chemical hazards and the types of exposures they present
- List the information required on each of the four types of hazardous chemical containers
- Describe the required sections of a Material Safety Data Sheet; and
- Identify the basic requirements of the hazard communication training program.
Global Harmonization note:
GHS stands for the "Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals". GHS is a system that defines and classifies the hazards of chemical products, and communicates health and safety information on labels and material safety data sheets (called Safety Data Sheets, or SDSs, in GHS). The goal is that the same set of rules for classifying hazards, and the same format and content for labels and safety data sheets (SDS) will be adopted and used around the world. An international team of hazard communication experts developed GHS.
GHS promises to deliver several distinct benefits. Among them are:
- promoting regulatory efficiency
- facilitating trade
- easing compliance
- reducing costs
- providing improved, consistent hazard information
- encouraging the safe transport, handling and use of chemicals
- promoting better emergency response to chemical incidents, and
- reducing the need for animal testing
What is the scope of GHS?
The GHS system covers all hazardous chemicals and may be adopted to cover chemicals in the workplace, transport, consumer products, pesticides and pharmaceuticals. The target audiences for GHS include workers, transport workers, emergency responders and consumers.
What are the two major elements in GHS?
The two major elements of GHS are:
1. Classification of the hazards of chemicals according to the GHS rules: GHS provides guidance on classifying pure chemicals and mixtures according to its criteria or rules.
2. Communication of the hazards and precautionary information using Safety Data Sheets and labels:
- Labels - With the GHS system, certain information will appear on the label. For example, the chemical identity may be required. Standardized hazard statements, signal words and symbols will appear on the label according to the classification of that chemical or mixture. Precautionary statements may also be required, if adopted by your regulatory authority.
- Safety Data Sheets (SDS) - The GHS SDS has 16 sections in a set order, and information requirements are prescribed.
In addition to our existing HazCom course, Safety Links can provide additional information on the OSHA GHS initiative.
Course Details:
- Introduction to OSHA HazCom
- Analyzing the Workplace; Assessing the Hazards
- Container Labeling
- MSDS
- Information and Training
How long is the certification good for?
This course does not expire however OSHA requires some form of HazCom retraining every year.
What is the length of the course?
Our standard HazCom Training Course is approximately 2 hours in length but it can be tailored to meet your specific needs.
Training 